From: NewsDistribution@gaydata.com Date: Thu, 11 May 2000 10:51:52 -0500 Subject: May 20 Lambda Conference to Host National Gathering Media Contact: Sharon Kersten (305) 867-0933 kersten@the-beach.net Assistant U.S. Attorney General, White House Liaison and Transsexual Teacher Fired from her Job Among Speakers at Lambda Conference May 20 event to host national gathering of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Organizations and Activists Miami Beach is set to host one of the largest Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) Conferences in the Southeastern United States - Lambda Conference & Business Expo 2000, on Saturday, May 20, 2000. Presented by SAVE Foundation, this is the sixth year of the daylong conference, which has attracted an impressive list of national speakers. Included in the impressive lineup of presenters are keynote speakers Robert Raben, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs, Elizabeth Julian Potter, Director of Lesbian and Gay Outreach for the White House Office of Public Liaison and Dana Rivers, the transsexual teacher fired from her job in California. Robert Raben's office is responsible for overseeing the Attorney General's legislative initiatives. The office responds to Congressional inquiries, coordinates activity concerning Congressional oversight of the Department and participates in the Senate confirmation process for federal judges and Department nominees, such as Assistant Attorneys General and U.S. Attorneys. From 1993-1999, Raben served as Counsel to Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA). With a direct line to the President, Elizabeth Julian Potter is responsible for eliciting input from the public regarding policies, programs and issues, and communicating those views to the President and his advisors. In addition to her community and political experience she has worked on many issues of importance to the Lesbian and Gay community. On the Campaign for Military Service, she assisted in a national outreach strategy to support President Clinton's effort to lift the ban on Gay Service members. During the Clinton/Gore Inaugural of 1997 she served on the host committee that produced the first Inaugural Gala for Lesbians that was recognized by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Dana Rivers created an uproar when she arrived at her teaching position as a woman, whereas she previously held the position as David Warfield. An award-winning teacher with an excellent nine- year record as an educator, Rivers' case began when the school board voted 3-2 to begin dismissal proceedings and put her on paid leave while she fought her case. The attempted firing of Rivers attracted national media attention, and feature articles about her have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Time and People. She has also appeared with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, on 20/20 and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. As a male to female transsexual, she has witnessed first hand discrimination that comes from ignorance about her rare medical condition, Gender Identity Dysphoria. She possesses a unique vantage point from which to observe the barriers still facing women in our society and economy. As a public educator, she understands the need to create a safe and accepting environment for gay youth, not only in schools and institutions, but also on the streets and in family settings. Another important component of the conference will be a round table discussion - "Where Do We Go From Here?" - featuring leaders from throughout the nation, including representatives from National Center for Lesbian Rights, Human Rights Campaign, LLEGO, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Victory Fund and Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Specific tracks will include five to seven workshops conducted throughout the day in each of the following categories: Political / Legal, Financial, Family, Relationships, Health, Religion & Spirituality, Diversity Within, Youth and Gay Culture & Lifestyles. Individual workshops cover a diverse range of issues, including The Gayby Boom, Protecting Your Assets, So You Want to Run for Office, Black and Hispanic issues and Hate Crimes. The Business Expo showcases local and national businesses and organizations with an interest in serving the needs of the GLBT community. The exhibitors will provide information and discuss their issues, products or services in a one-to-one setting. Lambda Conference & Business Expo is presented by SAVE Foundation, whose mission is to empower the GLBT community through education and information. This year's sponsors include: Genre Magazine, TWN, CVS ProCare, Dade Human Rights Foundation, Burstein Family Foundation, FEDCO Pharmacy, Miamigo Magazine, Gayborhood.com, Renaissance Women, Dupont Pharmaceuticals and G&L Internet Bank. Youth and Health Tracks are sponsored by United Way of Miami-Dade. Lambda Conference & Business Expo takes place on Saturday, May 20 from 9 AM to 7 PM at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive. Admission is $15 per person, and scholarships are available based on need. Daycare services will be offered free of charge, with advance reservation required. For further information, please call (305) 751-7283 or visit the web site at http://www.lambdaconference.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------- GLINN News Distribution Service at http://www.gaydata.com, the Gay Media Database and GLINN.COM, the Gay/Lesbian International News Network.