EIN Presswire: Gay Rights Press Releases

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:50:12 +0000

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Notorious crime boss Vincent "The Chin" Gigante was not your "average" mobster; he was, in fact, the Capo di tutti capi -- the head of all five New York crime families: the Bonannos, Colombos, Gambinos, Genoveses, and Luccheses. In an effort to protect himself and his family, Gigante created a facade of a mentally unstable person, complete with public theatrics, often wearing his infamous Golden Nugget bathrobe around town. His story is most intriguing for the level of secretiveness it has maintained. Finally, six years after his death, Vincent's youngest daughter Rita pens a tell-all of her life growing up with the most powerful mafia leader of that time.

The Godfather's Daughter: An Unlikely Story of Love, Healing and Redemption, releasing September 18th by Hay House publishing, is a never-before-heard account of what it was like to live a life of deceit, secrecy, oppression, and violence. In this breakthrough true story of the turmoil that permeated within the mafia lifestyle, Rita delves deep into the adversities she had to overcome as a young gay woman in a strict Italian Catholic family. She recounts being misunderstood and bullied by her own family members for resisting the life that was expected of her. Forced to live a lie to protect her family and her father's ego ultimately created an unstable environment filled with frustration, confusion, and fear. After years of deception Rita finally hit rock bottom and realized she could no longer bear the anguish of her demons; she had to live a life true to herself. Throughout Rita's personal growth, the bond with her father evolved as well. It was upon her father's passing that she was finally able to achieve the improbable relationship with him that she had longed for her entire life -- a relationship where they could share an uninhibited exchange of love and an understanding for who they really were.

"The inspiration to write the book began about 13 years ago. I started to see the changes in myself as I began to speak up about who I was and began to live my life as authentically as possible. I started to share that with people so that they could also stand in their truth and do the same. I knew I couldn't write it while my father was alive ... and after he passed, I knew I had to give my family time to grieve. The timing is right now," says Rita Gigante.

The Godfather's Daughter uncovers the truths a crime boss's daughter must face to shed family secrets and accept what cannot be changed. Complete with an insider view of the mafia world, Rita's story tells of the importance of forgiveness in an unforgiving world and shows the eventual transformation from a troubled girl into a more fulfilled woman.

For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Zizian, Publicity Manager, Hay House, rzizian@hayhouse.com, 646-484-4954.

Hay House is the international leader in self-help and motivational publishing, featuring books, audios, and sidelines by more than 250 authors. Smiley Books, Visions, and Insights are imprints of Hay House, Inc, which is also the exclusive distributor for Amber Allen Press and Agape Media, Inc. Hay House has a self-publishing division, Balboa Press, as well as radio, film and television divisions. Corporate offices are in California and New York, with international divisions in Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa. Please visit us at http://www.hayhouse.com.

SOURCE Hay House

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

PR Newswire

For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Zizian, Publicity Manager, Hay House, rzizian@hayhouse.com, 646-484-4954.

SOURCE Hay House

While The United Nations And Obama Endorse Same-Sex Marriage, The World Congress Of Families VI Meets In Madrid To Affirm The Natural Family As The Future Of Society

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:21:42 +0000

While The United Nations And Obama Endorse Same-Sex Marriage, The World Congress Of Families VI Meets In Madrid To Affirm The Natural Family As The Future Of Society

PR Newswire

The World Congress of Families Defends the Rights of Children to Have a Mother and Father in Every Home

MADRID, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In two days, World Congress of Families VI will open in Madrid's Palacio de Congresos to affirm the natural family as the fundamental unit of society while President Barack Obama and world leaders try to force so-called same-sex marriage on a global society suffering from economic decline, moral bankruptcy, family breakdown, and social chaos.

The theme for WCF VI in Madrid, Spain (May 25-27) is "Marriage and Family, Future of Society." This theme reflects that there is no greater social indicator for the future success of our civilization than the strength of natural marriage and natural families in society. For example, decades of research indicates that natural marriage can reduce rates of poverty by over 80%.

"We had no idea when we began planning our sixth Congress over two years ago that it would come on the heels of an announcement by a U.S. president that he supports homosexual 'marriage,' based on spurious claims of equality and ignoring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rights of children to be raised by their biological mothers and fathers," said Larry Jacobs, World Congress of Families Managing Director.

In many ways, the timing is providential, Jacobs observed: "The Congress will open in Spain almost two weeks to the day after President Obama announced his repudiation of the natural family. Spain's civil society and economy is still recovering from many years of a socialist government, led by Zapatero, who forced the legalization of same-sex marriage and abortion on the Spanish people despite overwhelmingly public opposition. Just as our radical opponents have lobbied and organized to make their voice heard, advocates for the natural family must continue to organize internationally and speak out against radical LGBT and feminist injustice against children and families."

Speakers at the three-day Congress will include Cardinal Ennio Antonelli (President of the Pontifical Council on the Family) on "The Natural Family and the Revolution Against the Family," Rabbi Moshe Bendahan (Chief Rabbi of Spain) on "Family, the Future of Society," Erich W. Kopischke (Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) on "The Value of the Natural Family," Fr. Philaret Bulekov (delivering a message from Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev of the Russian Orthodox Church) and Dr. Paige Patterson (President of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary).

Speeches by social scientists, authors, physicians and officeholders will touch on such varied topics as: the worldwide decline in fertility, how government policies impact on the family, the family and international law, contraception vs. natural family planning, the health effects of promiscuity and infidelity, family economics and social capital, rediscovering the role of homemaker, the culture of life versus the culture of death, fighting for freedom to educate, the social cost of pornography and sexual slavery, and family-friendly entertainment.

A plenary session on The Homosexual Lobby will include addresses on: "Solutions to Homosexual Behavior," "Violation of Rights of Conscience Today," "Effects of Social Experimentation and Same-Sex Adoption," and "Hate Speech Laws and Anti-Discrimination Measures to Marginalize Believers."

"Just as the movement to de-construct marriage and the natural family are international in scope, so too must be our response," Jacobs declared. "World Congress of Families is uniting individuals across diverse faiths and cultures in support of institutions which serve as the bedrock of civilization. Article 16 (3) of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR ratified by all nations in 1948) states that, "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State."

Delegates, including Pro-family leaders, scholars and activists from over 60 nations, are expected to attend the Madrid Congress. Previous World Congresses of Families have been held in Prague (1997), Geneva (1999), Mexico City (2004), Warsaw (20070 and Amsterdam (2009). World Congress of Families VII is scheduled for Sydney, Australia in 2013.

Those interested in attending World Congress of Families VI in Madrid (May 25-27) can register online at www.worldcongress.es.

WCF VI is organized by HazteOir.org (the local host committee) and The Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society. Co-conveners for WCF VI in Madrid include Alliance Defense Fund, Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute and Focus on the Family. World Congress of Families is also supported annually by our 35 partners, in 11 countries. Click here for a complete list of WCF Partners.

For more information on World Congress of Families go to www.worldcongress.org. To schedule an interview with Larry Jacobs, contact Communications Director Don Feder at 508-405-1337, dfeder@rcn.com or Judy Hodge 815-964-5819, media@worldcongress.org.

The World Congress of Families (WCF) is an international network of pro-family organizations, scholars, leaders and inter-faith people of goodwill from more than 80 countries that seek to restore the natural family as the fundamental social unit and the 'seedbed' of civil society (as found in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948). The WCF was founded in 1997 by Allan Carlson and is a project of The Howard Center for Family, Religion & Society in Rockford, Illinois. To date, there have been five World Congresses of Families – Prague (1997), Geneva (1999), Mexico City (2004), Warsaw, Poland (2007) and Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2009). World Congress of Families VI will be held in Madrid, Spain in May 25-27, 2012.

SOURCE World Congress of Families

ADL Condemns as 'Inexcusable' Statements by North Carolina Pastor Declaring That Building an Electrified Fence is a Way to 'Get Rid of All The Lesbians and Queers'

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:45:17 +0000

ADL Condemns as 'Inexcusable' Statements by North Carolina Pastor Declaring That Building an Electrified Fence is a Way to 'Get Rid of All The Lesbians and Queers'

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned as "inexcusable" the statements made by Maiden, North Carolina Pastor Charles L. Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in his May 13 sermon in which he declared that ". . . a way to get rid of all the lesbians and queers . . . [is to] build a great, big, large fence — 150 or 100 mile long — put all the lesbians in there . . . Do the same thing for the queers and the homosexuals and have that fence electrified so they can't get out . . . And you know what, in a few years, they'll die."

David C. Friedman, ADL's Washington, DC Regional Director, issued the following statement:

Pastor Worley's videotaped remarks are deplorable, inexcusable and incompatible with the tenets of his faith. Pastor Worley owes the LGBT community and the people of Maiden, North Carolina a swift and unequivocal apology.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

CONTACT: Melissa Gluck, +1-202-452-8310, mgluck@adl.org, David Friedman, +1-202-452-8310

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

Mexico Reinforces Its Status As Top Destination For Weddings With Love Mexico Events In New York And Dallas

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:55:52 +0000

Mexico Reinforces Its Status As Top Destination For Weddings With Love Mexico Events In New York And Dallas

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Mexico Tourism Board has brought together representatives from Mexico's most romantic resorts and leading wedding suppliers to showcase Mexico's world class destination wedding offering at Love Mexico events in Dallas and New York.

As destination weddings become increasingly popular, accounting for around 24 percent of US weddings each year, thanks to its year round sunshine, world class hotels and resorts and outstanding value for money Mexico continues to be the top international destination for US couples, receiving 9 percent of all destination weddings of US couples.

This year's Love Mexico events were attended by more than 40 leading Mexican vendors, representing the premier destinations, resorts and wedding suppliers in Mexico. Over the course of the two events they engaged with more than 180 wedding planners and travel specialists through one to one meetings, presentations and seminars.

Highlights of this year's events included a special focus on the luxury market, and an insight into the emerging gay and lesbian wedding market provided by Bernadette Coveney, President of 14 Stories and the Gay Wedding Institute. Citing a recent study by Forbes, it was estimated that gay marriages can potentially boost the overall wedding industry by $9.5 billion per year; Ms. Coveney provided helpful advice to wedding planners on how to expand their business and catering to same-sex couples. She also pointed out that Puerto Vallarta and Cancun continue to be Mexico's most popular destinations for gay-friendly travel.

Celebrity wedding planner and lifestyle expert Colin Cowie provided the keynote address at the New York event discussing his experience in creating the most memorable moments and a "statement of style" for wedding couples. During an open discussion presentation, Mr. Cowie shared what inspires his work, how he creates the perfect wedding and showcased a variety of photos from weddings he planned in Mexico through his partnership with Palace Resorts to bring these stories to life.

Eduardo Chaillo, Executive Meetings Unit Director, Mexico Tourism Board said:

"We were delighted with the response to this year's Love Mexico events; all of the vendors and buyers that I spoke to had great feedback. With its combination of natural beauty, rich culture, world class hotels and resorts and outstanding service Mexico is the ultimate destination for weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways. As the destination weddings market grows and changes Mexico will continue to develop its offering."

Mexico offers many of the characteristics that couples are looking for including: uniqueness, variety, proximity to U.S. and overall value. Many celebrities have chosen Mexico to wed, honeymoon or even get engaged. Recently it has been reported that Kourtney Kardashian is planning to wed partner Scott Disick in Puerto Vallarta this summer after the birth of their second child, singer Leann Rimes and actor Eddie Cibrian recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary and renewed their wedding vows in Los Cabos, and Mario Lopez proposed to girlfriend Courtney Mazza in Ixtapa earlier this year and the couple plans to wed in Mexico.

For more information on weddings in Mexico, please contact weddings@visitmexico.com

SOURCE Mexico Tourism Board

Congress Shocked By Law Society's Decision To Ban UK Marriage Conference, "Natural Family" Violates Diversity Policy

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:24:08 +0000

Congress Shocked By Law Society's Decision To Ban UK Marriage Conference, "Natural Family" Violates Diversity Policy

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World Congress of Families Managing Director, Larry Jacobs, reacted with astonishment to the decision by the Law Society to ban a "natural marriage" conference co-sponsored by the Congress and Christian Concern, a WCF Partner in the United Kingdom.

WCF and Christian Concern's "One Man, One Woman: Making The Case for Marriage" Conference is scheduled for May 23 at the Law Society in London.

Christian Concern is in the forefront of efforts to preserve marriage in the United Kingdom, and has helped to collect over half-a-million signatures on its Don't Play Politics With Marriage petition, through the Coalition for Marriage.

Jacobs charged: "The Law Society – which represents solicitors in England and Wales -- has taken the extraordinary step of banning the conference, supposedly because, by questioning the social utility of same-sex marriage, it violates the Society's diversity policy. Apparently, the diversity the Society approves of least is the one that matters the most – diversity of opinion."

Jacobs continued: "A group which represents legal professionals, and – by extension – the rule of law, has decided that discussing the current law in England and Wales and debating a fundamental change in that law, is somehow discriminatory. According to researchers, natural marriage, as it exists now in England, has been shown to reduce poverty by more than 80% and is the most beneficial arrangement for children."

Allan Carlson, World Congress of Families Founder and International Secretary added, "The most bizarre aspect of this action is that Law Society is punishing us for, in effect, defending the British marriage law that now exists."

Prime Minister David Cameron wants to change British law to allow gay marriage. As the petition referred to above demonstrates, there is considerable opposition to the move, including among members of Cameron's cabinet.

Speakers at the scheduled conference will include: Sir Paul Coleridge (High Court Justice, Family Division), senior Family Law Practitioner Peter Duckworth, Phillip Blond (director of ResPublica think tank), commentator Cristina Odone, Ben Harris-Quinney (chairman of the centre-right think tank, The Bow Group), Dr. Allan C. Carlson, Ph.D. (Founder and International Secretary of the World Congress of Families) and Don Feder (WCF Communications Director).

The Law Society's London headquarters was also the site of Christian Concern's June 29, 2011 "The Future of The Family in Coalition Britain Conference."

Jacobs asked: "At the 2011 conference, Member of Parliament Stewart Jackson observed that 'marriage should be preserved as being solely between a man and a woman.' Why was this not a violation of the Society's diversity policy then, but it is now?"

Jacobs concluded: "World Congress of Families stands fully behind Christian Concern and its CEO, Andrea Minichiello Williams. If the Law Society is really interested in diversity, it should consider including advocates for the natural family – who happen to constitute most of the world's families. The international rights of the natural family are outlined by the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), article 16(3), which states, 'The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by Society and the State.'"

World Congress of Families VI will be held May 25-27, 2012, in Madrid, Spain, at the Palacio de Congresos, and is the world's largest gathering of pro-family leaders, scholars and activists.

The theme for the Madrid 2012 Congress is "Marriage and Family: The Future of Society." Those interested in attending World Congress of Families VI can register online at www.worldcongress.es.

SOURCE World Congress of Families

Family Building Seminar for Lesbians at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:40:00 +0000

Family Building Seminar for Lesbians at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center

American Fertility Association & California Cryobank present Gay Women's Gathering

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Fertility Association (The AFA), in association with California Cryobank, announced today a free seminar focused on family building for the lesbian community.

The Gay Women's Gathering will take place on Thursday, June 7th, from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 North McCadden Place, in Los Angeles.

Critical information such as choosing a sperm donor, getting pregnant through insemination or in vitro fertilization (IVF) at home or not at home, unraveling the legal jargon, and maintaining optimum health will all be explored in a relaxed, conversational way.

"As the only inclusive national fertility association, we're honored to host this event in collaboration with California Cryobank," said Ken Mosesian, Executive Director of The AFA. He continued, "We've assembled a fantastic team of presenters who can answer all the questions that our audience members may have. They include attorney Stephanie M. Caballero, and Drs. Jane L. Frederick of HRC Fertility and Kelly J. Baek of California Fertility Partners."

"Finding a sperm donor, selecting an insemination procedure, and protecting both parents' legal rights can all have significant long-term financial, medical, and emotional impact on a lesbian family," stated Scott Brown, Director of Client Experience & Communications at California Cryobank, who will also be speaking at the event. Scott further stated, "California Cryobank is proud to be a part of this incredibly important evening of family building education and support."

Though the evening is focused on the lesbian community, family, friends, and supporters are encouraged to attend as well. A light meal will be served, and gift bags with educational content will be given to all participants.

The event is free, but reservations are requested by calling The AFA's Program Director, Corey Whelan, at 718-853.1411 or emailing Corey@TheAFA.org.

About The AFA:

The American Fertility Association (The AFA) is an inclusive organization committed to helping people create their families of choice by providing leading-edge outreach programs and timely educational information. The scope of our work encompasses reproductive and sexual health, infertility prevention and treatment, and family-building options including adoption and third party solutions. The AFA is a national, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in New York City.

http://www.theafa.org

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE The American Fertility Association

ADL Expresses Deep Disappointment Over Virginia Legislature's Rejection Of A Judicial Nominee Because Of His Sexual Orientation

Wed, 16 May 2012 21:40:43 +0000

ADL Expresses Deep Disappointment Over Virginia Legislature's Rejection Of A Judicial Nominee Because Of His Sexual Orientation

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed deep disappointment over action by the Virginia House of Delegates to reject a nominee for the General District Court because of his sexual orientation. The nominee, Tracy Thorne-Begland, was apparently rejected for no other reason than who he is and what he fought for. Mr. Thorne-Begland had disclosed his sexual orientation over 20 years ago while he served as a naval officer.

According to The Washington Post, during the course of the Virginia General Assembly's voting process, one Delegate Robert G. Marshall, while remarking that same-sex marriage is not legal in Virginia stated: "[Thorne-Begland] holds himself out as being married . . . [his] life is a contradiction to the requirement of submission to the constitution."

"ADL firmly believes that the selection of individuals for judicial appointments, as in all employment decisions, should be based on merit, performance and ability – and never on the basis of an individual's sexual orientation. Bias has no place in the selection process for judicial nominees, such as Mr. Thorne-Begland," said David C. Friedman, the Anti-Defamation League's D.C. Regional Director. "No one should be denied the opportunity to be considered for a job or court appointment solely because of his or her sexual orientation."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

As a 501c3 non-profit corporation, ADL takes no position on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for office.

SOURCE Anti-Defamation League

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Honors Gabe Glissmeyer of Salt Lake City, UT As National Youth Advocate of the Year

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:41:06 +0000

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Honors Gabe Glissmeyer of Salt Lake City, UT As National Youth Advocate of the Year

PR Newswire

--Leadership in Fight Against Tobacco Recognized Nationally--

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gabe Glissmeyer, 18, of Salt Lake City, Utah, has been named the National Youth Advocate of the Year by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids for his leadership in the fight against tobacco. Gabe is being honored at a gala in the nation's capital on Thursday (May 17) along with four U.S. regional winners and a group winner.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080918/CFTFKLOGO)

Gabe's passion for tobacco-control advocacy began when he saw the harm that tobacco caused to his older sister, who started smoking at a young age. His interest deepened when he attended a gay pride event and was shocked to be told that he "couldn't be gay" because he didn't smoke. He soon learned how the tobacco industry targets the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Gabe then created Out of the Smoke, a program at the Utah Pride Center dedicated to helping people quit and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Gabe also is president of the Youth Leadership Board of Utah's statewide youth tobacco-control program, One Good Reason. Working with One Good Reason, Gabe helped to survey 1,800 Utah teens about new, dissolvable tobacco products. The group's initiative, "It's All about the Packaging" was featured on national television and results were provided to the state of Colorado, where dissolvable products were being test-marketed. Gabe also has testified about tobacco issues before the Utah Legislature.

More than 400 public health, political, civic and business leaders will attend the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' 16^th annual gala in Washington, D.C., to recognize these young leaders. The winners will receive educational scholarships and grants to continue their prevention efforts and serve as ambassadors for the Campaign.

"Gabe Glissmeyer and other young leaders from across the nation are making great strides in the fight against tobacco and their voices are being heard," said Matthew L. Myers, President of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "Every day, 1,000 kids in the United States become regular smokers and roughly one-third of them will die prematurely from tobacco-caused disease. Young leaders like Gabe Glissmeyer play a critical role in preventing kids from smoking and reducing tobacco's terrible toll on our nation."

In Utah, 8.5 percent of high school students smoke, and 1,500 kids become daily smokers every year. Every year, tobacco use kills 1,100 Utah residents and costs the state $345 million in health care bills. Nationally, tobacco use kills more than 400,000 people and costs the nation $96 billion in health care expenditures each year.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leading force in the fight to reduce tobacco use and its deadly toll in the United States and around the world. Our vision: A future free of the death and disease caused by tobacco. We work to save lives by advocating for public policies that prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke.

SOURCE Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

New Campaign Highlights Stories of Military Families Harmed by So-Called "Defense of Marriage Act"

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

New Campaign Highlights Stories of Military Families Harmed by So-Called "Defense of Marriage Act"

PR Newswire

Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) unite to challenge marriage discrimination against gay and lesbian service members

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A week after President Obama announced his support for ending marriage discrimination against same-sex couples, Freedom to Marry and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) announced Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, a new national campaign that will highlight the stories of military families harmed by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The campaign launched with the release of an online video illustrating the real injury inflicted on gay and lesbian military families who, because of the federal government's refusal to respect their marriages legally, are denied the support and protections that all other military families receive.

"Last week the President described how the stories of service members and their families made a difference in his decision to support the freedom to marry. In deed, the faces and stories of military families impacted by the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act illustrate the unjust ways this law treats our nation's most courageous patriots. It's unconscionable that we would ask American citizens to put their lives on the line for us in war zones while treating them and their families as second-class citizens at home. All service members and their families provide the same service, take the same risks, and make the same sacrifices. When it comes to recognition, support, and benefits, they must all be treated equally. There cannot be two classes of service members," said Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis.

Because of the 'gay exception' created by DOMA, America's legally married gay and lesbian couples are denied 1,100+ federal responsibilities and protections including Social Security survivors benefits, equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws, and the opportunity to take leave to care for a spouse.

"Many people assume that, with the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," gay men and lesbians serving our country are now being treated fairly and equally, but that's not the case. We ended the ban on open military service for gay and lesbian Americans, but there is still a federal ban on treating married service members as what they are: married," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. "The so-called Defense of Marriage Act's 'gay exception' keeps the government in the business of discriminating against families, such as those of service members, and burdening employers, such as the military, who are prevented from treating their employees fairly and equally."

The Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry campaign will include video and other multimedia content spotlighting the harms of DOMA on military families, including the denial of health insurance, survivor benefits, and access to military bases and housing for service members' spouses. Additionally, the campaign will invite the public to sign an online petition calling on Congress to "end this discriminatory and unequal treatment of our service members and veterans by repealing DOMA."

In October 2011, SLDN filed landmark litigation on behalf of eight married gay and lesbian service members and veterans challenging DOMA and three other federal statutes that may be interpreted to prevent the military from providing the same protections and support to all families. For more information on the case, click here.

Freedom to Marry's federal program works to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and make the case for marriage to government officials, opinion-leaders, and political operatives in Washington, DC. Freedom to Marry is a leader of the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a diverse group of nearly 70 organizations working together to repeal DOMA, and regularly hosts salons to engage Democratic, Republican, and independent opinion-leaders and operatives in conversations about why marriage matters to same-sex couples. Since the introduction of the Respect for Marriage Act, the bill that would repeal DOMA, the number of cosponsors has increased from 18 to 32 in the Senate, including every Democratic member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and from 108 to 144 in the House of Representatives.

For more information on Freedom to Serve, Freedom to Marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org/serve.

ABOUT FREEDOM TO MARRY: Freedom to Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.

ABOUT SLDN: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is a non-partisan, non-profit, legal services and policy organization dedicated to bringing about full LGBT equality to America's military and ending all forms of discrimination and harassment of military personnel on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. SLDN provides free and direct legal assistance to service members and veterans affected by the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law and the prior regulatory ban on open service, as well as those currently serving who may experience harassment or discrimination. Since 1993, our in-house legal team has responded to more than 11,500 requests for assistance. To learn more, visit www.sldn.org. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members with questions are urged to contact the SLDN hotline to speak with a staff attorney: Call 1-800-538-7418 or 202-328-3244 x100.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Evan Wolfson
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=34430

Contact:
Jackie Yodashkin at 917-620-4502 or Jackie@freedomtomarry.org (Freedom to Marry)
Angela Dallara at 646-430-3925 or angela@freedomtomarry.org (Freedom to Marry)
Zeke Stokes at 202-621-5406 or zeke@sldn.org (SLDN)

SOURCE Freedom to Marry

New Novel Explores Gay Life in America Long Before Same-Sex Marriage Debate

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:30:00 +0000

New Novel Explores Gay Life in America Long Before Same-Sex Marriage Debate

RUNNING IN BED from Two Harbors Press

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Jeffrey Sharlach's critically-acclaimed new novel RUNNING IN BED (Two Harbors Press; $14.95 paperback; $7.99 eBook) looks at the experiences of a generation of gay men who came of age in the 1970s, the decade following the Stonewall uprising considered the birth of the modern gay rights movement in America.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120515/CL06726 )

Hailed by Publisher's Weekly as a "fast-moving and engaging story that will linger with the reader long after the final page is turned," Running in Bed tells the story of Josh Silver, an ambitious young college grad who's just landed his first job at a prestigious Madison Avenue advertising agency. Everything in his life is working out just fine—except for one nagging problem: he can't stop dreaming about men. Josh seeks professional help to reprogram his sexual desire but in 1977 New York City's gay community is basking in the golden glow of the post-Stonewall decade and Josh finally succumbs to its lure.

In what Kirkus called "a vibrant, accomplished debut," first-time novelist Sharlach paints a brilliant picture of life in New York for a gay man at that moment in history. From the New York club scene to summers on Fire Island, Sharlach writes with humor, poignancy, and charm, and presents characters who are universal in their appeal.

When the AIDS crisis brings the free spirit of the 70s to a crushing end, the book's characters are forced to navigate the turmoil of an era where beauty, youth, wealth and life itself seem unimaginably fragile. It's a personal tale for Sharlach whose own partner's life was claimed by the disease in 1994 after they had been together as a couple for nearly 13 years.

"Running in Bed is mostly a love story," Sharlach explained. "But it was also important for me to try to capture that remarkable time in our history for future generations. This isn't something most young people learn about in social studies class."

RUNNING IN BED
Two Harbors Press
ISBN: 978-1937293482
Publishing May 15, 2012

SOURCE Two Harbors Press

Hayla to Headline Christopher Street West's Los Angeles Gay Pride 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:06:00 +0000

Hayla to Headline Christopher Street West's Los Angeles Gay Pride 2012

PR Newswire

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MEDIA GIANTS – World electronic dance music star Hayla joins the cast of headliners such as Karmin, Jessica Sutta and Dev at Christopher Street West's mammoth L.A. Pride, in West Hollywood, California. The international songstress will drop her dynamite vocals performing her current Billboard and FMQB hit "I'm Free," along with new material from her forthcoming CD "WEDM 2012." Hayla will perform on Saturday, June 9th at 9:00 p.m. Visit http://www.lapride.org/.

Hayla recently revealed that she has a unique kinship with the LGBT community, being the daughter of a gay father and raised by two lesbian mothers.

"This Pride performance is incredibly special for our family," states Hayla. "I am so honored and grateful to be a part of this year's L.A. Pride."

Hayla's electro-diva stage show continues to mesmerize the Los Angeles club scene. With a voice comparable to the commanding power of Martha Wash; the drama and edge of Cherrytree Records' Robyn; and the angelic vocals of Enya, Hayla demonstrates that her God-given vocal talent and skill are undeniable. Lifting the experience to new heights, the gorgeous singer also plays her Swarovski crystal-encrusted doumbek drum. Hayla gives birth to "World Electronic Dance Music" or WEDM for short.

Upcoming Performances:

May 16 – The Abbey Food & Bar – Girlbar's Anniversary Party

May 26 – The Factory – INK

June 9 – L.A. Pride

Associated Press Photos:
http://apimages.ap.org/Search.aspx?st=det&sh=10&sort=date&ids=Hayla%20West%20Hollywood%20Debut%20and%20Performance&showact=details&kwstyle=or&adte=1335023857&pagez=60&dah=-1&cfasstyle=AND.

ABOUT HAYLA

Hayla brings a dynamic dash of exotica to the global dance scene. The multi-talented singer and percussionist, draws musical inspiration from her European and Middle Eastern background. She secured her first label deal in Israel at 17 and quickly scored a #1 chart hit. After moving to the U.S., Hayla was signed to independent label HMI, to release new material showcasing her true gift. With a unique array of musicians and producers Hayla has recorded a catalogue of songs and released the full-length CD "Fusion." She has toured with the Yuval Ron Ensemble; was lead singer for the Jewish Symphony; sang at comedian Wanda Sykes' wedding; and recorded several projects with Academy Award winning composer James Horner ("Titanic," "Avatar"). Hayla's sophomore album "WEDM 2012" is due out this summer.

Hayla on iTunes

www.haylaofficial.com

www.facebook.com/haylaofficial

www.twitter.com/haylaofficial

Media Inquiries and Review Copies of Hayla's "WEDM 2012":

Jim Strzalkowski - Media Giants – jim@mediagiantsusa.com / p. (310) 652-2283

SOURCE HMI

Hispanic National Bar Association Salutes President Obama For His Support Of Marriage Equality

Mon, 14 May 2012 20:47:58 +0000

Hispanic National Bar Association Salutes President Obama For His Support Of Marriage Equality

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a historic moment last week, President Barack Obama endorsed same-sex marriage, stating, "It is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married." The President's endorsement comes at a crucial time in the struggle for marriage equality nationwide, and the HNBA commends President Obama for his public demonstration of support on this important issue.

The HNBA has long fully supported marriage equality, including having co-sponsored a resolution of the American Bar Association ("ABA"), which urged states to eliminate all legal barriers to same-sex marriage (ABA Resolution No. 111). The HNBA also recently joined an amicus brief filed in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA"), which defines marriage as the legal union between one man and one woman.

"The HNBA expresses its gratitude to President Obama for taking a public stance on this civil rights issue that is so important to our community," said Benny Agosto, Jr., HNBA National President. "In this day and age, it is no longer acceptable for a nation as great as ours to deprive a group of its citizens of a fundamental right, and the HNBA stands firmly with the President and all supporters of marriage equality."

Research shows there is widespread support among Hispanics for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender ("LGBT") equality. "The President's public support of marriage equality validates what many of us have known and believed deep in our hearts -- that the bedrock of this country is equal rights for all," said Robert Maldonado, Chair of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Section of the HNBA. "Hispanic gay couples are twice as likely as white gay couples to be raising children, and these parents have the same right to raise their children as a married couple as anyone else. We thank President Obama for his courage."

The HNBA urges all states and the federal government to support marriage equality. For further information, please contact Robert Maldonado, Chair of the LGBT Section of the HNBA, at (212) 278-0509.

About the Hispanic National Bar Association

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories. From the days of its founding three decades ago, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by prompting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed.

SOURCE Hispanic National Bar Association

Freedom to Marry Releases Video of Audra McDonald Hailing President Obama's Support for Marriage

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:23:39 +0000

Freedom to Marry Releases Video of Audra McDonald Hailing President Obama's Support for Marriage

PR Newswire

Four Time Tony Winner Says for Gay Youth, President's Support "Is Like a Superhero Just Flew into Their Corner"

NEW YORK, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Freedom to Marry released a video starring four-time Tony Award-winning singer and actress Audra McDonald, who recently received her 7th Tony Award nomination for her role in The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, hailing the President's announcement of support for the freedom to marry. McDonald explains the power of the President's embrace of the freedom to marry, and reflects on last week's passage of an anti-gay constitutional amendment in North Carolina aimed at banning marriage and any other legal respect for same-sex couples and their families.

"Audra McDonald has been a vocal supporter of gay people's freedom to marry for years – and who could ask for better vocal support," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. "Audra's poignant words in today's Freedom to Marry video about President Obama's embrace of the freedom to marry underscore both his moral leadership and how the way he spoke so personally about his family will touch the hearts of those still wrestling with their own feelings about the freedom to marry and young people looking for support and affirmation."

The video is being released on the day that President Obama and Freedom to Marry's President Evan Wolfson will share the stage at Barnard College, both receiving the school's highest honor, the prestigious Barnard Medal of Distinction.

The Audra McDonald's Freedom to Marry video can be viewed at http://youtu.be/ExIUJmCCMR4. For more information on the freedom to marry, visit www.freedomtomarry.org.

Freedom to Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide. We are pursuing our Roadmap to Victory by working to win the freedom to marry in more states, grow the national majority for marriage, and end federal marriage discrimination. We partner with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Evan Wolfson - https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=34430

Press Contact:
Angela Dallara
Communications Associate
angela@freedomtomarry.org
646-430-3925

SOURCE Freedom to Marry

Evan Wolfson to Receive Barnard Medal Of Distinction Alongside President Obama

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Evan Wolfson to Receive Barnard Medal Of Distinction Alongside President Obama

PR Newswire

President Obama and Freedom to Marry Founder to Share the Stage and Honors at Commencement Ceremony Today

NEW YORK, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President Barack Obama will deliver the Commencement Address at Barnard College's graduation ceremony and receive the Barnard Medal of Distinction, the school's highest honor, also being presented to Freedom to Marry's Founder and President Evan Wolfson. The shared honors come just days after the President spoke out in support of the freedom to marry for all Americans.

"I am deeply moved to join with President Obama to celebrate the next generation of leaders coming up among Barnard women, and to share the Barnard Medal of Distinction with him," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. "And I will thank the President for doing what we elect presidents to do -- showing moral leadership in standing up for freedom, fairness, and families -- and for speaking in such personal terms about the journey he and so many Americans have made to understand who gay families are and why marriage matters."

"In explaining his change of heart, the President spoke in heartfelt words that rang true, because he described the very same journey that so many Americans – a majority now – have made," added Wolfson. "He talked about the conversations he has had with his wife, his daughters, gay and lesbian friends and staffers, and others. He talked about the soul-searching he did as a Christian, as a parent, and as an American. He described how he and Michelle talked with Sasha and Malia about classmates with gay parents, and how the girls couldn't imagine that their friends' parents would be denied something as important as marriage. He reflected, he said, on the values he and Michelle are teaching their kids – including the Golden Rule of treating others as you'd want to be treated – and came to see that all that added up to the need to embrace the freedom to marry as a matter of fairness and good."

The Barnard Commencement and Honors ceremony will take place today at 12:30 p.m. on Columbia University's South Lawn, where the President will address approximately 600 members of the Class of 2012 in a speech to be broadcast live on www.barnard.edu. Others being honored include Helene D. Gayle, the President and CEO of CARE USA, and Barnard professor of chemistry Sally Chapman.

Previous recipients of the Barnard Medal of Distinction include U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Arthur Ashe, Walter Cronkite, Mario, Cuomo, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, and legendary actress Meryl Streep – and also former New York Court of Appeals Chief Judge Judith Kaye, who will present the Medal of Distinction to Wolfson.

Wolfson, dubbed the "Godfather of Gay Marriage" by Newsweek, is the Founder and President of Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry. After getting a BA in History from Yale, Wolfson served in the Peace Corps in West Africa and then earned his JD from Harvard Law School. In 2004, Time magazine named Wolfson one of the "100 most influential people in the world."

Prior to founding Freedom to Marry in 2003, Wolfson launched the ongoing global marriage movement as co-counsel in the landmark Hawaii marriage case, Baehr v. Miike. He also contributed to the legal teams in the Vermont case that led to the creation of "civil unions" and Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which led to marriage in Massachusetts. In 1976, he was a Senate intern for Vice President Joe Biden, who this past Sunday came out in support of the freedom to marry. Wolfson argued before the Supreme Court in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale and has taught as an adjunct professor at Columbia Law School. Wolfson married his longtime partner, Dr. Cheng He, this past October after winning the freedom to marry in New York.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
Evan Wolfson
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=34430

Press Contact:
Jackie Yodashkin
Communications Director
jackie@freedomtomarry.org
917-620-4502

SOURCE Freedom to Marry