From: UfmccHq Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 14:36:26 EDT Subject: Millennium March on Washington Announces Event Date FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, April 30, 1998 PRESS CONTACTS: Donna Red Wing (202) 216-1541 James Birkitt (310) 360-8640 Benjamin Sheppard (202) 466-8240 MILLENNIUM MARCH ON WASHINGTON SET FOR APRIL 30, 2000 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. (END) ______________________________________ FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: 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