Activist Laura Gentle organized the Shirt Off My Back march through Midtown Atlanta up to the event location at Virginia-Highland Church for Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Video of the arrival of the marchers shot by my colleague and co-organizer Betty Couvertier.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Meak Productions live recording of Atlanta IDAHO
For immediate release via Meak Production's Facebook page:
Without the tireless efforts of Miko Evans and Dominique R. Huff, audio production of Atlanta's first annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) would not have been possible. We commend them and appreciate their foresight in preparations for a live broadcast of Atlanta's IDAHO.
UPDATE: Meak Productions, Same Gender Loving Expressions, May 2010 archive allows you to listen to the live broadcast of Atlanta IDAHO on demand at no charge. Thanks again to Miko and Dominique for their service to the community!
Part I is available for audio download here.
Part II is available for audio download here.
Meak Productions presents the Spring Finale of SGL Expressions featuring the “LIVE” Recording and Coverage of The International Day Against Homophobia in Atlanta.More information at the above link.
LIVE on the NEW Exceptional Radio Network . . . Meak Productions made history on May 17, 2010 by becoming the official radio and audio recording sponsors of the Inaugural Atlanta Event in recognition of IDAHO (The International Day Against Homophobia). On that day, 3 hours of audio footage was recorded to archive the historic day filled with powerful speakers delivering messages of hope and stories of empowerment & encouragement.
Without the tireless efforts of Miko Evans and Dominique R. Huff, audio production of Atlanta's first annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) would not have been possible. We commend them and appreciate their foresight in preparations for a live broadcast of Atlanta's IDAHO.
UPDATE: Meak Productions, Same Gender Loving Expressions, May 2010 archive allows you to listen to the live broadcast of Atlanta IDAHO on demand at no charge. Thanks again to Miko and Dominique for their service to the community!
Part I is available for audio download here.
Part II is available for audio download here.
Atlanta IDAHO on United Nations Radio
From the transcript:
BREEGE: IDAHO events included a Great Global Kiss-In in 30 cities. In Nigeria, a vigil was held to honour victims of gender hate crimes and in Russia, thousands of balloons were launched as a symbol of pride. Betty Couvertier, a radio producer and gay activist, is involved in the International Day Against Homophobia in Atlanta, Georgia.To read the entire transcript or to listen to the broadcast, click here.
COUVERTIER: IDAHO is a time to speak out and stand up and not be afraid. It is a way of combating fear and hate. It goes beyond tolerance. It is acceptance that knowing the people are what they are and that we are different sometimes and it is ok.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ProjectQ Atlanta news coverage of the 2010 event
From ProjectQ Atlanta's picture gallery of Atlanta's
The opening grafs from ProjectQ Atlanta, May 18, 2010, Homophobia target of Atlanta events:
Hugs, prayers and standing up against homophobia were the theme for the day on Monday as activists held two complementary events to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia in Atlanta.To read the complete ProjectQ Atlanta article, click here. To view the ProjectQ Atlanta picture gallery of the Atlanta IDAHO event, click here.
The afternoon kicked off with a small rally (top photo) at 10th Street and Piedmont Avenue to support the Shirt Off My Back Campaign, which encourages people to donate unwanted clothing to charity. It’s organized by Laura Gentle, who helped organize public rallies in the wake of the Atlanta Police Department’s raid of the Eagle last September.
About three-dozen people attended the larger International Day Against Homophobia, which unfolded at Virginia Highland Church. Longtime LGBT activist and radio host Betty Couvertier (second photo, left) was a key organizer of the event, which was part of scores of similar gatherings across the globe to call attention to homophobia.
The speakers and hosts at the church read like a Who’s Who of LGBT Atlanta and included Pastors Chris Glaser (second photo) and Sonya Williams, activist Montee Evans, radio host [Miko] Evans, sports enthusiast Anne Barr, and Laura-Douglas Brown, who is co-founder of the GA Voice. . .
Karla Drenner's resolution about Atlanta IDAHO
OK, we confess. We admire Karla Drenner for a lot of reasons. She's personable, courageous, super-smart, dynamic, and undaunted by homophobia. We're proud she serves in the Georgia House of Representatives (D-Avondale Estates) -- the first-ever openly lesbian member of the Georgia General Assembly -- and as a beloved leader in the LGBT community. On May 17, she spoke powerfully during Atlanta IDAHO.
In her official capacity as an elected representative, she presented a resolution during the event. If you click the image, it will reload with a zoom-in "magnifying glass" to enlarge so you can read it easily.
In her official capacity as an elected representative, she presented a resolution during the event. If you click the image, it will reload with a zoom-in "magnifying glass" to enlarge so you can read it easily.
Atlanta City Council proclamation, Atlanta IDAHO
We thank Alex Wan for working to bring together a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council in recognizing May 17, 2010, as Atlanta's first annual International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). It was unanimous, folks!
If you click the above image, it will reload with a zoom-in "magnifying glass" to enlarge.
If you click the above image, it will reload with a zoom-in "magnifying glass" to enlarge.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
In the news with ProjectQ
Mike Fleming of ProjectQ wrote about all the activities leading up to Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) at Virginia-Highland Church. A snippet:
For the complete list of Atlanta IDAHO speakers, click here.
The speakers and hosts at the church read like a Who’s Who of LGBT Georgia. Pastors Chris Glaser, Sonya E. Williams and Paul Turner, Women Healing Women’s Imani Evans, Fulton County candidate Joan Garner, trans advocate Tracee McDaniel, social justice activist Abby Drue, Georgia Safe Schools’ Maru Gonzales and Anneliese Singh are all on the list of some two-dozen special guests.Thank you, ProjectQ!
For the complete list of Atlanta IDAHO speakers, click here.
Laura Gentle's GA Voice editorial
Laura Gentle of the Shirt Off My Back Campaign (see previous post) wrote an incredible editorial -- Why a clothing donation campaign is taking a stand against homophobia -- published in the GA Voice yesterday. In her column she explained:
Please, go read Laura's entire editorial at the GA Voice. Short excerpts don't do justice to a smart, timely, on strategy column that not only outlines the reasons why SOMB is a worthy cause to support but also identifies the root cause of homelessness and poverty in our community -- homophobia.
One particular passage involves a topic that Betty and I talk about frequently. Laura wrote:
All of us together make each of us better. And that's "real impact."
Thank you, GA Voice, for allowing Laura to speak so powerfully.
…a disproportionate number of LGBT residents experience poverty and homelessness, and it's not just because of a tough economy. How many fresh, young faces do we see popping up in our city every week? A lot of LGBT youth flock to Atlanta escaping unhealthy, and even abusive, living situations back home and struggle to make it on their own. Or how about the number of people who have been fired for being openly gay or transgender? Poverty is the number one cause of homelessness, and homophobic actions are linked to the number of LGBT people who experience poverty- because of nothing more than bigotry.Laura goes on to describe the commitment that the Shirt Off My Back Campaign (SOMB) makes in aiding "the less fortunate in our communities, no matter who they are."
Please, go read Laura's entire editorial at the GA Voice. Short excerpts don't do justice to a smart, timely, on strategy column that not only outlines the reasons why SOMB is a worthy cause to support but also identifies the root cause of homelessness and poverty in our community -- homophobia.
One particular passage involves a topic that Betty and I talk about frequently. Laura wrote:
The bottom line is we have to join organizations, causes and events together to make any real impact. It makes no sense to fight improving an issue without involving people who are fighting for the same thing. SOMB wants to help the people in our communities experiencing poverty and homelessness, and the Alternative Perspectives staff and other community groups want to stop homophobia, so I got together with Betty Couvertier and Becki Jayne Harrelson to make some community magic. Campaign supporters are excited to kick off the march to the wonderful events organized at Virginia-Highland Church starting at 6pm. [Emphasis added.]SOMB is an official sponsor of Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia. But Laura Gentle and her group are more than simply a sponsor. They are partners with us -- activists with heart and energy. We hope to continue to work together with Laura and others in addressing the myriad issues the LGBT community faces.
All of us together make each of us better. And that's "real impact."
Thank you, GA Voice, for allowing Laura to speak so powerfully.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Speakers for Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia
We're proud to announce our speakers for Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17. We'll add more in-depth information as we go, but for now, we present our line-up of activists, community leaders, athletes, and educators who will address homophobia and transphobia pervasive in schools, on the job, in government, in the sports world, and in our community-at-large.
PRELUDE & INTRODUCTION OF ORGANIZERS
Miko Evans -- Executive producer and CEO of Meak Productions Inc., the world's first LGBT exclusive talent agency, casting and production company, and the official radio and audio recording sponsor of Atlanta IDAHO. Also host and producer of Same Gender Loving Expressions, the first LGBT syndicated radio talk show on the Exceptional Radio Network. Visit the websites for more information and to listen to previous broadcasts.
WELCOMING REMARKS
Betty Couvertier -- Producer of Alternative Perspectives, Atlanta's LGBTQI radio program, read about Betty from our previous post.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Imani Evans -- Founder and executive director of the nonprofit, Women Healing Women, Inc., an organization dedicated to the holistic healing of survivors of sexual and domestic violence, Imani brings 20+ years of advocacy and inspiration to the podium. View her LinkedIn public profile here.
CLERGY
Rev. Chris Glaser -- Author of 11 books, LGBT activist, and gay Christian theologian, Rev. Chris Glaser will open the program as the interim pastor of our host venue, Virginia-Highland Church. For more about Chris, check his website.
Rev. Paul Turner -- Founder and senior pastor of Gentle Spirit Christian Church of Atlanta, Rev. Paul Turner will close the event with parting words and prayer. For more about Paul, read his bio at his church website.
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
PhoenixYZ -- Performing spoken word, PhoenixYZ's poetry will no doubt touch, inspire and provoke. Visit her MySpace page for words from the Poet Priestess.
Pastor Sonya E. Williams -- Get uplifted! Pastor Sonya will bring a musical ensemble from Restoration Inclusive Ministries, Inc.
ACTIVISTS & COMMUNITY LEADERS
Joan Garner -- Out lesbian and long-time community activist, Joan recently announced her candidacy for Fulton County Commission, District 6. Georgia Equality endorsed her campaign, and according to GA Voice, "If elected, Garner would be first openly gay person to serve on commission." Read Joan's bio at her campaign website.
Bekah Ward -- An educator, Bekah Ward remains passionately involved in the anti-war movement, women's rights and LGBT liberation. Last October, she helped organize a Georgia contingency for the National Equality March and she continues her commitment to keep up the pressure until full equality is achieved.
Tracee McDaniel -- A transgender advocate, Tracee founded the nonprofit Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, where she acts as its executive director. Having served on numerous LGBT organizations, she received the Unity Fellowship Community Leadership Award in 2008 from the Atlanta City Council and the S1C Transgender Community Leadership Award in 2009.
Abby Drue -- Founder and executive director of the Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice, Abby "serves as a facilitator and behavioral development coach" for public institutions, government, and businesses. Click to read her online bio.
Montee Evans -- CEO Lamont "Montee Jamal" Evans founded mojaevans Professional Services, LLC in 2002. He provides consulting services to individuals, nonprofit organizations, small minority businesses and local communities.
Camron Wiltshire -- Creative, trend-setting, and a straight ally, Camron has already accomplished a lot in raising consciousness about social justice, corporate and institutional abuse via We Are All One and We Are Change. Read Camron's mission, which simply stated, is "to inspire and empower people to be the change that they seek. . ." Follow Camron on Facebook.
SCHOOLS
Anneliese A. Singh, Ph.D., LPC, NCC -- Co-founder of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition (GSSC) and assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at The University of Georgia, Dr. Singh currently conducts participatory research and interventions in middle schools aimed at reducing anti-LGBTQ bullying and violence. To read her bio, click here.
Maru Gonzalez, M.Ed. -- Also co-founder of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition (GSSC), Maru is an elementary school counselor and a relentless social justice activist. She volunteers as group facilitator for YouthPride and serves on the organization's Education Committee. To read her bio, click here.
Austin Laufersweiler -- Listen to GLSEN’s first-ever Student Advocate of the Year. Within a hostile school environment, Austin created Students Promoting Equality and Justice Through a Respectful and United Movement (SPECTRUM). As president, Austin built his activism on systemic change by launching several campaigns including the Day of Silence and Think B4 You Speak. A board member of GSSC, read his bio at their website.
SPORTS
Anne Barr -- In 2007, Anne Barr founded the Decatur Women's Sports League, which includes primarily lesbian athletes from Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County. Browse a salute to Anne at the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.
NOTE: We've not listed speakers in order of appearance unless otherwise stated. We would also like to acknowledge Laura Gentle, who is organizing a pre-event march through her group, Shirt Off My Back, and the Honorable State House Rep. Karla Drenner, who will present the official proclamation that May 17 is the City of Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia.
PRELUDE & INTRODUCTION OF ORGANIZERS
Miko Evans -- Executive producer and CEO of Meak Productions Inc., the world's first LGBT exclusive talent agency, casting and production company, and the official radio and audio recording sponsor of Atlanta IDAHO. Also host and producer of Same Gender Loving Expressions, the first LGBT syndicated radio talk show on the Exceptional Radio Network. Visit the websites for more information and to listen to previous broadcasts.
WELCOMING REMARKS
Betty Couvertier -- Producer of Alternative Perspectives, Atlanta's LGBTQI radio program, read about Betty from our previous post.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Imani Evans -- Founder and executive director of the nonprofit, Women Healing Women, Inc., an organization dedicated to the holistic healing of survivors of sexual and domestic violence, Imani brings 20+ years of advocacy and inspiration to the podium. View her LinkedIn public profile here.
CLERGY
Rev. Chris Glaser -- Author of 11 books, LGBT activist, and gay Christian theologian, Rev. Chris Glaser will open the program as the interim pastor of our host venue, Virginia-Highland Church. For more about Chris, check his website.
Rev. Paul Turner -- Founder and senior pastor of Gentle Spirit Christian Church of Atlanta, Rev. Paul Turner will close the event with parting words and prayer. For more about Paul, read his bio at his church website.
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
PhoenixYZ -- Performing spoken word, PhoenixYZ's poetry will no doubt touch, inspire and provoke. Visit her MySpace page for words from the Poet Priestess.
Pastor Sonya E. Williams -- Get uplifted! Pastor Sonya will bring a musical ensemble from Restoration Inclusive Ministries, Inc.
ACTIVISTS & COMMUNITY LEADERS
Joan Garner -- Out lesbian and long-time community activist, Joan recently announced her candidacy for Fulton County Commission, District 6. Georgia Equality endorsed her campaign, and according to GA Voice, "If elected, Garner would be first openly gay person to serve on commission." Read Joan's bio at her campaign website.
Bekah Ward -- An educator, Bekah Ward remains passionately involved in the anti-war movement, women's rights and LGBT liberation. Last October, she helped organize a Georgia contingency for the National Equality March and she continues her commitment to keep up the pressure until full equality is achieved.
Tracee McDaniel -- A transgender advocate, Tracee founded the nonprofit Juxtaposed Center for Transformation, where she acts as its executive director. Having served on numerous LGBT organizations, she received the Unity Fellowship Community Leadership Award in 2008 from the Atlanta City Council and the S1C Transgender Community Leadership Award in 2009.
Abby Drue -- Founder and executive director of the Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice, Abby "serves as a facilitator and behavioral development coach" for public institutions, government, and businesses. Click to read her online bio.
Montee Evans -- CEO Lamont "Montee Jamal" Evans founded mojaevans Professional Services, LLC in 2002. He provides consulting services to individuals, nonprofit organizations, small minority businesses and local communities.
Camron Wiltshire -- Creative, trend-setting, and a straight ally, Camron has already accomplished a lot in raising consciousness about social justice, corporate and institutional abuse via We Are All One and We Are Change. Read Camron's mission, which simply stated, is "to inspire and empower people to be the change that they seek. . ." Follow Camron on Facebook.
SCHOOLS
Anneliese A. Singh, Ph.D., LPC, NCC -- Co-founder of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition (GSSC) and assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at The University of Georgia, Dr. Singh currently conducts participatory research and interventions in middle schools aimed at reducing anti-LGBTQ bullying and violence. To read her bio, click here.
Maru Gonzalez, M.Ed. -- Also co-founder of the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition (GSSC), Maru is an elementary school counselor and a relentless social justice activist. She volunteers as group facilitator for YouthPride and serves on the organization's Education Committee. To read her bio, click here.
Austin Laufersweiler -- Listen to GLSEN’s first-ever Student Advocate of the Year. Within a hostile school environment, Austin created Students Promoting Equality and Justice Through a Respectful and United Movement (SPECTRUM). As president, Austin built his activism on systemic change by launching several campaigns including the Day of Silence and Think B4 You Speak. A board member of GSSC, read his bio at their website.
SPORTS
Anne Barr -- In 2007, Anne Barr founded the Decatur Women's Sports League, which includes primarily lesbian athletes from Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County. Browse a salute to Anne at the Atlanta Lesbian Health Initiative.
NOTE: We've not listed speakers in order of appearance unless otherwise stated. We would also like to acknowledge Laura Gentle, who is organizing a pre-event march through her group, Shirt Off My Back, and the Honorable State House Rep. Karla Drenner, who will present the official proclamation that May 17 is the City of Atlanta's International Day Against Homophobia.
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