The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Update


In the News: Task Force Action Fund applauds passage of transgender nondiscrimination laws in Detroit and Kansas City New York Gov. David Paterson tells full house at Task Force event that he is committed to fighting for ‘full marriage equality’ More on the New York Leadership Awards... Standing courageously In the Eye of the Storm
Task Force Action Fund applauds passage of transgender nondiscrimination laws in Detroit and Kansas City The Task Force Action Fund applauds the Detroit City Council’s passage today of an ordinance banning discrimination against transgender people by an 8–1 vote. The measure’s passage comes on the heels of last week’s victory in Kansas City, Mo., where the City Council unanimously passed an identical ban. The Task Force’s Transgender Civil Rights Project played an instrumental role in these victories by providing legislative drafting assistance on both measures. In addition, Detroit (2008) and Kansas City (2006) were both recent hosts of the Task Force’s National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, which provides LGBT rights activists with comprehensive, top-notch organizing and skills-building opportunities. The conference was an impetus for passage of both laws. “These victories show what happens when a community comes together and has the knowledge, skills and resources to create real, positive change.” — Task Force Deputy Executive Director Rea Carey Photo credit: andrewpotterphoto.com [ Read the full statement ]
New York Gov. David Paterson tells full house at Task Force event that he is committed to fighting for ‘full marriage equality’ New York Gov. David Paterson addressed more than 350 attendees of the Task Force’s New York Leadership Awards on Monday night. “Held hostage” to the Albany budget process, Paterson sent an extraordinary message via video to the standing-room-only crowd, in which he vowed “to push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state” and urged “New York’s civil rights leaders to recognize that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities deserve equal rights.” Paterson’s remarks garnered extensive media coverage. The governor also promised to fight for an end to bullying in schools, for transgender rights and for affordable health care for everyone. [ Watch the video here ] [ Read media coverage: NY Daily News, Queerty, Towleroad, The Advocate ]
More on the New York Leadership Awards... Monday night found the Task Force and its supporters at the stunning New York Times Center in midtown Manhattan for an awards gala unlike any other. The evening kicked off with a performance by the legendary Debbie Harry and Miss Guy, moved to Gov. David Paterson’s funny and very moving taped remarks, followed by John Waters’ acceptance speech cum stand-up and heartfelt remarks by the co-founders of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Through the hard work of the event committee, the Task Force raised nearly $170,000. We thank everyone who made this event such a great success! Photo: Miss Guy, John Waters and Debbie Harry at the New York Leadership Awards. Credit: Jeffrey Eason [ Read event coverage and view photos: JoeMyGod ]
Standing courageously In the Eye of the Storm Episcopalian Bishop V. Gene Robinson (pictured), who was a featured speaker at the Task Force’s 2008 National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, will be signing copies of In the Eye of the Storm, his timely, courageous and revealing personal memoir. In 2003, Robinson was elected as the bishop of New Hampshire — the first openly gay man to be called to serve in such a position. The election has sparked a storm of controversy that has polarized religious opinion on five continents and still rages on five years later. In his memoir, Robinson reflects on his journey of faith, his life experiences, the concerns that matter most to him as a bishop and the controversy that has rocked the church he loves and to which he is committed. He will be signing copies on Thursday, April 24, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Holy Apostles Episcopal Parish, located at 296 Ninth Avenue (at 28 Street) in New York, N.Y. The event is co-sponsored by the General Theological Seminary. Photo credit: andrewpotterphoto.com

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