Rashida Tlaib: “During Pride Month, I honor a trailblazer in our community, Mother Ruth Ellis, a former Detroit resident who was the…”

“During Pride Month, I honor a trailblazer in our community, Mother Ruth Ellis, a former Detroit resident who was the oldest surviving open lesbian and an LGBTQ+ rights activist. She was born in 1899, living until the age of 101. She came out as a lesbian around 1915. She took in unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, and her home became known as a refuge for LGBTQ+ young people. We now lovingly call it the Ruth Ellis Center. Not only did she give shelter to our young people but provided books, food, even assistance with college education. Around 40 percent of our unhoused youth today are LGBTQ+. My team and I were proud to secure $1 million in Federal funding for the Ruth Ellis Center in our community to honor Mother Ruth Ellis and her lifesaving work. Mr. Speaker, the center provides safe, affordable, identity-affirming housing for those in need, especially, again, our LGBTQ+ young people. This month, as we celebrate Pride Month, we recognize and honor the legacy of Ruth Ellis and the incredible advocacy of the Ruth Ellis Center and their team. ____________________”