Recognizing Max Disposti As Constituent of the Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it's my honor to recognize Max Disposti, founder of the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, as my next Constituent of the Month. A longtime North County resident, Max's tireless work to open the Center filled a void in support services and resources for LGBTQ families and has made a positive impact on countless lives in our community.

Before Max founded the Center in 2011, many lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and questioning youth and families had nowhere to turn in North County, lacking a sense of community that was desperately needed. With the help of others in the community like Maria Al Shamma, who now serves as Board Chair for the Center, Max is able to provide our LGBTQ neighbors with a safe place to receive resources and feel more comfortable in their community. Max and many others at the Center provide critical services such as support groups for youth, seniors, and military service members, HIV and AIDS testing and prevention, counseling and assistance with housing and meals. They also provide civil rights advocacy, classes, and workgroups.

Ultimately, one of the most significant benefits of the Resource Center is its ability to make the LGBTQ community more visible in North County. Everyone in our community should feel safe and welcome. Unfortunately, that has not always been the experience of our LGBTQ neighbors. There is much more that we need to do to ensure that LGBTQ individuals have the same rights and protections as anyone else. That's why I was proud to help introduce and pass the Equality Act to finally, fully end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans. I'm proud to stand with Max and so many others in North County's LGBTQ community in fighting for equality.

I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. Max's contributions to our community are extraordinary, but I also want to recognize everyone else who helped launch the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and work to keep its doors open every single day. I thank them for everything they have done and will continue to do for the community

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