Equality Forum 2009

Each spring Equality Forum, a national and international nonprofit 501(c)(3) GLBT civil rights organization with an educational focus, presents its Global GLBT Event: The Annual Equality Forum. The Forum features: seven days of substantive programs, parties, and special events—including an international focus; the International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center; an annual art exhibit; SundayOUT!, Pennsylvania’s largest annual GLBT street festival; and more—in collaboration with over 65 regional, national, and international organizations. This year the Forum is taking place April 27 to May 3 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Equality Forum coordinates GLBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives, and presents the Annual Equality Forum. The organization produces these innovative events in collaboration with learning institutions, professional associations, research centers, for-profit companies, and nonprofit organizations.

There are many highlights of Equality Forum 2009, including the signature event, the International Equality Dinner, where San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom will be honored with the 14th annual International Role Model Award and The New York Times Company will receive the 7th annual International Business Leadership Award. Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell is the Honorary Dinner Chair.

Equality Forum 2009 will also showcase the first Richard Amsel Retrospective exhibition, featuring artwork by one of Hollywood’s most highly-acclaimed illustrators. The exhibition runs at the Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery at The University of the Arts April 15 – May 14, 2009. The exhibit, which includes over 50 pieces, is the first major exhibition of Amsel’s work since his death in 1985. Richard Amsel created illustrations for major Hollywood movies including “Raiders of the Lost Arc,” “Hello Dolly!” and “The Sting,” illustrations for Bette Midler’s album covers including “The Divine Miss M,” and 37 TV Guide covers including portraits of Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson and Katherine Hepburn.

The international focus of Equality Forum 2009 is “Challenges of the Russian GLBT Community.” Gays and lesbians in Russia face the challenges of a traditional society and no laws to protect them from discrimination. In 2007, gay rights protesters in Moscow were attacked. In 2008, GLBT activists were assaulted and arrested at Moscow’s Gay Pride parade. Equality Forum 2009 explores the unique struggles of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens in Russia.  “Challenges of the Russian GLBT Community” will be held on Thursday evening, April 30 at the Prince Music Theatre.

On Sunday afternoon, May 3, the National Equality Rally at Independence Hall will take place. The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a First Amendment permit to Equality Forum for the rally at Independence National Historical Park. Organizations, grassroots activists, and straight allies will March for Equality on Independence Mall (from the National Constitution Center to Independence Hall) to rally for:

* Passage of trans-inclusive hate crimes legislation and Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
* Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
* Support for GLBT health issues
* Equal benefits for same-sex families
* Same-sex marriage Equality

“Equality Forum 2009 celebrates the possibility of profound change at the tipping point of our civil rights movement,” said Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin.

The event has no registration fee and all substantive programs are free. All programs can be found at www.equalityforum.com.