Equality Forum 2011 April 25-May 1st

Malcolm Lazin, Founder and Executive Director of Equality Forum talks about this year's event with Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™. Equality Forum 2011 takes place April 25 to May 1st in Philadelphia. This is an important LGBT event that is dedicated to addressing our LGBT issues and concerns. Throughout the week there are also lots of dance parties, entertainment and just basic fun events. This year Latin America is Equality Forum International focus. When asked if he thought Obama was doing a good job for our LGBT community, Lazin stated, “Well I think he scored a lot recently in terms of he and Attorney General Holder deciding not to defend the Defense of Marriage Act essentially by their concluding that we are a minority group that has been the victim of systemic and long term prejudice. Therefore under the Constitution where there are any statutes that limit our rights, those statutes need to be governed by the strictest and highest standards of scrutiny.” At the 19th annual Equality Forum, there are over 40 programs and 25 panels including: National Religious Colloquy, A Conversation with The Rt. Rev. Mary Douglas Glasspool, the first openly lesbian Episcopal bishop on Tuesday April 26; National Seniors Panel moderated by Sage Executive Director Michael Adams, on Wednesday April 27; International Focus LGBT Challenges in Latin America moderated by former U.S. Ambassador Michael Guest, including leading Latin American activists and experts on Thursday April 28. On Saturday April 30th there are a number of panels including the National Politics Panel moderated by Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff, with panelists Jarrett Barrios, President of GLAAD; Kerry Eleveld, Editor of EqualityMatters.org; Marty Rouse, National Field Director of HRC; and Doc Sweitzer, Cofounder, The Campaign Group. Also happening are the National Families Panel with leading experts on same-gender families and the National Youth Panel, moderated by out University of the Arts President Sean Buffington and including Daniel Hernandez Jr. and Yale undergraduate Katherine Miller, who as a West Point cadet outed herself and was discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” There is no registration fee and all panels are free. There are also eight parties and seven special events including art exhibits and performances. The International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center on Saturday April 30th is honoring Lt. Dan Choi and Patrick Murphy with the 16th annual International Role Model Award and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants with the 9th annual International Business Leadership Award, with Special Guest of Honor Daniel Hernandez Jr. This is the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit. For More Info & Dinner Tix: equalityforum.com

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