[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                     TRIBUTE TO REVEREND TROY PERRY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Troy D. 
Perry of Los Angeles, California, founder of the Metropolitan Community 
Church (MCC) which this year celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Today, we 
celebrate his commitment to MCC and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, 
Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Community.
   Rev. Troy Perry has been a force and pioneer for LGBTQ human rights, 
advocating for legal, spiritual, and social equality. As the founder of 
the Metropolitan Community Church in 1968, he created the first church 
designed to minister to the needs of its LGBTQ members. What began as a 
small gathering in his apartment, blossomed into the flourishing 
organization of the MCC with churches across the country. The MCC 
created a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community to congregate.
   Along with establishing the MCC, Rev. Perry was one of the founders 
of the first gay pride event in Los Angeles in 1970. With the goal of 
commemorating the Stonewall uprising of 1969, he collaborated with 
other community leaders to create Christopher Street West, the 
organization that held its first gay pride parade on June 28, 1970. 
Because of his visionary and inspiring actions, LA PRIDE continues 
today under the auspices of Christopher Street West. Rev. Perry 
continued his advocacy for gender and sexual equity and became the 
first openly gay person to serve on the Los Angeles County Commission 
on Human Relations in 1973. In recognition of his vital work for LGBTQ 
rights, Rev. Perry was invited to the White House by President Jimmy 
Carter to discuss his civil rights work. Rev. Perry continued his 
advocacy on the national stage, being appointed as an official delegate 
to the White House Conference on Hate Crimes and the White House 
Conference on AIDS by President Bill Clinton.
   Rev. Troy Perry has been honored by many esteemed institutions over 
the years for his work on behalf of the LGBTQ community. Rev. Perry 
received the Humanitarian Award from the American Civil Liberties 
Union, Lesbian and Gay Rights Chapter and has been honored by the Gay 
Press Association for his advocacy and work establishing progressive 
and inclusive communities of faith.
   I ask all Members to join me in congratulating Reverend Troy Perry, 
a paramount voice for peace, tolerance, and understanding for his 
lifetime of outstanding service to the LGBTQ community and to our 
nation.

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