SETS IMPRESSIVE GOALS
EQUALITY FORUM
LEARNING LGBT HISTORY AND CREATING A FOREWORD LEANING OUTLOOK!
by jim zians
ow celebrating its 20th year, Equality Forum’s mission is to advance national and international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights through education programs, documentary videos (Jim In Bold, Gay Pioneers and Saint of 9/11) and sponsorships
for high-profile initiatives designed to raise social consciousness about LGBT stigma and discrimination, both in the United States and abroad.
Next month in Philadelphia, from Thursday, May
3 through Sunday, May 6, the group will present the largest ever national and international LGBT civil rights summit—Equality Forum: The LGBT Global Summit. Goals of the Forum are to reflect on our LGBT heritage, past sacrifices and accomplishments, to focus on the present—which involves celebrating the many victories and to recommit to the ever- present challenges. And finally, to look ahead toward future aspirations using what Founder and Executive Directo Lazin described as a “forword leaning” ap- proach toward new goals. Lazin says his team is most excited about this
year’s event, it will be the first Equality Forum since the end of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.” In celebration, one of the 25 panels will host members of OutServe, a network of out members of the military. The group will address the current circumstances for LGBT men and women in the military, with the new challenges for LGBT military personnel, despite the DADT repeal. Additionally, the lesbian cadet Katherine Miller, who resigned from West Point in 2010 following her high- profile case involving “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” will be a panel guest speaker. Also, since Equality Forum coordinates LGBT
History Month, the organization will provide at- tendees an opportunity to help their communities participate during the month’s events. “So many of us in the LGBT community do not know our own his- tory,” Lazin told The Rage Monthly. “This is because our history is not taught,” Equality Forum has prioritized LGBT education as part of it mission. Lazin says that it is imperative, since most come from families that do not share our LGBT heritage and because it is a politi- cal struggle each time we attempt to bring portions
14 RAGE monthly | APRIL 2012
of our history into the public school curriculum. Each year the Equality Forum highlights an inter-
national nation as its featured nation and this year the event highlights the nation of Israel. Amidst the political conflicts, war and fear of new wars since its birth in 1948, Israel not only represents a thriving democracy, but it remains the sole LGBT oasis in the hostile Middle East. While there are many religious vs. secular conflicts in Israel that parallel LGBT challeng- es in the United States, Israel celebrates democratic values, allows LGBT persons to serve openly in their military and supports Jerusalem Open House, the LGBT Center in the city center, that serves both LGBT Arab and LGBT Jews—consequently, Tel Aviv also has an open LGBT Center. And while LGBT persons still do not have the right to marry in Israel, the government does recognize all LGBT Israeli citizens legally mar- ried in other countries. The international focus each year remains a key element of the annual event, since Equality Forum believes that nations of the world have much to share with each other regarding LGBT civil rights challenges globally. Nations are in different stages of civil rights advancement, just as different states within the U.S. Lazin says that representatives from diverse nations learn from each other, share strategies toward improv- ing conditions, improved circumstances and eventual success. The Equality Forum will hold 25 panel discus- sions with keynote speakers such as Dr. Michael B. Oren, Ambassador of Israel to the United States. There is no registration fee and the 25 panels
featuring key leaders, in causes important to LGBT persons are free. For free registration or to find out more about Equality Forum, The Global LGBT Sum- mit, go to
equalityforum.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN APRIL (cont.)
LEATHER AND MEATBALLS DINNER Join California Leather boy 2012 Zach-
ary Geyer as he serves to host the Leather and Meatballs Dinner at Paradise Restaurant & Bar on Sunday, April 22. Geyer’s role as a leather man and titleholder is to educate people on the world of safe kink and fetish play, while dissolving any myths or misconceptions people may have that would keep them from exploring their own sexuality. Geared for both men and women into or curious about leather, the event allows those interested in the leather community the chance to build a leather and kinkster social network, while dining at Paradise Restaurant & Bar. It’s an ideal scene for those anxious or unable to go into a leather bar, offering the opportunity to socialize and connect with others outside of the traditional leather bar setting. Each $25 dinner ticket includes a three-course spa- ghetti and meatball dinner, tax and gratuity. Tickets are available at the venue location or by contacting Leather boy Zachary Geyer via e-mail. Paradise Restaurant & Bar, 1800 East Broadway in Long Beach. For more informa- tion or to purchase tickets, contact Zachary Geyer at
zachatparadise@gmail.com.
SPRING FOR CARE! Spring for CARE is a festive evening featur-
ing selections of fine Spanish wines, paired with savory tapas and delicious deserts taking place on Saturday, April 28. Originally started to develop the CARE 21 Society – a core of sup- porters who contribute $500 or more per year or $41.67 per month to the CARE Program – the event offers an opportunity for those already members to renew their pledge or new mem- bers to join the group. Donations support vital unfunded services to individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Long Beach community. In addition to recognition in the annual report, CARE 21 Society members receive compli- mentary tickets for themselves and a guest to attend the Fall Gala Appreciation Dinner and Annual CARE to Dine Kick-off Party at the Long Beach Art Museum. Spring For CARE takes place Saturday, April 28th, from 5 to 8 p.m. RSVP by Friday, April 20, to Michelle Venable at 562.624.4979 or visit
careprogram.org.
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