On the recordJune 23, 2023
Mr. Speaker, June is Pride Month, a month that celebrates the contributions and importance of the LGBTQ+ community all over the country and in Pennsylvania's 17th District. My home borough of Aspinwall hosted Pride in the Park, a festival to connect and celebrate the community with history walks, community resources, art, music, and a vendor fair of local LGBTQ-owned small businesses. Pride is celebrated all across western Pennsylvania, from a Pride- themed Roller Derby bout in Cheswick, to festivals in Dormont and Mt. Lebanon. There is also Prom in Millvale, online writing groups for seniors, a parade and music in Swissvale, and lots more. It is a busy month for our community and one that centers around freedom at its core. It also remembers those who fought tirelessly for equal rights and those hurt by discrimination or lost to senseless hatred and violence. America was founded under the ideals of liberty and justice, not censorship, discrimination, or control. All people shall have the freedom to love who they love, to be who they are, to be accepted, to feel safe, and to be treated equally under the law. On behalf of the good people of western Pennsylvania, I will keep fighting for these freedoms here in Washington. ____________________





