[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 102 (Tuesday, June 18, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E784-E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING MOLLY PINTA

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                      HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 18, 2019

  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary initiative and leadership of Molly Pinta, a 13-year-old 
resident of Buffalo Grove, Illinois who organized her town's first ever 
LGBTQ Pride Parade on June 2nd.
  More than 5,000 people came together to celebrate the LGBTQ community 
with Molly at a boisterous, family-friendly event on June 2. The parade 
was the culmination of months of planning by Molly. With support from 
her parents, she raised more than $40,000 for the event and related 
foundation, the Pinta Pride Project which aims to empower the LGBTQ 
community in Buffalo Grove.
  Because of her achievements in Buffalo Grove work, Molly was named 
the Youth Grand Marshal for the Chicago Pride Parade on June 30. 
``Molly is the result and a shining example of the hard work and 
sacrifices made by those generations of activists who for 50 years have 
toiled before, and leading up to Stonewall,'' said Richard Pfeiffer, 
one of the Chicago Pride Parade organizers, in a statement to the 
press. Molly's vision united her community and inspired others, 
especially young people, to be proud of who they are.
  Our nation's rapid march toward equality for the LGBTQ community--
from the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to nationwide marriage equality--
is a story of undeniable progress. While much work remains unfinished 
to achieve the goal of full equality, I take heart witnessing the 
support and acceptance of our young people--Molly's generation--for 
their peers. They give me hope that our future is in good hands.
  It is my privilege to recognize Molly Pinta for her bravery and 
passion in her community. She has already made a positive mark in her 
first 13 years, and I look forward to seeing what she will do in years 
to come.

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