Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 11:24:05 -0500 From: Riki Anne Wilchins Subject: GPAC & HRC LOBBY TOGETHER ON THE HILL MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dana Priesing (703)578-0903 DPriesing@waOnline.Com GENDERPAC & HRC LOBBY TOGETHER ON THE HILL ========================== Today marked the turning of a corner as -- for the first time - the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and GenderPAC made a series of joint calls on Capitol Hill. The day's activities, organized by HRC's Senior Policy Advocate, Nancy Buermeyer, was devoted to conducting basic education around bi/herm/trans issues, and discussing prospects for ENDA trans-inclusion with the bill's sponsors. Lobbyists Dana Priesing (GPac), Deb Kolodny (BiNet USA/GPac), Nancy Buermeyer (HRC), Kris Pratt (HRC) and Riki Wilchins (GPac) called on a half- dozen congressional offices. The meetings were all constructive, and in most cases included a basic "Gender 101" for the staffers, as well as plans for return visits. On a sobering note, the advice of most legislative assistants, including ENDA sponsors, was that trans-inclusion was probably not viable at this point, and might delay the bill's passage 5-10 years. Said Wilchins, "If this is what we're hearing from our ENDA friends, it may signal time to re-evaluate our emphasis and consider shifting some of our resources to Hate Crimes, Psychiatric Abuse of Gender-variant Children (PAGC), and Intersexed Genital Mutilation (IGM)." The meetings marked the first held under GPac auspices since its articles of association were signed and formalized February of 1996, and GPac lobbyists sought to represent all the marginalized groups which could be considered within their mission of fighting "gender-based oppression," including transgenders, bisexuals, the leather community, crossdressers, the intersexed and transexuals. Said a GPac spokesperson, "We're trying to cast as wide a net as possible in pursuing our motto of 'gender, affectional and racial equality.'" The meetings also marked the first time a lobbyist specifically from a bisexual organization has been on the Hill representing the concerns of their community. Said Deb Kolodny of BiNet USA, the national bisexual organization (in the midst of joining GenderPAC), "Naturally we're disappointed to hear from ENDA sponsors that trans-inclusion might harm the bill. On the other hand, we were pleased that every office expressed genuine concern about Bisexual and Transgender issues and a desire to work closely with us in the future. BiNet USA is looking forward to working with GenderPAC on the lobbying and constituent organizing to make more inclusive legislation a reality." The meetings also covered specific ENDA-inclusion wording developed by a team of HRC's Chai Feldblum, Sharon Stuart of the Transgender Law Conference (ICTLEP), It's Time America's (ITA) Jessica Xavier, and GPac's Dana Priesing. Said key team-member Jessica Xavier, "The development of proper ENDA language which is trans-inclusive was a giant step forward. Now it's up to the gender community to press our growing visibility on Capitol Hill, and move Congressional offices closer to trans- positive voting." In summarizing the day's events, stated HRC's Nancy Buermeyer, "Education is one of our strongest tools in working with Congress. I look forward to working with the GenderPAC to continue this vital first step. The upcoming 2nd National Gender Lobby Day May 5th will provide an excellent opportunity to continue this education -- I'm excited about participating." ### (c) 1997 GenderPAC Congressional News Service An on-line, news-only service. When re-posting, please credit GenderPAC.