Mark Pocan: “It is interesting that, when the gentleman talked about the historical aspect of why this month is so important, he…”

“It is interesting that, when the gentleman talked about the historical aspect of why this month is so important, he mentioned the Stonewall riots. In fact, this Saturday--June 28--will mark the 45th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is often seen as the real birth of the movement for equality for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. The gentleman mentioned Harvey Milk from California, who just this year was recognized on a stamp by the U.S. Government, the U.S. Postal Service, so we can recognize the many contributions that Harvey Milk made for this country, so that so many people could be out and run for office. Mr. Speaker, I like to remind people that, in my home State of Wisconsin, one of the things is we talk about each coast and the many things that have been done on our coasts for people for equality who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered. My State of Wisconsin--we were the State that sent the first person who ran out for Congress, Tammy Baldwin, to the U.S. House, the first person elected to the U.S. Senate, in Tammy Baldwin. With my election, Tammy Baldwin's, and a Republican's--Steve Gunderson, who came out while he was in office--we have sent more openly gay and lesbian people to Congress than any other State in the country--and that is from the heartland, the State of Wisconsin. So we are really proud of this entire country, from coast to coast and especially in the heartland.…”