[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 154 (Tuesday, September 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1197-E1198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING MAX DISPOSTI AS CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 2019

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize 
Max Disposti, founder of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, as my 
next Constituent of the Month. A longtime North County resident, Max's 
tireless work to open the Center filled a void in support services and 
resources for LGBTQ families and has made a positive impact on 
countless lives in our community.
  Before Max founded the Center in 2011, many lesbian, gay, 
transgender, bisexual, and questioning youth and families had nowhere 
to turn in North County, lacking a sense of community that was 
desperately needed. With the help of others in the community like Maria 
Al Shamma, who now serves as Board Chair for the Center, Max is able to 
provide our LGBTQ neighbors with a safe place to receive resources and 
feel more comfortable in their community. Max and many others at the 
Center provide critical services such as support

[[Page E1198]]

groups for youth, seniors, and military service members, HIV and AIDS 
testing and prevention, counseling and assistance with housing and 
meals. They also provide civil rights advocacy, classes, and 
workgroups.
  Ultimately, one of the most significant benefits of the Resource 
Center is its ability to make the LGBTQ community more visible in North 
County. Everyone in our community should feel safe and welcome. 
Unfortunately, that has not always been the experience of our LGBTQ 
neighbors. There is much more that we need to do to ensure that LGBTQ 
individuals have the same rights and protections as anyone else. That's 
why I was proud to help introduce and pass the Equality Act to finally, 
fully end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans. I'm proud to stand 
with Max and so many others in North County's LGBTQ community in 
fighting for equality.
  I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize 
individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region a 
stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. Max's contributions to 
our community are extraordinary, but I also want to recognize everyone 
else who helped launch the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and work 
to keep its doors open every single day. I thank them for everything 
they have done and will continue to do for the community

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