Advancing LGBT Civil Rights

2024 VIP Reception

Sunday, September 29, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Independence Visitor Center, Liberty View Terrace

599 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106


MAP
$250

Cocktails and Hors D’Oeuvres

2024 Launch and VIP Reception Tickets: $250

2024 Launch (ONLY) Tickets: $100

Donor’s name will be on file at the Registration Desk. Ticket(s) will not be mailed. For additional information or questions, contact Malcolm Lazin at mlazin@equalityforum.com or call (215) 850-8751.

Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association (The Frank Kameny Award Recipient)


Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association
For nearly 40 years, this association of attorneys has advocated for and sought to protect the legal rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Since the height of the AIDS crisis in 1986, when roughly two dozen attorneys established what was originally Philadelphia Attorneys for Human Rights (PAHR), the organization has worked to forge a legal path for the larger gay community. In 1992, PAHR changed its name to the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia (GALLOP). Among other issues, the organization advocated for LGBTQ+ parental rights and marriage equality. In 2019 GALLOP became the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association. With its many prominent members, the association continues its vital work in the Philadelphia region and the United States.  


Mark Pocan (The International Role Model Award Recipient)
U.S. representative
Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District

Mark Pocan is an openly gay U.S. representative for Wisconsin’s 2nd Congressional District. A progressive Democrat, small business owner, and member of the AFL-CIO, he chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus. He also participates in the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Safe Climate Caucus, the Labor Caucus, and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) Caucus, among others. Since assuming office in 2012, Rep. Pocan has staunchly advocated for issues such as health care, LGBTQ rights, environmental protection, jobs and labor, and social and economic justice. 



Ben Garcia (Presenter of the International Role Model Award)
Executive Director
The American LGBTQ+ Museum

Ben Garcia is the first Executive Director of The American LGBTQ+ Museum. He is charged with leading the museum’s exhibition and program development, advocacy efforts, communications, community outreach, and fundraising. He will usher the museum into its important next stage: opening a physical location at the New-York Historical Society in 2026. Garcia has more than 20 years of experience in museum leadership, development, and intersectional LGBTQ+ advocacy. He has presented and published frequently on creating structural equity in museums through transparency, accountability, fair labor practices, and by including overlooked voices and perspectives.



Rue Landau (Presenter of the Frank Kameny Award)
First Openly LGBTQ Philadelphia City Councilperson

Rue Landau is the first openly LGBTQ member of the Philadelphia City Council. She has spent her career fighting for social justice—notably, housing and health care equity—for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable communities. She was an active member of ACT UP (during the HIV/AIDS crisis), Kensington Welfare Rights Union, and Women’s Health Action and Mobilization. She served as the director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and the Fair Housing Commission. Councilmember Landau is a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association and the Philadelphia LGBTQ Bar Association. 




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