Date: Thu, 23 Sep 99 12:41:06 -0500 From: National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Subject: [NGLTF PRESS] Task Force Recognizes Celebrate Bisexuality Day ********************************************* NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: David Elliot, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager delliot@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC ********************************************* TASK FORCE RECOGNIZES CELEBRATE BISEXUALITY DAY; URGES ENHANCED COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY FOR ALL `Bisexual people have faced prejudice and discrimination both inside and outside the GLBT movement,' says Kerry Lobel Sept. 23, 1999 - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today recognized the inaugural "Celebrate Bisexuality Day" and commended bisexuality organizations in the United States and throughout the world for their work in fighting for justice and equal rights. "It has been said that bisexual people are both a part of, and apart from, the gay, lesbian and transgender community," said NGLTF Executive Director Kerry Lobel. "Unfortunately, bisexual people have faced prejudice and discrimination both inside and outside the GLBT movement. Today is a good time for us to look inward and think about what we can do to challenge biphobia because we are one movement for social change." BiNet USA lauded the first-ever Celebrate Bisexuality Day, which is being recognized Thursday in major cities, suburban and rural areas around the world. Observances are planned for the United States, Japan, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand and Sweden. According to the Bisexual Resource Center, more than 1,300 groups in 48 states, Washington, D.C. and 19 countries exist to promote awareness and discussion of bisexual issues. In 1997, NGLTF changed its mission statement to reflect its support for bisexual and transgendered people. Longtime bisexual activist and NGLTF board member Lani Ka'ahumanu credits activists with working to make the Task Force and other national GLBT groups more inclusive in their language and outreach efforts. "With its political organizing roots grounded in the 70s and 80s, the bisexual movement has become a visible and vital force in the 1990s," Ka'ahumanu said. "Where bisexuals were once told we didn't exist, we now have a seat at the table. Through the work of organizations such as BiNet USA and NGLTF, we are fighting to end discrimination, intimidation and violence. I find this truly remarkable and reflective of how much work has been done. As bisexuals, we are challenging the stereotype that any one of us can be defined by the perceived gender of our partner." _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________________________________ The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force presents the Creating Change conference - the nation's premier conference for activists and organizers in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement. November 10-14 * Oakland, CA * http://www.creatingchange.org _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Communications Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. To reach the NGLTF Communications Department at NGLTF, please call David Elliot, Communications Director, at 202-332-6483 x3303 or pager 800-757-6476. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.