[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H3836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

  (Mr. HIMES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, in June, a gay nightclub--what is supposed to 
be a safe place where the LGBT community can gather and be who they 
are--was targeted by violence and bigotry. That was 47 years ago in New 
York City. The Stonewall riots are considered the very beginning of the 
gay rights movement, and that is why we celebrate June as LGBT Pride 
Month, pride for progress made against fear, against HIV/AIDS, against 
violence, and against the silence that too often greets bigotry, 
including in this Chamber.
  Here we stand today, so much progress, but still so far from true 
equality. And we see more hatred-fueled violence at a gay gathering 
place.
  What do we do?
  I know only because I have seen the path well worn by my LGBT 
brothers and sisters, whose resilience in the face of adversity 
inspires me. We organize, we fight for equality and against prejudice. 
We change the hearts and minds of those who have yet to embrace the 
fundamental American principle that all are created equal.
  This Pride Month we stand up against bigotry and against the silence, 
and we do it proudly.

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