Putting the “B” in LGBT Summit

Putting the “B” in LGBT Summit

Day/Time: Sat. May 30, 2009 11am-6:30pm
Place: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
Address: 208 W. 13 Street, 7-8 Ave, New York NY 10011
Admission: Free

Sponsored by The New York Times Company GLBT & Allies Affinity Group, The Task Force, and Renna Communications
Registration: Go to http://www.gaycenter.org/node/3326

Presented by The Bi Writers Association and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Many people aren’t quite sure how the “B” fits into LGBT. As a result, the “B” often goes missing in press releases, articles and speeches about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights issues. This creates an incorrect public perception of bisexual people, incomplete reporting on LGBT issues and lessens support in the bi community for LGBT rights organizations, publications, and politicians who ignore the “B” in LGBT.
We invite everyone who writes about LGBT rights issues — LGBT activists, journalists (LGBT & straight), bloggers, political office staff and bi activists — to join together to brainstorm about how this can be remedied. We also welcome anyone who would like to learn more about the myths and realities of bisexuality. Meet bi speakers who are married to a same-sex partner, have suffered military discrimination, and job discrimination.
Keynote Speaker: Robyn Ochs (Editor, Getting Bi, Honoree of Natl. Gay & Lesbian Task Force, marriage equality activist)

Plenary and Panel Speakers: Chagmion Antoine (Correspondent for 365 Gay News, Logo Channel), Cindi Creager (National News Director, GLAAD), Tom Duane (NY State Senator) Cynthia Frawley (Producer, Out Q in the Morning with Larry Flick, Sirius Radio), Oriol Gutierrez (Board, Natl. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc, Dep. Editor, POZ), Loraine Hutchins (Editor, Bi Any Other Name), Ramon Johnson (Gay Life Guide at New York Time’s About.com), Micah Kellner (New York State Assembly Member), Sean Kennedy (News & Features Editor, The Advocate), Sheela Lambert (Founder, Bi Writers Association), Denny Meyer (Public Affairs Officer, AVER: American Veterans for Equal Rights), Ann Northrop (Co-Anchor, Gay USA), Pauline Park (NYAGRA), Donna Redd (Founder, SiSTAH, Co-Founder Bi Women of All Colors), Cathy Renna (Managing Partner, Renna Communications), Ignacio Rivera, activist/performance artist, Lara Schwartz (Legal Director, HRC), Dennis Slade (Co-Organizer, BiRequest), Hawk Stone (Board Member, Natl. Gay & Lesbian Task Force), Ron Suresha (Editor, Bisexual Perspectives on Kinsey, Bi Men), Jay Venasco (Editor in Chief, 365 Gay.com) Dr. Barbara Warren (Director of Organizational Development, Planning & Research, The Center). More speakers TBA.

Program: Putting the “B” in LGBT Summit
11-12 Registration, Free Continental Breakfast & Shmooze
12-1:00 Opening Plenary
Putting the “B” in LGBT
Keynote Speaker: Robyn Ochs, Editor of Getting Bi, Honoree of The Gay and Lesbian Task Force and marriage equality activist.
1:15-2:00 Bisexuality: Exploding the Myths
Panel of experts will explode myths and stereotypes about bisexuality and explain the realities. Dont be afraid to ask questions!
2:00-2:30 Lunch & Networking
Inexpensive & healthy lunches will be available for purchase.
2:30-3:45 Bi Community Panel: Telling Our Stories
Panel of bi speakers discuss how LGBT rights issues such as Marriage Equality, Military Discrimination and Job Discrimination impact their lives. Q&A following presentation.
4:00-4:45 Crafting the Message: How to Put the “B” in LGBT
Practicum on putting the ‘B’ in LGBT in a press release, news story, policy paper, speech or interview on LGBT rights issues. How to report more accurately on bisexuality.
5:00-6:30 Closing Plenary Discussion
Putting the “B” in LGBT: How can we do a better job?
Roundtable discussion by distinguished LGBT rights activists, media professionals, political office holders and bi community activists. Audience participation welcomed.

More info on Bi Visibility Weekend at: http://biwriters.livejournal.com/78162.html