[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 118 (Monday, July 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       RECOGNIZING THE SECOND ANNUAL IOWA SAFE SCHOOLS PRIDE CAMP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 15, 2019

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the second annual 
Pride Camp held by Iowa Safe Schools. As the largest LGBTQ summer camp 
in the nation, Pride Camp is a crucial experience for LGBTQ youth in 
the state of Iowa to take advantage of opportunities to be creative, 
learn, grow, network, and most importantly have fun.
   During Pride Month and throughout the year, I am proud to express my 
unwavering support of our LGBTQ community. Too many young people in the 
LGBTQ community still experience discrimination daily, and Pride Camp 
offers a safe and supportive environment to connect with peers and 
build lasting bonds. From arts to policy to STEM, camp activities give 
campers daily opportunities to challenge themselves and build valuable 
skills.
   Pride Camp is an invaluable experience for LGBTQ youth who may 
otherwise not have the same interactions at school or in their 
community. By working with fellow campers, counselors and staff, Pride 
Camp participants can work together to build change and leadership for 
tomorrow. We still have a long way to go to fulfill our promise of 
equality, opportunity and justice for all, and it is important we 
foster this generation of change makers.
   I am pleased to acknowledge and congratulate Iowa Safe Schools on 
its second annual Pride Camp, and I wish all attendees a week full of 
learning and fun.

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