Gay group picks Las Vegas over Phoenix for conference
Phoenix — The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) has announced its decision to hold the group’s 2011 international conference in Las Vegas rather than Phoenix.
The Phoenix Host Committee, led by Councilman Tom Simplot and state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, was attempting to secure the conference, which would have attracted hundreds of gay and lesbian elected leaders to Phoenix.
Until recently, Phoenix was considered the frontrunner to host the December 2011 conference, according to a news release from Simplot’s office.
In a letter to the Phoenix Host Committee, the GLLI stated that “the current political and legal climate in Arizona makes it complicated to accept your hospitality.”
Simplot said his committee was disappointed by the decision, but noted “the reality is that many elected officials can’t or won’t travel to Arizona in their official or unofficial capacities until the federal government, Legislature, courts or the people sort out the immigration dilemma.”
The Phoenix Host Committee said it would continue with its efforts to secure a future GLLI conference in the Valley.
The GLLI’s mission is to equip LGBT leaders for success. In addition to the conference agenda of training and advocacy, the institute assists hundreds of individuals who go on to careers in politics, government, business and advocacy.
Marriage Equality seeks new leadership for local chapter
Phoenix — The local chapter of Marriage Equality USA is seeking new leaders after the resignations of Steen and John Allard-Lawson.
Carole Scagnetti, executive director of the national group, confirmed that the longtime chapter leaders had resigned in early July.
First organized in 1998, the grassroots volunteer group has 58 chapters in nine states with about 16,000 members, Scagnetti said. She said the Arizona chapter is important because of the state’s new immigration law and how it affects the LGBT community.
Scagnetti said the group is looking for local leaders “who are willing to work for the long haul for marriage equality.” In creating visibility and public awareness, the group’s activities include organizing rallies, staffing booths at events and speaking to groups, she said.
Scagnetti said her group likes to collaborate with smaller local organizations and is working on a fundraiser for the Right to Marry: Arizona Walk.
She said the group is selling 50 tickets for Margaret Cho’s Sept. 18 Phoenix show that will include a pre-show meet-and-greet with the comedian. Cho is a member of the Marriage Equality USA Advisory Board.
Tickets are $75 and after expenses 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the walk. Tickets can be obtained through www.marriageequality.org.
Anyone interested in Marriage Equality leadership can send an e-mail to coordinator@marriageequality.org.
1 Voice Community Center names board chair
Phoenix — Marc Perez has been named chair of the board of directors of the 1 Voice Community Center. He takes over from Linda Elliott, who stepped down for personal reasons, according to Ernesto Ortiz, 1 Voice executive director. Elliott became board chair earlier this year when Rocco Menaguale stepped down.
Layton Steward has been named operations and program associate at 1 Voice. Steward previously worked at Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.
May running as write-in candidate in District 17
Phoenix — Former Arizona lawmaker Steve May is running as a write-in candidate in the Republican race for District 17 House.
The Arizona Republic reported that May would donate $100,000 to the campaign. He said he needs 264 write-ins in the Aug. 24 primary to qualify for the November ballot.
May was the first openly gay Republican elected to the Arizona Legislature when he won a House seat in east Phoenix in 1998. He served four years before losing the GOP primary in 2002.
District 17 covers much of Tempe and parts of south Scottsdale.
AIDS Walk offers incentives for fund raising
Phoenix— AIDS Walk Phoenix is offering incentives for walkers and runners who raise funds through pledges for this year’s event.
Those who raise $150 will get a pair of AIDS Walk dog tags. Raising $250 gets dog tags and a baseball cap. For $500, the incentive is the dog tags, baseball cap and a limited-edition water bottle. Those who raise $1,000 get all of the above, plus a duffel bag and a one-year membership in Aunt Rita’s Red Purse Club.
The AIDS Walk, Run and Paws for a Cause walk with dogs will be Oct. 3. The event, sponsored by Aunt Rita’s Foundation, benefits 19 organizations providing HIV/AIDS services.
To register or for more information, visit www.aidswalkphoenix.org.
President Obama honors Phoenix Mercury
Washington, D.C. — The Phoenix Mercury were recognized by President Barack Obama for their 2009 WNBA championship season during an event on July 19 at the White House.
In conjunction with the visit, members of the team participated in a service project with local youth, continuing a tradition established by Obama for sports champions to serve the community as part of their visit.
