[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26550]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LESBIAN/GAY 
                  SERVICE CENTER OF GREATER CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Lesbian/Gay Service Center of Greater Cleveland, as they celebrate 
thirty years of support, outreach, education and advocacy on behalf of 
lesbian and gay individuals within our community.
  In 1975, founding members Ethan Ericsen, Michael Madigan and Arthur 
MacDonald embraced a collective vision of human rights for everyone; a 
vision they transformed into a haven of support and services, named the 
Gay Education and Awareness Resource Foundation (GEAR). GEAR began the 
work of community outreach programs, legal advocacy efforts and support 
programs focused on issues affecting lesbian and gay youth. The Center 
continues to build bridges with educational and social service 
organizations throughout the Cuyahoga County, with a strong focus on 
the youth of our community.
  The project, Safe Schools Are For Everyone, exists to provide safe 
social opportunities, support and leadership training for students, 
teachers and school administrators. Over the past thirty years, the 
Center's name has changed and the scope of services has expanded, yet 
the core mission has remained the same: To craft a kinship of all 
citizens, gay and straight, who stand united on a solid foundation of 
tolerance, acceptance and protection of the rights and freedoms of all 
people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of all leaders and members, past and present, of the Lesbian/Gay 
Service Center of Cleveland. Their collective effort, work, 
volunteerism and compassion serves to bolster the spirit of those still 
struggling against a tide of oppression. The Center's vital work offers 
the promise that one day, the shroud of societal ignorance and 
intolerance will dissolve into the light of freedom and justice for 
all.

                          ____________________