List of invited guests at the LGBT event in the East Room
White House LGBT Event
June 29, 2009
Administration Officials
John Berry, Director, Office of Personnel Management
Fred Hochberg, Chair, Export-Import Bank
John Easton, Director, Institute of Education Sciences at the Department of Education
City and State Officials
Jason Bartlett, Connecticut House of Representatives
Kate Brown, Oregon Secretary of State
David Dibble, Minnesota State Senator
Evan Low, Vice-Mayor, Campbell, CA City Council
Al McAffrey, Oklahoma House of Representatives
Andrew Mcdonald, Connecticut House of Representatives
Robert Meza, Arizona House of Representatives
Christine Quinn, New York City Council
Debra Shore, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Denise Simmons, Mayor of Cambridge, MA
Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona House of Representatives
Patricia Todd, Alabama House of Representatives
Lupe Valdez, Dallas County Sheriff
The invitation-only guests are below the fold.
Other Invited Guests (Invite Only)
Michael Adams, Service and Advocacy for LGBT Elders (SAGE)
Mark Agrast, Washington, DC
Madeline Alk, New York, NY
Ron Ansin, Harvard, MA
Judith Appelbaum, Department of Justice
Chip Arndt, Miami Beach, FL
Cornelius Baker, National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Coalition
Tom Barbera, SEIU Lavender Caucus
Andrew Barnett, Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYAL)
Jarrett Barrios, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Vic Basile, Office of Personnel Management
Christopher Bates, Washington, DC
Michael Bauer, Chicago, IL
Terrance Bean, Portland, OR
Jeremy Bernard, National Endowement for the Humanities
Jennifer Besson, Washington, DC
Dana Beyer, Chevy Chase, MD
David Binder, San Francisco, CA
Elizabeth Birch, Washington, DC
Jeremy Bishop, Pride at Work (AFL-CIO)
David Bohnett, Beverly Hills, CA
Marsha Botzer, Quilcene, WA
Raymond Buckley, DNC Vice-Chair
Eliza Byard, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Christopher Caldwell, Los Angeles, CA
Leslie Calman, Mautner Project
Rea Carey, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Charles Carter, New York, NY
Kevin Cathcart, Lambda Legal
Curtis Chin, Los Angeles, CA
Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council
Jamie Citron, Department of Health and Human Services
Wes Combs, Washington, DC
Roberta Conroy, Santa Monica, CA
Cheryl Cook, Department of Agriculture
Stampp Corbin, San Diego, CA
Michael Council, Columbus, OH
Wilson Cruz, West Hollywood, CA
Mark Davis, Philadelphia,phia, PA
Q Todd Dickinson, Washington, DC
Daniel Dozier, Washington, DC
Ruby Dunning, Washington, DC
Ingrid Duran, Falls Church, VA
Christopher Dyer, Washington, DC Office of LGBT Affairs
Steven Elmendorf, Washington, DC
Fred Eychaner, Chicago, IL
Eric Fanning, Department of Justice
Bishop Yvette Flunder, City of Refuge United Church of Christ
Earl Fowlkes, International Federation of Black Prides
Rebecca Fox, National Coalition for LGBT Health
R. Brandon Fradd, New York, NY
Daniel Galindo, San Antonio, TX
Adolfo Garay, New York, N
Jesus Garcia, TX LULAC 4871
Joan Garry, Montclair, NJ
Rufus Gifford, Washington, DC
Emily Giske, New York, NY
Mitchell Gold, Hickory, NC
John Gonzalez, Washington, DC
Vernita Gray, Chicago, IL
Chad Griffin, Los Angeles, CA
Patrick Guerriero, Gill Action
Hon. Michael Guest, Former Ambassador
Rebecca Haag, AIDS Action
Steve Hildebrand, Sioux Falls, SD
Gavin Hilgemeier, Federal GLOBE
Leonard Hirsch, Federal GLOBE
Lorilyn Holmes, Federal GLOBE
Clifford Honicker, Knoxville, TN
Conrad Honicker, Knoxville, TN
Gerald Hoose, Stonewall Participant
Ernest Hopkins, Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief
Hon. James Hormel, Former Ambassador
Paul Horning, Atlanta, GA
Brad Hoylman, Village Independent Democrats
Jody Huckaby, Parents, Families, & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Kevin Jennings, Department of Education
Jennifer Jones, Department of Housing and Urban Development
Frank Kamney, Washington, DC
Elaine Kaplan, Office of Personnel Management
Paul Kawata, National Minority AIDS Council
Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equity
Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Jacqueline Kittrell, Knoxville, TN
Harry Knox, Human Rights Campaign
Steven Latasa-Nicks, New York, NY
Andre Leon Talley, White Plains, NY
Richard Llewellyn, Los Angeles, CA
Robert Llewellyn, Los Angeles, CA
Rosemary Llewellyn, Los Angeles, CA
Thomas Lopach, Export-Import Bank
Lin Lougheed, Miami Beach, FL
Claire Lucas, Corona del Mar, CA
Glenn Magpantay, Federation of LGBTQ AAPI Organizations
Mary Beth Maxwell, Department of Labor
Lisbeth MelendezRivera, Unid@s
Shannon Minter, National Ceonal Center for Lesbian Rights
Chance Mitchell, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Mary Morten, Chicago, IL
Babak Movahedi, Miami Beach, FL
David Munar, National Association of People with AIDS
Kevin Naff, Washington Blade
Justin Nelson, National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
J. Alexander Nicholson, Servicemembers United
David Noble, NASA
Matt Nosanchuk, Silver Spring, MD
Robyn Ochs, BiNet USA and Bisexual Resource Center
Derek Orr, DC Office of Disability Rights
C. Dixon Osborn, Washington, DC
Kathleen Padilla, Philadelphia, PA
Pari Parker, Washington, DC
Skip Paul, Beverly Hills, CA
Terry Penrod, Columbus, OH
Troy Perry, Founder Metropolitan Community Churches
Thomas Petrillo, Washington, DC
Frank Pond, Los Angeles, CA
Robert Raben, Raben Group
Gautam Raghavan, Department of Defense
Steven Ralls, Washington, DC
Ellen Ratner, Washington, DC
Miriam Redleaf, Chicago, IL
Catherine Renna, Chicago, IL
Dr. Sylvia Rhue, National Black Justice Coalition
Jeffrey Richardson, Washington, DC
Laura Ricketts, Chicago, IL
Anthony Riley, Prince Georges County, MD
Carmen Robello, New York, NY
Bishop Gene Robinson, Diocese of New Hampshire
Hilary Rosen, Washington, DC
David Rosenauer, New York, NY
Renee Rosenfield, New York, NY
Jane Saks, Chicago, IL
Aubrey Sarvis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network
Thomas Schmidt, Stonewall Participant
Marsha Scott, Washington, DC
Evan Shapiro, New York, NY
Jonathan Sheffer, New York, NY
Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard Foundation
Babs Siperstein, Edison, NJ
Melissa Sklarz, National Stonewall Democrats
Mary Snider, Silver Spring, MD
Courtney Snowden, The Raben Group
Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign
Rick Stafford, DNC LGBT Caucus Chair
Eric Stern, UC Berkeley School of Law
Jon Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI
Sally Susman, New York, NY
John Tedstrom, Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GBC)
Kevin Thompson, Seattle, WA
Andrew Tobias, DNC Treasurer
Jeffrey Trammell, Washington, DC
Ted Trimpa, Denver, CO
Gregory Varnum, National Youth Advocacy Coalition (NYAC)
Alex Wagner, Department of Defense
Paquita Wiggins, Beltsville, MD
Phil Wilson, Black AIDS Institute
Peter Wilson, New York, NY
Robert Witeck, Arlington, VA
Chuck Wolfe, Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund
Tobias Wolff, Philadelphia, PA
As in no administrative changes will be worked out with the Pentagon in terms of implementation of DADT, and there will be no executive order. And then he was directly asked about the foot-dragging with Congress.Q Robert, I have a question on today's event in the East Room. On "don't ask, don't tell," how much is the President personally involved? I mean, I know you've said that he sort of turned that policy change over to the Pentagon and you're letting them and Congress work on that.
MR. GIBBS: &aS: I've said that -- I mean, the President hasn't, himself, been involved in meetings with the Pentagon. A solution has to include working with the Pentagon. But it's something that the President has been involved in since coming to this administration.
Q How much of a priority is this for him?
MR. GIBBS: Well, it's something that --
Q I mean, is there a timeline or --
MR. GIBBS: When we can get it done. The President has talked about this -- and I've talked about the fact that to have an enduring solution this had to be done legislatively. That, I think most people recognize, is going to take some time to do, working with both Congress and the Pentagon. I think the President will address this in remarks at the event a little bit later today.
Q Change in policy?
MR. GIBBS: Pardon me?
Q A change?
MR. GIBBS: No. But, again, in order to have that enduring solution, this is going to have to be done legislatively.
So which is it -- has the President been in meetings with the Pentagon or not? Anyway, compare this presser to the Obama Speech at today's reception. A key section is below the fold.Q Robert, today the President is going to celebrate Gay Pride at the White House for the first time. Even so, the gay community is somewhat divided over whether or not the President has done enough, the pace of change is enough. What does the President intend to say today, and can you talk a little bit about his thinking about how much he has to mollify a community that's been very supportive during the campaign?
MR. GIBBS: I appreciate the opportunity to comment on mollifying a community, but that's not the way the President looks at important issues. I think if you go back and look at the campaign -- either his campaign for the Senate or his campaign for the presidency -- he takes stands that he believes are consistent with his values.
We didn't play a lot of interest group-based politics in the presidential race, I think that was denoted by the fact that we didn't get a lot of endorsements in the presidential race.
The President makes those decisions, again, based on his values. I won't get ahead of what he's going to say later today, but he will, I think, address a number of issues and reaffirm the commitments that he's made.
Yes, ma'am.
Q Following on that, the PresidePresident has talked about repealing "don't ask, don't tell," and also the Defense of Marriage Act. So I'm wondering if you can tell me what specific steps has he taken to do this? What is his timeline for doing it? And also --
MR. GIBBS: I think we got a fairly similar question a minute ago, but I'll try to --
Q -- there's legislation apparently moving through House to repeal "don't ask, don't tell," I think it's H.R. 1283, and he hasn't endorsed it. Why not?
MR. GIBBS: I can certainly talk to legislative affairs about what that piece of legislation would do. As I said earlier, the President has been involved in, personally, meetings on this topic with stakeholders, including those at the Pentagon.
Q What about members of Congress?
MR. GIBBS: I don't know if he's met specifically with members of Congress on that. I know that -- I can try to get a list, I know that staff has worked here on the issue. It's a commitment that he intends to keep.
Q Can you talk a little bit more about the meetings that he's had, what --
MR. GIBBS: No.
Q -- and how recent has he been in these meetings?
MR. GIBBS: Since January 20.
See if you can get the presser and the below in alignment. Some key sections:
I've called on Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act to help end discrimination -- (applause) -- to help end discrimination against same-sex couples in this country. Now, I want to add we have a duty to uphold existing law, but I believe we must do so in a way that does not exacerbate old divides. And fulfilling this duty in upholding the law in no way lessens my commitment to reversing this law. I've made that clear.I'm also urging Congress to pass the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, which will guarantee the full range of benefits, including health care, to LGBT couples and their children. (Applause.) My administration is also working hard to pass an employee non-discrimination bill and hate crimes bill, and we're making progress on both fronts. (Applause.) Judy and Dennis Shepard, as well as their son Logan, are here today. I met with Judy in the Oval Office in May -- (applause) -- and I assured her and I assured all of you that we are going to pass an inclusive hate crimes bill into law, a bill named for their son Matthew. (Applause.)
...And finally, I want to say a word about "don't ask, don't tell." As I said before -- I'll say it again -- I believe "don't ask, don't tell" doesn't contribute to our national security. (Applause.) In fact, I believe preventing patriotic Americans from serving their country weakens our national security. (Applause.)
Now, my administration is already working with the Pentagon and members of the House and the Senate on how we'll go about ending this policy, which will require an act of Congress.
Someday, I'm confident, we'll look back at this transition and ask why it generated such angst, but as Commander-in-Chief, in a time of war, I do have a responsibility to see that this change is administered in a practical way and a way that takes over the long term. That's why I've asked the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to develop a plan for how to thoroughly implement a repeal.
Related:
* The Robert Gibbs Blend files.
(Crossposted on dailykos and Blue Arkansas.)
I'm gay. That's not that big a deal to say these days but forty years ago it would have been huge, dangerous for that matter. It's easy to forget just how good we have it today as a group. Sure, it's not perfect-we're not equal under the law, we can be fired in a majority of states for our sexual orientation, we can't serve our country openly, and if I get drug behind a truck there's no guarantee as of yet that the federal government will come in to make sure my killer's trial isn't hijacked by Sheriff Big John, Judge Bubba, and the gay panic defense. That said, progress is being made, with several states allowing folks like me and my better half to get married, several benefits and protections in various states and localities, and a new generation that is extremely supportive of civil rights for LGBT people. What's more, for the most part our community doesn't have to worry about the kind of police brutality that set off the Stonewall riots.
To understand where we are we have to understand where we've come from. Sure things aren't the best now, but forty years ago they were far worse. The fact that the debate has shifted to a battle for full marriage equality and protection from violence and discrimination, the fact that a popular President is being held to task for his lack of action on behalf of our community is something that should be reassurring. Think about it. Instead, we could be facing the same things those that went before us did-organized state oppression, a world where hatred of LGBT Americans isn't simply a disgusting fact of life but something to be expected and uplifted, and venom spewed by the likes of Anita Bryant being treated as gospel rather than ridiculous drool.
Things are better now because of those who came before us. If not for those that stood up at Stonewall, for people that came later like Harvey Milk, things would be much worse than they are. The challenge for LGBT people of today, for progressives today who want to see things change for the better is to emulate the courage of those who stood up in much more difficult times. If we want a better world, we have to work for it just as hard as they did. We have to take a stand, even when it isn't easy, though knowing that our skulls aren't as likely to be bashed in by a cop should give us a little more confidence to stand up for what's right.
On the state level here in Arkansas we've seen some progress, even if it doesn't seem like it. We now have one open member of the LGBT community in the state legislature and there are some folks here who've got our backs. But let's face it, we've got one political party that really, really, really doesn't like us and the other one just wants us to shut up and go away. Oh, but they want our votes so they give us the wink-wink, nod-nod, routine to promise that things will be better for us if they win and then don't want to do a damn thing for us because WE'LL MAKE THEM LOTHEM LOSE!!!!!! It's time to wake up politicians across the state and across the country. Let them know that bigotry is not acceptable and neither is pandering to bigots. We can make gains even here in Arkansas, but only if we rattle the cages and don't back down in channeling the courage of Stonewall.
Stonewall Anniversary Poem
by Governor Barbara Roberts
From Stonewall to Salem, Across this whole nation We've marched and we've lobbied, Forty years in duration. For fairness, equality For dignity and rights For safety, and partners To turn on the lights. To come out of the darkness, Emerge from the closet, To rise above hatred And the bigots who cause it. The path has been long With hurdles and roadblocks But the future looks bright With adoptions and wedlocks. So on this eve of Stonewall We celebrate gains We stand shoulder to shoulder For the work that remains. We thank all who have given, Taken risks, led the way Lesbian, Trans, Bi, Straight and Gay. So - lift up your glasses And your hearts - one and all As we toast our martyrs and heroes And the brave souls of Stonewall.
ENDA is being introduced tomorrow in the house! Our next step is to call Rep. Walden and ask him to be a cosponsor of ENDA. Below is a script to use. It is essential that we flood his lines to let him know how many of his constituents support ENDA! Once you've called, let me know what the staffer said andw many of his constituents support ENDA! Once you've called, let me know what the staffer said and then ask all of your friends and family in the district to call as well!
Call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and have them connect you to your Representative (based on your zip code). Tell them:
"I am a constituent and I would like you to please tell Representative _______ that I would like him/her to become a cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. ENDA would ban discrimination against all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the workplace. Can you tell me whether or not Representative _______ has cosponsored the bill?"
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