[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E904] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] REQUESTING THE HOUSE TO HONOR BLACK LESBIAN AND GAY PRIDE DAY ______ HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON of the district of columbia in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 22, 2002 Mr. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Washington, DC's 12th Annual Black Pride Festival, May 24 through May 27, 2002, and its organizer Black Lesbian and Gay Pride Day, Inc. (BLGPD). BLGPD's mission is to build awareness of and pride in the diversity of the Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, as well as to create a funding source and support for organizations that are addressing HIV/AIDS and other health issues adversely affecting the AfricanAmerican community. In keeping with this mission, this year's Black Pride theme is: ``A time to heal.'' Since its inception in 1991, Black Pride has grown from a single gathering on the Banneker High School Field to the largest Black Gay and Lesbian Festival in the world. Black Pride attracts attendees from every major urban area in the United States as well as participants from Canada, England, Germany and the Netherlands. This year more than 10,000 people will participate in a four-day celebration, which includes over thirty different events including a Youth Party, a Wellness Expo and the first Black LGBT Film Festival to become part of the official schedule of events. Black Pride culminates Sunday with the DC Black Pride Expo at the Washington Convention Center. The citizens of the District of Columbia and I feel a special affinity for any Americans who do not share all the rights and privileges enjoyed by most citizens of the United States. On Thursday, May 23rd at 2:30 PM, the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee will hold an historic hearing on the ``No Taxation Without Representation Act of 2001.'' My Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered constituents feel the lack of a vote in the House most acutely. They bear the burdens of our democracy, yet they neither have complete access to its power to redress the injustices that befall Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Americans, nor do they have full power to redress those special injustices, which we suffer in the District of Columbia. Furthermore, Congress has not yet protected sexual orientation from discrimination. Despite increasing reports of violence and physical abuse against Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered Americans, Congress has not enacted protections against hate crimes. Congress must pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Congress must pass the Hate Crime Prevention Act. Congress must pass the Permanent Partners Immigration Act. Congress must return full voting rights to the District of Columbia. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in saluting the 12th Annual Black Pride Festival; its organizers, Black Lesbian and Gay Pride Day, Inc.; its sponsors; and the volunteers whose dedicated and creative energy make Black Pride possible. ____________________