January 10, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 6 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   MOURNING THE LOSS OF DUSTIN PARKER

  (Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn 
the tragic death of Dustin Parker.
  At 25 years old, Dustin was a loving father, a hard worker, and a 
generous member of his community in McAlester, Oklahoma. As a man who 
happened to be transgender, Dustin helped found the McAlester chapter 
of Oklahomans for Equality.
  Sadly, Dustin was shot and killed on New Year's Day. While we do not 
know who is responsible for Dustin's death, we do know that transgender 
Americans are disproportionately the victims of violent crimes. Last 
year, more than two dozen trans and gender nonconforming people were 
violently killed, that we know of. Every death underscores the Nation's 
need for urgent action to address this epidemic.
  Mr. Speaker, our country lost a champion for equality. As we continue 
to search for answers following Dustin's death, we must continue to 
fight to ensure that all Americans are treated with dignity and 
respect.
  My prayers are with Dustin's entire family for their loss, and my 
heart goes out to our communities bearing this pain.

                          ____________________