Truly Outspoken

OUTspoken For Equality is a group of socially conscious and politically minded individuals who seek to spread awareness regarding issues that affect the LGBT community. They aim to affect change in local, state, and federal governments through networking, advocacy, lobbying, community outreach, and education. The group formed over the past few years, spearheaded by Western New York transplant Kitty Lambert, and has been instrumental in assisting to motivate our local LGBT communities to take action for themselves.

I recently spoke with Lambert about an upcoming event to raise awareness and support within Buffalo’s straight community.

Bryan Whitley-Grassi: Tell me about the three pieces of legislation that your group is focused on this year.

Kitty Lambert: Three major issues the group is working towards are the Dignity For All Students Act (DASA), the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA), and Marriage Equality for all New Yorkers. All three issues are currently before the State Senate, but as yet have not been brought to the floor for a vote.

BW: Why is this legislation needed?

KL: The passage of these three pieces of legislation will protect individuals from losing their homes and jobs or being denied emergency medical aid due to their gender identity; protect children in public schools from discrimination, harassment, bullying and intimidation; and protect same-sex parented families by making them more stable, productive, and will provide us with protections for the welfare of our children, our homes, our assets, give us undeniable access to our family during health care emergencies, and eventually, protect us in our old age allowing us access to our spouses retirement benefits and protect the inheritance we leave behind.

BW: What event do you have coming up?

KL: OUTspoken For Equality is presenting an informational community forum on Thursday, November 13 at 6:30pm at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church located at 187 Southside Parkway in Buffalo. The event is not intended for “the choir” but for the benefit of family members, friends, neighbors, employers, and coworkers, and just average people who are confused about the importance of such legislation and how to show support for equal rights.”

BW: Who will be your guest speakers?

KL: Senator Antoine Thompson will address the Dignity For All Students Act, Assemblymember Mark Schroeder will address the Same-Gender Marriage Act, and Assemblymember Sam Hoyt will address the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act.

The event will be moderated by journalist Lucy Yau [a regular contributor to Artvoice]. There will be time for questions and answers throughout the presentations.