On the recordJune 22, 2021
As we celebrate Pride Month, I rise to recognize my constituent, my friend, Newton City Councilor Holly Ryan. Councilor Ryan is a long-serving activist in my district and my hometown. She is the first openly transgender woman to serve on a city council in Massachusetts and the first openly LGBTQ-plus person to serve on the Newton City Council. Holly is a distinguished champion of equality, serving as the founding member and former co-chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. Her advocacy led to the passage of both the 2011 trans rights law and the 2016 public accommodation law, ensuring that no one in the Commonwealth can face discrimination because of gender identity. I was fortunate to serve with Councilor Ryan on the city council before coming to Congress. Councilor Ryan is a trailblazer, paving the way for a more equal future. Massachusetts is better off thanks to her accomplishments.
