Organizers Express Enthusiastic Support for
"Equality Begins at Home" State Actions
WASHINGTON -- Organizers for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
community's fourth March on Washington today announced the event will be
held on April 30, 2000. The March aims to articulate the concerns of our
community and focus our nation's attention on our quest for equality in
all aspects of life.
 "We expect one million of my gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered
sisters and brothers and our enlightened allies to stand on the Mall and
call upon our nation to live out the promise of equality under the law,"
said the Rev. Troy D. Perry, long-time gay activist and founder of the
Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
Organizers took steps this week to begin incorporation of a non-profit
entity to handle planning, production and financial arrangements. Efforts
are underway to make sure this is a democratic process where all segments
of our community are represented.
"The Millennium March promises to continue its bold commitment to all
people of color. I am hearing from Native Americans, Asians, African
Americans, Latinos and Pacific Islanders who are ecstatic about
participating," said Martin Ornelas-Quintero, executive director of the
Latino Latina/o, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization.
Organizers also expressed their support today for the "Equality Begins at
Home" actions on all 50 state capitals set for 1999.
"The Equality Begins at Home" actions enjoy the full and enthusiastic
support of the organizers of the Millennium March," said Elizabeth Birch,
executive director of the Human Rights Campaign. "It's imperative that we
focus our energies as a movement at both the state and federal level.
These two events will complement each other as together we build the
momentum to achieve equality in the next century."
"I am glad to see both of these events moving towards a more collaborative
process," said Jubi Headley, executive director of the National Black
Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum. "This is a positive sign of progress."
"Our greatest hope as a movement lies in our commitment to work together
for social change. Our passion for justice and our pledge to lift up every
voice has the potential to transform town halls, state houses, and our
nation's capitol," said Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National
Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"I remain hopeful the the "Equality Begins at Home" actions and the
Millennium March will help build our grassroots momement at the state,
local and national level," said Dianne Hard-Garcia, executive director of
the Lesbian Gay Rights Lobby of Texas and co-chair of the Federation of
Statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Organizations. "I
believe that working together these actions can strengthen the state and
federal organizations that fight daily to end discrimination.
Paula Ettelbrick, legislative director of the Empire State Pride Agenda
and the other co-chair of the Federation added, "The Equality Begins At
Home actions will fortify our strength at the statewide level and set the
stage for the millennium march event in Washington in 2000."
For further information regarding accommodations, travel agents and groups
please call the March on Washington, (818) 891-1748 or E-mail
MMOW2000@aol.com. Additional contacts:
Donna Red Wing
Human Rights Campaign
Tel: (202) 628-4160 Fax: (202) 347-5323
James N. Birkitt, Jr.
UFMCC Communications Department
Tel: (310) 360-8640 Fax: (310) 360-8680
E-mail: info@ufmcchq.com
website: http://www.ufmcc.com
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