For more information:
Alisha Simons, Communications Associate; 215-732-3378
Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director; 215-732-7375
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 5, 2004
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.
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