[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF BARBRA SIPERSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbra ``Babs'' 
Siperstein as she is honored with the Stonewall Legacy Award by The 
Pride Network at their New Jersey Leadership Awards Dinner. It is truly 
a fitting tribute to recognize Ms. Siperstein as we celebrate LGBT 
History Month as she has played such a vital role in the LGBT movement.
  Born Barry Siperstein, Barbra Siperstein acknowledged her true 
identity when she was nearly 50 years old. In 2007, she legally changed 
her name and the following year changed her Hebrew name to Baila Chaya 
in a ceremony at her synagogue, Congregation Beth Mordecai in Perth 
Amboy.
  Through her own journey, Ms. Siperstein became a pioneer of 
transgender equality. She is a political activist and a staunch 
advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) causes. In 
2009 she became the first openly transgender member confirmed to the 
Democratic National Committee (DNC). Additionally, she was appointed to 
the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission and served as Vice Chair 
of Garden State Equality. She has also been a member of the DNC's 
executive committee, deputy vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic 
State Committee and president of the New Jersey Stonewall Democrats.
  Ms. Siperstein was married for 34 years to the late Carol Siperstein, 
who stayed by her side until she lost a sudden battle with cancer in 
2001. Together, they had a daughter and two sons. In addition to her 
activism, Barbra is a United States Army Veteran and a small-business 
owner.
  Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Barbra Siperstein on receiving the prestigious Stonewall 
Legacy Award and thanking her for her continuous efforts on behalf of 
the LGBT community.

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