Date: Mon, 9 Feb 1998 16:31:50 -0700 From: Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Subject: GLAADLines 02.09.98 GLAADLINES contact: Don Romesburg (415) 861-2244 romesburg@glaad.org http://www.glaad.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 1998 News and Breaking Stories about the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community SPECIAL NATIONAL FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY EDITION FEBRUARY 12 IS NATIONAL FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY: With a favorable decision regarding same-sex marriage pending from the Hawaii Supreme Court, supporters of legalized same-sex marriage will celebrate National Freedom To Marry Day two days before Valentine's Day, in more than 40 cities. For information on the coordinated nationwide efforts, contact Chris Calhoun (L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center) at (213) 860-7352 or e-mail laftmc@aol.com. Some highlights: ALASKA: Featuring photos of lesbian and gay parented families from all backgrounds, the critically-acclaimed "Love Makes A Family" exhibit is touring Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage throughout the month of February. For more information contact Sarah Boesser (Committee For Equality) at (907) 586-5230. CALIFORNIA: LOS ANGELES: In Los Angeles, at 11:00 am, a giant lavender knot will be tied on the West Hollywood City Hall as a way to show symbolic support of same-sex couples "tying the knot." For more information contact Corri Planck (L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center) at (213) 860-7357. SACRAMENTO: A news conference will feature Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Shelia Kuehl and Assemblywoman Carol Migden discussing the need for equal marriage rights for all people. For more information contact Laurie McBride (LIFE Lobby) at (916) 444-0424. SAN DIEGO: An evening ceremony, in which couples will be blessed by Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), will be followed by a Hawaiian luau. For more information contact Rev. Tony Freeman (MCC San Diego) at (619) 280-4333. SAN FRANCISCO: At a 3:00 pm news conference, City Supervisor Leslie Katz will declare February 12 National Freedom to Marry Day on behalf of Mayor Brown and honor Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the National Freedom to Marry Coalition for their work. A reception and discussion forum with National Center for Lesbian Rights and Cheryl Deaner from All Our Families will be held at MCC. For more information contact Cheryl Deaner at (415) 681-1960. GEORGIA: In Atlanta, GLAAD, in conjunction with other members of the Freedom to Marry Coalition, will hold a news conference and community forum at 6:30 pm. At Emory University David Purcell, author of On the Road to Same Sex Marriage, will hold a book signing and discussion. For more information contact Sean Sasser (GLAAD Atlanta Media Resource Center Manager) at (404) 876-1398. MASSACHUSETTS: After an interfaith breakfast discussion, a Freedom to Marry news conference and panel discussion will launch the local "Tying the Knot" visibility campaign. In addition, Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government will hold a special event. For more information contact Ellen Hemrich-Giles (FTM Boston) at (617) 666-5200. MISSOURI: In Kansas City, the newest GLAAD Media Resource Center is coordinating a parade of cars decked out "just married" style. Each will feature important messages about the freedom to marry. For more information contact Everett Austin (GLAAD Kansas City Media Resource Center Manager) at (816) 756-5991. NEW YORK: The Equality in Marriage event begins at noon on the steps of City Hall with a news conference and rally followed by a town meeting at the Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center. For more information contact Sherry Paul (Empire State Pride Agenda) at (212) 627-0305. NORTH CAROLINA: In Charlotte, a wedding cake celebration of lesbian and gay unions will kick off a "Tying the Knot" campaign with local businesses. For more information contact Dawn Moffitt (AMBUSH) at (704) 596-8303. TEXAS: In Dallas, the University of Texas will hold a same-sex marriage information booth as well as an evening discussion, while the Cathedral of Hope, the largest MCC congregation in America, will honor its long-term couples with a February 15 Sunday service. For more information contact Rev. Irene Travis (MCC) at (214) 351-1901. WASHINGTON: In the wake of the state legislature specifically outlawing the recognition of same-sex marriages from other states, supporters of National Freedom to Marry Day will gather at the King County marriage license office for an action. For more information contact John Wilkinson (Legal Marriage Alliance of Washington) at (206) 523-1904. To report events that merit media coverage, or news stories breaking in your area, please contact us. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is the only national lesbian & gay multimedia advocacy organization. GLAAD promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity. To subscribe contact Don Romesburg at (415) 861-2244 or at romesburg@glaad.org. "GLAAD" and "Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation" are trademarks of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Inc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) glaad@glaad.org TO REPORT DEFAMATION IN THE MEDIA - Call GLAAD's Alertline at 1.800.GAY.MEDIA or go to the GLAAD Web Site at www.glaad.org and report through our Alertline Online. 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