In the News:

Task Force hails today’s historic California Supreme Court
      decision supporting the freedom to marry
Task Force’s Russell Roybal receives prestigious fellowship
D.C. Leadership Awards draws crowd
American University honors Task Force

Task Force hails today’s historic California Supreme Court decision supporting the freedom to marry

The Task Force hails today’s historic decision by the California Supreme Court that the California Constitution requires ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. The Task Force filed an amicus brief with the high court supporting full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

“This is an extraordinary victory for Californians and all Americans who hold fairness and opportunity as fundamental American values. Today, once again, California is leading the way in affirming the inherent dignity of all people. Today, in our hearts, we are all Californians.”
— Task Force Acting Executive Director Rea Carey

[ Read the full statement in English and Spanish ]
[ Learn more about our work in California ]

Task Force’s Russell Roybal receives prestigious fellowship

Task Force Movement Building Director Russell D. Roybal has been chosen by the Rockwood Leadership Program as one of its fellows in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community and advocacy. The Rockwood Fellowship is a multi-year program in which a select group of leaders receive support and training to lead more efficiently, as well as an opportunity to continue building alliances to strengthen the voice and power of LGBTQ communities.

“I have seen Russell evolve and develop as a leader since he was a young activist. This fellowship is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the LGBT movement. Russell has a calling for this work and the Task Force is proud that one of our own leaders will participate in this coveted fellowship.”
— Task Force Acting Executive Director Rea Carey

[ Read the press release ]
[ Learn more about Rockwood Fellowship Program ]

D.C. Leadership Awards draws crowd

Nearly 300 people turned out May 3 for our 2008 D.C. Leadership Awards honoring AARP and its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, recognized for their work to help ensure our community’s seniors are part of the organization’s mission and program; Us Helping Us, a local AIDS service organization focusing on the African-American community; U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), who supported transgender-inclusive ENDA; and Daniela Sea, who portrays Max, a transgender character on Showtime’s The L Word. Watch a video clip of Sea’s remarks here.

We were also pleased to present Basic Rights Montgomery with a check for $20,000 to further its work in Maryland. Among the highlights of the wonderful evening was Acting Executive Director Rea Carey’s speech and the resulting standing ovation. Watch a video clip of her speech here. The Leadership Awards raised nearly $122,000 for the Task Force. Special thanks go to event co-chairs and Task Force board members Suzanne Goldstein and Jerry Clark for their leadership of a hard-working steering committee.

Photo: AARP Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson and Percil Stanford, head of AARP’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, accept a Leadership Award on behalf of AARP. Credit: Julie Childs

American University honors Task Force

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force was recently honored with the Richard L. Schlegel National Legion of Honor Award by American University. The award recognizes significant contributions to the dignity and freedom of LGBT people and is named for an American University alumnus who was a pioneer in the LGBT movement. The Task Force was recognized for its work to keep transgender protections in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and for its work to empower young leaders over the years.

Photo:Task Force Public Policy & Government Affairs Director Dave Noble and Lisa Mottet, director of the Transgender Civil Rights Project, accept the Schlegel award on behalf of the Task Force.

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