OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

In Recognition of Stand Out's Dedication Towards Military Diversity

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 6, 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Defense Military Personnel Veterans Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Volunteers of America (VOA) Veterans Services, California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), Los Rios College District, Mather VA Hospital, Women's Veterans Alliance, and Spiritual Warriors as they come together at the Stand Out celebration, recognizing the diversity of those who have served in the military. Additionally, this year marks the five year anniversary of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine organizations participating in this celebration.

The Stand Out event reaches out to Northern California's military members and veterans who are underserved in a variety of areas including healthcare, housing, and employment. This year's event honors all women and LGBT veterans in the hopes that they will obtain the resources, education, and access to services that have been challenging to pursue, but nonetheless rightfully deserved. California has the largest population of homeless women and LGBT veterans in the nation. Since the transition from military to the civilian sector is challenging and often met with barriers, especially for women and the LGBT community, organizations participating in the Stand Out event are working together to ensure that these communities have the information and support to receive their rightful benefits.

In participating in the Stand Out celebration, it is important to recognize that all of this progress has not come easily, especially with the fear and hatred that exists for these populations. We thank those who are dedicated to helping these underserved communities of women and LGBT veterans despite the many challenges they have faced along the way.

Mr. Speaker, as the members of the Stand Out event celebrate military diversity and the five year anniversary of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring them for their commitment to women and LGBT veterans

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