Creating Change

Last week Betsy, Matt, Dee and I went to Dallas for the annual National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Creating Change Conference. The five day conference offered something for everyone. There were day-long institutes, workshop sessions and leadership trainings on topics ranging from new media to faith-based organizing, trans rights, moving marriage forward, fundraising and board support. There were caucuses held each evening for networking with new colleagues and those we’ve been collaborating with, but maybe haven’t met face-to-face. Betsy presented four workshops and Matt presented one on grassroots lobbying.

There were also plenary sessions with speeches made by amazing and diverse leadership. Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, addressed the need for solidarity between the immigration and LGBT movements. Kai Wright, a writer and editor from Brooklyn, NY, moderated a panel of LGBT youth of color from across the country. Rea Carey, Executive Director of the Task Force delivered the State of the Movement Address to a crowd of nearly 2000. She talked about the many accomplishments of the past decade and past year, but she also talked about the important work ahead. To highlight a few legislative battles for the future: DOMA, ENDA, anti-bullying legislation to protect LGBT youth, immigration reform, the Uganda “Kill the Gays” Bill, and, of course, marriage.

To watch Rea Carey’s State of the Movement Address, please click on the links below.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4