I am glad that the good folks at Equality Alabama invited me back to participate in its Equality Weekend (Sept 18-20). Kate and I take off tomorrow for Birmingham. (Cross fingers on USAir…)

On Saturday, September 19, 2009 a day long schedule of educational programs will focus on workplace equality, safe schools, transgender concerns, religious issues, youth concerns , racism, romance, activism, electing gay and gay supportive candidates, parenting and other issues. The evening will include networking, silent auction, a gala dinner, and a bar after party. Friday and Sunday events will round out the weekend.

The real thrill for me about this year's conference is that the keynote speaker is ally Congressman John Lewis [D-GA]. He has literally shed blood for civil rights during the 60s, and today he is an open and strong advocate for full equality for LGBTs. There are no excuses for religion-based discrimination, and he will deliver a strong message on that front.

Also there will be Alabama State Representative Patricia Todd, the first out lesbian elected to its legislature (for House District 54 in 2006).

Tickets are still available! Visit http://equalityweekend.org to purchase banquet seats and/or register for the other events. Come join us if you can! We want a great turnout at the educational sessions as well as the gala.

Fellow Durhamite and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Mandy Carter and I will head up workshops during the conference. Read about them below the fold.

Mandy's tackling:

“ERASING RACISM” The intersection of race, gender and sexual orientation.”

“BEING LGBT, BEING SOUTHERN” Join a discussion of cross-issue, anti-oppression, and meeting at the crossroads of race, class, culture, gender and sexuality, towards building the local work, unity and interconnection of people.

I will also give two talks with Q&A:

“ELECTRONIC ACTIVISM” (10 AM-11:30 AM) Making the world a little better: With literally just a few clicks of a mouse, you can make a positive difference. Technology provides incredible opportunity for change. Join one of the movement's well-known bloggers in a discussion about this exciting new frontier.

“EFFECTIVE SOUND BITES”  (11:30-1PM) Have you ever wondered what the perfect response is to a situation or a question? Media and interactive training: Be prepared for the next time a news reporter or a nosey neighbor needs to hear just the right response.


Right: We outbid Patricia Todd for this fun sign during last year's auction…

SCHEDULE of EVENTS

Friday, September 18, 2009

  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Reception honoring speakers and volunteers 5608 8th Court South, Birmingham, AL 35212 [Home of Jay Barrett and Michael Cyr] Tickets are $25.00, support Equality Alabama and are tax deductible
  • 8:30 pm – until Welcome Party at Our Place [smoke free neighborhood bar] 2115 Seventh Avenue South, Birmingham

Saturday, September 19, 2009

  • 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration opens for educational workshops All sessions held at Cahaba Grand Conference Center 3660 Grandview Parkway [off highway 280], Birmingham, AL 35343
  • 9:00 am – 9:45 am Opening session begins Featured speaker = Representative Patricia Todd Top Ten for 2008-2009: Year in Review Annual Equality Alabama Report and Future Directions Award Presentations Introduction of workshops and presenters
  • 10:00 am – 11:30 am Morning Workshops [see workshop schedule]
  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
  • 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Afternoon Workshops [see workshop schedule]
  • 2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Interest-based Caucuses [see workshop schedule]
  • 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Silent Auction and Drawings Networking Reception [cash bars]
  • 6:00 pm – 9:pm Youth Dance Party Off Cahaba Grand Upper Level of Entrance Rotunda
  • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Gala Dinner
    Magic City Choral Society Performance
    Featured Speaker = Congressman John Lewis [D-GA] Civil Rights Champion Awards
  • 9:30 pm After Party at Joe's on Seventh [new smoke free neighborhood bar] corner of Seventh Avenue South and 27th Street South, Birmingham
  • Sunday, September 20, 2009
  • 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Services at Welcoming Churches [ask for list at registration]
  • 12:15 pm – 2:00 pm Brunch featuring performance by Politically Incorrect Cabaret Historic Redmont Hotel 2101 Fifth Avenue North [in downtown loft district] Birmingham, AL 35203

You can see the full program here.