EQUALITY FORUM 2004 SPOTLIGHTS CANADA AS FEATURED NATION

Largest international GLBT collaboration

Canada serves as the Equality Forum 2004 Featured Nation, with over 20 prominent Canadians participating in the event from April 26 to May 2 in Philadelphia. Top leaders from across Canada will be involved in 16, of over 50, Equality Forum programs, ranging from panel discussions to cabaret performances.

Equality Forum chose Canada as its Featured Nation because it is "a progressive nation committed to insuring equality to all its citizens" according to Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin. "Canada protects its GLBT citizens from hate crimes and workplace discrimination, provides military inclusion and honors our relationships by sanctioning civil gay marriage with equal rights and responsibilities."

Highlights from Canada's participation this year include:

• Martin Cauchon, former attorney general of Canada, will receive the 9th Annual International Role Model Award at the International Business Colloquium Dinner at Independence National Historical Park on Saturday, May 1 at 8 p.m.
• Kevin Bourassa and Joe Varnell, North America's first gay married couple, will participate in the International Family Values Panel on Tuesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Prince Music Theater and in the PBI/CLE accredited courses on gay marriage on Thursday, April 29 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute.
• Canadian elected officials Svend Robinson, member of Parliament; Glen Murray, mayor of Winnipeg; George Smitherman, minister of health in Ontario; and Kyle Rae, city councilor in Toronto, will serve as moderators and panelists at events throughout the week.
• From Monarchy to Equality, the lead program about Canada, will be held on Thursday, April 29 at 8:30 p.m. at the National Constitution Center.
• Canadian singer Carole Pope will perform on Saturday, May 1 at 8 p.m. at the Prince Music Theater. The B-Girlz, Canada's leading drag troupe, will perform on Saturday, May 1 at 10 p.m. the Prince Music Theater.
• Mark Anthony, renowned DJ from Montreal, will spin at the Liberation party on Saturday, May 1 from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Trocadero.

Equality Forum 2004 is April 26 to May 2 in Philadelphia. For more information call
215-732-3378 or visit www.equalityforum.com.

Equality Forum is the largest regional, national and international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) civil rights forum, working to create understanding about homophobia and its multifaceted impact on individuals, families and society. Each year, in addition to promoting and discussing GLBT organizations and issues, Equality Forum highlights a Featured Nation and explores that country's GLBT culture, social issues and advancements in civil rights. Equality Forum embraces a number of projects throughout the year, including the production of the documentary films Gay Pioneers and JIM IN BOLD.

Equality Forum is a nonprofit and 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Philadelphia, the site of some of the earliest gay civil rights protests.

Attached is a complete list of the Canadian delegation.