Text of GA HR 1586 (2024)

24 LC 112 2390 House Resolution 1586 By: Representatives Cannon of the 58th, Lim of the 98th, Drenner of the 85th, Draper of the 90th, and Park of the 107th A RESOLUTION Honoring Monica Helms; and for other purposes. 1 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, a distinguished veteran of the United States Navy, served with 2 honor and distinction aboard the submarines USS Francis Scott Key and the USS Flasher, 3 undertaking arduous missions of up to 70 days each and demonstrating unwavering 4 dedication, fortitude, and commitment to the defense of her nation; and 5 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, serving as a nuclear-trained machinist mate aboard the 6 submarines USS Francis Scott Key from 1972 to 1976 and the USS Flasher from 1976 to 7 1978, exemplified dedication, expertise, and resilience in her role, contributing significantly 8 to the navy's mission and embodying the highest ideals of service and sacrifice; and 9 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, amidst the rigors and demands of military service, courageously 10 grappled with the profound challenge of concealing her true identity as a transgender woman, 11 navigating a landscape where authenticity was often met with discrimination, ostracism, and 12 the threat of dishonor; and 13 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, propelled by her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, 14 and human dignity, dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and recognition of 15 H. R. 1586 - 1 - 24 LC 112 2390 transgender individuals, particularly those who have served in the armed forces, tirelessly 16 championing their cause with unwavering determination, compassion, and unwavering 17 resolve; and 18 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, in her steadfast pursuit of social justice and equality, 19 demonstrated unparalleled courage, compassion, and integrity, has inspired generations of 20 activists, advocates, and allies to stand up, speak out, and strive for a more inclusive, 21 equitable, and compassionate world; and 22 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000, emerged as a leading 23 voice and advocate for transgender rights and veterans' issues, founding the Transgender 24 American Veterans Association in 2003 and serving as its president until 2013, tirelessly 25 championing equality, justice, and dignity for all; and 26 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, through her visionary leadership, creative ingenuity, and tireless 27 activism, bestowed upon the world the enduring symbol of the transgender pride flag, a 28 powerful emblem of visibility, unity, and resilience that has since become an iconic and 29 universally recognized symbol of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement; and 30 WHEREAS, Monica Helms designed the first transgender pride flag in 1999 as a symbol of 31 trans diversity and rights, which she debuted at a Pride parade in Phoenix in 2000. She used 32 pink and blue stripes to represent colors that have traditionally been associated with girls and 33 boys with a white middle stripe for people who are intersex, transitioning, or who do not 34 have a defined gender. In 2014, Helms donated multiple objects to the Smithsonian's 35 National Museum of American History, including this flag; and 36 H. R. 1586 - 2 - 24 LC 112 2390 WHEREAS, Monica Helms, a resident of Georgia, shares her life with her beloved wife, 37 Darlene Wagner, embodying the values of love, commitment, and partnership as well as 38 enriching the lives of all who know them with their warmth, kindness, and unwavering 39 support for one another. 40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that 41 the members of this body, assembled in solemn recognition of Monica Helms' extraordinary 42 life and enduring legacy, extend their deepest appreciation, admiration, and gratitude for her 43 selfless service, indomitable spirit, and transformative contributions to our nation and to the 44 global LGBTQIA+ community. 45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized 46 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to 47 Monica Helms. 48 H. R. 1586 - 3 -