2 pm. Friday, September 30, 2011.
LGBT Resource Center. 323 Illini Union
An Evening with Charlene Strong "Marriage Equality: It’s All About Equal Rights"
7:30 pm. Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Illini Union Ballroom. 1401 W Green Street
URBANA, IL - On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, the LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union Board and Women of Pride will host Charlene Strong. Ms. Strong will discuss "Marriage Equality: It's All About Equal Rights". The lecture will begin at 7:30 pm in the Ballroom of the Illini Union on the second floor.
Charlene Strong is an advocate for equality and was instrumental in passing Washington State’s landmark laws on domestic partnerships, the first in US history to be upheld. After the tragic death of her partner and suffering the injustice of discrimination against same-sex domestic partners in the eyes of the law, Charlene started her path as a gay rights activist. With no legal protection for same sex couples in Washington state at the time, Charlene had to seek permission from an out-of-state family member for her to be by her dying partner’s side. Her experience while trying to make the funeral arrangements only added insult to the discrimination she endured at the hospital. Charlene testified a month later in front of the Washington state legislature, and her testimony was critical in helping to pass landmark domestic partnership legislation in the state.
Ms. Strong has helped many organizations raise funds and awareness and has the ability to find the message in her speech that resonates with all ages. Her depth of passion and humor also help her to covey the importance and support that all families and individuals should expect in our country. Not only has Charlene worked on behalf of family rights in her state, she believes strongly that her story is an American story that anyone can understand. As an American who believes strongly in the rights that all citizens are created equal, Charlene’s passion makes her an excellent communicator that inspires others to add their voices as advocates for change.
"For My Wife" the award winning documentary chronicling Ms. Strong's activism will be screened on Friday, September 30, 2011 at 2 pm. The film will be shown at the LGBT Resource Center, room 323 Illini Union.
Charlene Strong’s visit is sponsored by the LGBT Resource Center, the Illini Union Board, Women of Pride, SORF and the Student Cultural Programing Fee. The LGBT Resource Center, a unit of the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations, works to foster an environment that is open, safe and inclusive for people of all sexualities and gender identities.
This information provided courtesy of:
Contact Information:
Leslie Morrow, LGBT Resource Center Director
217.244.8863. www.go.illinois.edu/lgbt
Leslie Morrow, LGBT Resource Center Director
217.244.8863. www.go.illinois.edu/lgbt