Congratulating Queer in Canton

Floor Speech

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Mrs. SYKES. Mr. Speaker, I proudly represent Ohio's 13th Congressional District, and this Pride Month I rise to recognize Queer in Canton as Ohio's 13th Congressional District's Champion of the Week.

Queer in Canton was founded in 2020 by Abby Henry and Curstynn Marks, two young, dedicated, and inspiring people who saw a gap in resources available to queer people in Canton and Stark County, and they resolved to make a change.

Queer in Canton works to cultivate the LGBTQ+ community in Stark County and create a more equal community in Canton and beyond.

During the second annual Stark Pride Festival last weekend, Abby announced that after 2 years of fundraising, Queer in Canton has successfully raised the $20,000 they needed to open Stark County's first community center to support those who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies.

This community center will offer LGBTQ+ residents a safe place to call home, a space where the queer community can socialize, access resources, and have the freedom to be their authentic selves.

Once again, congratulations to Queer in Canton for this monumental achievement and for their advocacy this Pride Month and beyond. They are truly making a difference in Ohio's 13th Congressional District and making it the best place to live, work, and raise a family, no matter who you love or how you identify.

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