[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHOENIX PRIDE

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                           HON. RUBEN GALLEGO

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2020

  Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the fortieth 
anniversary of Phoenix Pride. As one of the longest-standing LGBTQ+ 
organizations in our state, their work has taken the values of 
diversity, inclusivity, and equality to every corner of the state of 
Arizona.
  Phoenix Pride is a groundbreaking pillar of advocacy for the city's 
LGBTQ+ community. In addition to producing the two largest annual 
LGBTQ+ events in Arizona, they work extensively to reach out to 
marginalized communities, preserve the unique culture and history of 
LGBTQ+ Arizonans, and provide scholarship funding for LGBTQ+ students. 
In fact, the organization awarded over $47,000 in scholarships in 2019 
and has helped dozens of students reach their academic goals since 
2008.
  Thanks in part to the hard work of Phoenix Pride, Phoenix ranks among 
the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the state, with protections against 
discrimination and a strong, involved LGBTQ+ community. Our city 
certainly would not be the same without their tireless work for 
equality and justice.
  They have served as a beacon of hope and growth in the fight for 
equality for decades. The changes experienced and catalyzed by Phoenix 
Pride over the last forty years have been tremendous, and I join them 
in working to ensure that the next forty bring even more progress.
  As they celebrate their fortieth anniversary, I wish to congratulate 
Phoenix Pride on all of their achievements and thank them for their 
service to our city.

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