EqualityMaine Celebrates 25 Years of Progress for Maines LGBT Community
EqualityMaines 25th anniversary celebration dinner will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland. Founded in 1984 as the Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance, EqualityMaine is the states oldest and largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organization.
In January 2009 we, in partnership with the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition, announced a bill that would extend civil marriage rights to same-sex couples in Maine, says executive director Betsy Smith. Its fitting that this historic effort began during our 25th anniversary year. Weve come a long way since 1984, securing hate crime protections and nondiscrimination legislation, among other achievements. Winning marriage will be another tremendous step forward for Maines same-sex couples and their families.
EqualityMaines anniversary dinner will include an awards program honoring statewide leaders for equality, a retrospective of the organizations first 25 years and updates on the campaign for marriage.
This years honorees are:
"Presidents Award: Dale McCormick, co-founder and first president of the Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance, which became EqualityMaine in 2004
"Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing lifelong leadership in the fight for full equality: Betsy Sweet, Moose Ridge Associates, Hallowell
"Great Pioneer Award, recognizing achievement that embodies bold new vision or courageous breakthrough in our struggle for equality: Steve Wessler, founder of Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, Portland
"Cameron Duncan Award, recognizing accomplishment, commitment and service to the HIV/AIDS community: Frannie Peabody Center, Portland
"FE Pentlarge Award, recognizing outstanding leadership for equality by straight allies: Martha Palmer, Lisbon Falls
"Partners for Equality Award, recognizing outstanding work and collaboration by a coalition partner organization: Maine Womens Lobby, Augusta
"Out Front Awards, recognizing outstanding volunteer leadership: Stephen Carnahan, Portland; Marsha Clegg, Wells; Stephen C. Farrand, Freeport; Jenna Ginsberg, Rumford; Gillian Greenwoods, Bangor; Kathy Helming, Portland; and Meredith Hunt, Bowdoin.
The University of Maine at Farmington is the evenings presenting sponsor.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour. The dinner and awards presentation is from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased by visitingwww.equalitymaine.org or by calling (207) 761-3732.
