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REPRINTED FROM THENEXTMAYOR.COMApril 6, 2007 press release, (submitted via e-mail) |
The Pride of Philadelphia - The Next Mayor
Lien/Nibauer Photography, Inc. - 21 min - Apr 5, 2007
The Philadelphia LGBT community presents questions and concerns for the next Mayor.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3667600662201091802
Contact:
Robert K. Burns
216/798.8467
BGMLC – Politics & Leadership Committee Chair
Organizers of Mayoral Race 2007: ''The Rustin Forum for Philadelphia's Future'' were on hand yesterday evening, April 5, 2007 along with over 100 members of Philadelphia's LGBT communities representing all walks of life. Also in attendance were Mayoral candidates, State Representative Dwight Evans, Congressman Chaka Fattah and former Councilman, Michael Nutter.
"I am very pleased that three of the six major mayoral candidates understood how important it was for them to engage our communities in this important dialogue. I, as were members of our communities, very displeased that both Mr. Knox and Mr. Taubenberger were not be available to attend and that we heard nothing at all from Congressman Bob Brady about attending, said Peter Salometo, President of Log Cabin Republicans.
Among the highlights of the Forum was the premier video showing of "The Pride of Philadelphia: The Next Mayor Project" produced and directed by Chris Bartlett and Peter Lien. The twenty-minute, gender and racially mixed video showcased members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities discussing what the next mayor should do for members of the LGBT community and for the success of Philadelphia.
The Video is available at http://www.outfrontphilly.org/about/2007_mayoral_race_vid.html
"For the first time that I can remember there were LGBT people of all colors and hues sitting in one room speaking unapologetically with one voice about the needs of Philadelphia's LGBT communities. Above all else, that is what I am most proud about", said Robert K. Burns, Politics and Leadership Committee Chair for the Black Gay Men's Leadership Council.
"The three candidates performed extremely well, they were well prepared and represented themselves to the community with dignity and respect, said, Kathy Padilla and Michael Williams, Co-Presidents of Outfront.
Held at the Foerderer Auditorium of Jefferson University Medical Center, the Forum was moderated by local radio personality Debra D'Alessandro, Host and Producer of Amazon Country, WXPN-FM. The Forum was organized by Liberty City Democratic Club, Outfront, Log Cabin Republicans and the Black Gay Men's Leadership Council
"This has been a historic mayoral campaign for our community," said Micah Mahjoubian, Co-Chair Liberty City Democratic Club. "Three of the candidates for Mayor have now attended two forums on LGBT issues. It's clear that when we come together, with one loud and clear voice, the concerns of our community are heard. No matter who is elected on May 15th, it's clear it will be a new day for LGBT Philadelphians.
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