[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DANNY GARCIA AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       DURING LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Danny Garcia is a proud first-generation 
American, born to Costa Rican parents, and a lifelong Florida native 
who proudly calls Orlando home.
  Danny's dedication to the LGBTQ+ community began early. As a youth, 
he volunteered with organizations focused on HIV awareness and support, 
including the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Hope & Help.
  Today, that same passion continues through his leadership as the 
board president of The LGBT+ Center Orlando, where he works to advance 
visibility, equality, and vital services for the community.
  As a teenager, Danny was a member of the Delta Youth Alliance, which 
eventually became the Orlando Youth Alliance. It was there that he 
first found a sense of community, marching in his first Pride parade 
before he even had his learner's permit and volunteering at fundraisers 
and local events that supported LGBTQ+ youth.
  In the late 1990's, Danny began freelancing for Watermark, Central 
Florida and Tampa Bay's LGBTQ+ newspaper--a publication he had followed 
since its founding in 1994. That role marked the start of his journey 
in LGBTQ+ media, leading to opportunities with other publications and 
platforms that elevated queer voices and stories.
  In 2014, Danny joined Watermark full-time as an account manager. 
Through hard work and a deep understanding of the community he serves, 
he was promoted to become the publication's sales director.
  Over the years, Danny has remained committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ 
voices and using media as a tool for connection, representation, and 
change. His story is one of advocacy, authenticity, and lifelong pride 
in the community he serves.

                          ____________________