[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 99 (Wednesday, June 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E620-E621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING TED DANSON AND MARY STEENBURGEN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2024

  Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ted Danson 
and Mary Steenburgen for their deep and abiding allyship to the LGBTQ+ 
community. They did so early in their careers, at a time when we were 
without many allies who would stand with us. Their courage is to be 
commended.
  Ted Danson is known to many through his leading roles on hit TV shows 
and movies, like ``Cheers'' and ``The Good Place.'' He has used his 
platform as a bully pulpit, fervently championing marriage equality and 
vocally opposing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. He has used his 
star power for good, raising money for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups that 
fight for a more just and equal society. By bringing the power of his 
celebrity to bear, Danson exemplifies the profound impact public 
figures can have in shaping a more inclusive and accepting society.
  Mary Steenburgen has built a career on playing warm and wise 
characters--winning an Oscar along the way--but also one deeply 
entwined with advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. From ``Philadelphia'' 
to ``Happiest Season,'' she has found ways to use her public persona to 
advance the cause of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Rarely has any one 
person been able to combine their artistry and advocacy into one, 
complete body of work. She is a wonder.

[[Page E621]]

  Together, Ted and Mary form a formidable team whose combined efforts 
have significantly bolstered the LGBTQ+ movement. Their enduring 
commitment to championing LGBTQ+ rights highlights the indispensable 
role of influential allies in the ongoing struggle for equality and 
underscores the transformative power of advocacy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these two 
remarkable artists and advocates, who are true allies to LGBTQ+ people 
everywhere.

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