H.R. No. 1872

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The 26th conference of the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf is taking place in Austin from July 16 to 21, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1977 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, RAD is a nonprofit organization born out of the desire of its founder, Roy Parker, to unite the gay and lesbian deaf community and to advance the economic, educational, and social welfare of its members; today RAD remains a proud group of LGBTQ individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, and it places a strong emphasis on fostering fellowship and defending their rights in regard to social justice issues; and

WHEREAS, The organization's conference is the largest event of its kind and has been held in various cities on an annual or biennial basis since the year the group was founded; the theme for the Austin conference is "Unity, Love, Peace," and the gathering is expected to draw as many as 200 attendees for what is certain to be an enriching educational and cultural experience; and

WHEREAS, For more than four decades, the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf has proven itself to be an effective advocate in its efforts to build a more equitable and inclusive society for all, and its 2019 conference is bringing together individuals from around the country who share this commendable goal; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 26th conference of the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and productive visit to Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.

Israel

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 1872 was adopted by the House on May 24, 2019, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House