4th annual conference 2nd annual gala

Transcription

4th annual conference 2nd annual gala
Faces of Fairness
4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2ND ANNUAL GALA
NOVEMBER 10, 2012 · CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA
We are so proud to be a sponsor of this year’s FairnessWV Conference and Gala. Keep up the amazing work that you do and a special thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors who work tirelessly throughout the year to bring quality to the state of West Virginia. -­‐Brian J. Steffan and Matthew McCoun www.steffanco.com 1100 North Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington, VA 22201 (703) 224-8182
WELCOME
Greetings and Welcome!
It’s both an honor and privilege to share this evening with you.
I continue to be amazed by the generosity and support Fairness West Virginia receives from each
of you and all those who desire to see LGBT civil rights advance in the Mountain State. I’m equally
proud of Dr. Coy Flowers and the dedicated Board of Directors who continue to pour their hearts
and energies into making West Virginia a safe and welcoming state for all.
This coming year is going to be the most challenging for LGBT West Virginians with our main focus
being EHNDA (Employment and Housing Non-Discrimination Act). As some of you may know, in
my prior career, I was Congressman Barney Frank’s longtime Senior Policy Advisor for LGBT issues.
However, while I had the pleasure of overseeing LGBT legislation, none made me more proud
than the federal ENDA bill. In 2007, under Congressman Frank’s leadership, the U.S. House of
Representatives passed the first and only ENDA legislation. While knowing that President Bush would
have vetoed the bill, the significance was great, especially for LGBT Americans.
In what is becoming the norm, it continues to be unfortunate that states are far more advanced than
the federal government on these issues. As you will hear tonight, Dr. Jorea Marples efforts have
been instrumental in placing West Virginia in the position of one of the nation’s toughest in antibullying standards. She, like all of us, recognizes that if you address and prevent bullying against
LGBT students, all students will benefit. Mr. Hoppy Kercheval, a prominent conservative, believes it
is an American right to marry. And Larry Matheney knows that West Virginians should be judged
by how they perform on the job, not who they love. Tonight, you will hear many success stories. The
one dominate theme being EHNDA.
Countless people have worked for years behind the scenes to make EHNDA the law of West Virginia.
The West Virginia Senate, to their credit, voted for EHNDA twice. However, legislative action stalled
in the House. In the coming year, I sincerely believe that by working together we have a real and
tangible shot of making history and becoming the only state in the nation that will pass an inclusive
EHNDA!
In the next few weeks, you’ll be getting a lot of emails and updates from Fairness. If there is one thing
we know, it is that the right-wing in this country has mobilized and will stop at nothing to prevent
LGBT West Virginians from enjoying the same civil rights that our straight allies currently enjoyed. We
must counter them in our efforts.
I ask for your continued support as we move this organization and West Virginia forward.
Again, thank you for your support and attendance. I’m looking forward to meeting each of you and
more importantly, engaging you for ideas and direction.
Joe Racalto
Executive Director
1
A company that is equally committed to each unique homeowner.
NOW YOU’RE
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3418 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston WV 25304
304.721.4145
elementfcu.org
WELCOME
CITY OF CHARLESTON
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
GREEETINGS FROM THE MAYOR
As Mayor of West Virginia’s
Virginia’scapital
capitalcity,
city,IIam
ampleased
pleasedto
towelcome
welcomeyou
youto
toCharleston
Charlestonfor
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theannual
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West Virginia
Conference
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welcome
new visitors
long-time
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our
annual
West Virginia
Conference
andWe
Gala.
We welcome
newand
visitors
and long-time
city.
conference
and celebration
will lead
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a greater
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ourI hope
city. this
I hope
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and celebration
will
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understanding
of the diversity
citizens
and of and
the value
allthat
people
bring to
our communities.
of
our citizens
of thethat
value
all people
bring
to our communities.
In addition, I thank you for choosing to hold your event in Charleston. Our
Ourelected
electedleaders
leadersand
and
involved citizens are working every day to make your capital city a more attractive place for people to
live, visit, work and play. With
Withan
anemphasis
emphasison
onculture,
culture,recreation
recreationand
andeconomic
economicvitality,
vitality,our
ourmessage
message
to people who live here, visit here or choose to invest their futures here is very clear: you are welcome
in Charleston! Our
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unanimouslysent
sentthat
thatmessage
messagepowerfully
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byidentifying
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While the conference may not provide much opportunity for exploring our city, I hope you will
discover reasons to come back again. With
Withfree
freeconcerts
concerts“Live
“Liveon
onthe
theLevee”
Levee”every
everyFriday
Fridayduring
duringthe
the
summer, FestivALL Charleston’s
Charleston’s ten
ten days
days of
of celebrating
celebrating arts
arts and
and culture,
culture, several
several other
other special
special events
events
focusing on music, culture, heritage, classic cars and even jet skiing and professional beach volleyball,
you will find plenty to do in our city,
city, especially
especially during
during the
the spring,
spring, summer
summer and
and fall.
fall. Meanwhile
Meanwhileyou
you
can find performances of music, dance and theater year round thanks to several community groups, the
Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences and others who have a passion to make good thing happen.
So on behalf the City, I wish you continued success with the Fairness West
West Virginia
VirginiaConference
Conferenceand
and
Gala. Thank
Thankyou
youagain
againfor
forchoosing
choosingCharleston
Charlestonfor
forthis
thisgathering
gatheringthat
thatcelebrates
celebratesour
ournation’s
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and
community’s diversity. IIhope
hopeyou
youenjoy
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andplan
plantotovisit
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usagain!
again!
Sincerely,
Danny Jones, Mayor
P.O. BOX 2749 • CHARLESTON, WV 25330 • (304) 348-8174 OFFICE • (304) 348-8034 FAX
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FAIRNESS WV HISTORY
Fairness West Virginia (FWV) was founded in late 2008 by former Board President Stephen Skinner and a group of committed
individuals from across West Virginia. FWV became the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to securing
fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) West Virginians at state and local levels.
Since its creation, FWV has added two affiliate organizations to effectively achieve its mission. Fairness West Virginia
Institute (FWVI) holds as its mission to promote and sustain the civil rights of LGBT West Virginians through education and
research on issues concerning LGBT people. This mission is fulfilled in part by holding an annual educational conference
and managing an anti-bullying campaign through our website wvBullyFree.com. Fairness Action is a state political action
committee established by candidates who want to promote a climate of equality and tolerance in West Virginia. Through
Fairness Action LGBT West Virginians and their allies have contributed to candidates in statewide elections for the legislature
and for governor. Together they are Fairness.
Fairness Action has contributed to pro-equality over the past four years; Fairness has expanded from small meetings to a
powerful organization with thousands of supporters across the state. Together we have achieved significant milestones on
the road to fairness:
• In 2009, FWV hired a lobbyist, and for the first time in our state’s history, West Virginia had someone lobbying for LGBT
issues in the statehouse.
• In March of 2009 the West Virginia Senate passed Senate Bill 238 to provide protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender West Virginians in the workplace and community.
• In July of 2009 The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously ruled on June 5 that the child should remain with the foster
parents and not be removed from the only home she had known so that she could be placed in a “traditional home” with
a mother and father.
• In February of 2010 the West Virginia House of Delegates overwhelming rejected a proposed state constitutional
amendment that would have harmed the families of gay and lesbian couples by limiting the definition of marriage.
• In December of 2010, FWV gathered, in less than 36 hours, 800 signatures to protest Senator Manchin’s lack of support
for repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
• In January of 2011, FWV was honored as a “Living the Dream” award winner from the Martin Luther King, Jr. West
Virginia Holiday Commission for our outstanding work throughout the state for LGBT rights.
• In April of 2011, we were able to hire our first full-time staff person, Bradley Milam, followed by the addition of a second
staff member in January of 2012.
• In August of 2011, FWV Institute and the American Civil Liberties Union of WV launched wvBullyFree.com, a campaign for
effective anti-bullying school policies.
• In December of 2011, wvBullyFree.com achieved a victory when the State Board of Education unanimously voted for
Policy 4373 that protects all students by requiring reporting of bullying incidents if motivated by sexual orientation, gender
identity or gender expression, amongst other characteristics.
• In February 2012, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and the United Mine
Workers of America (UMWA) endorsed workplace protections for LGBT workers.
• In August 2012, Joe Racalto brought his many years of experience with the United States Congress to West Virginia when
he was hired as FWV’s Executive Director.
In four years, we have repeatedly made history by accomplishing major progress with state legislation and policy. Today,
you are part of our annual Conference and Gala. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to what we will be able to
accomplish in the future, together.
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Your Journey Begins with
our
Culture
Stroll through time, from prehistory to modern times, at our museums. Celebrate
West Virginia’s rich heritage at festivals that showcase our world-renowned fiddlers,
dancers, artists and artisans. Hear Civil War soldiers tell stories about all the political
intrigue surrounding West Virginia’s path to statehood. Learn about West Virginia’s
coal legacy and visit one of the largest Adena burial mounds in the world. Discover
how our journey opens the doors for your journey.
304-558-0220
www.wvculture.org
EEO/AA Employer
FAIRNESS WV BOARD
President
Coy Flowers, M.D.
Lewisburg, WV
Dr. Flowers is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who is in private
practice in southern West Virginia with offices in Lewisburg, Beckley, Hinton,
and Union. Born and raised in Huntington, Coy was elected Governor of
West Virginia Boys State in 1989 and represented West Virginia at Boys
Nation. He graduated as valedictorian from Barboursville High School
and matriculated to West Virginia University, as he was named a WVU
Foundation Scholar. Coy received both his B.A. and M.D. degrees from
WVU, and then completed his internship and residency at the National
Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, and the Walter Reed Army
Medical Center in Washington, DC. Coy served in the US Navy for ten
years and left active service as a Lieutenant Commander. In addition
to being a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology
and President of the Greenbrier County Medical Society, he is a Clinical
Assistant Professor at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Coy currently serves on the Board of Trustees at the Greenbrier Valley
Theatre. Additionally, Coy was elected to serve on the Greenbrier County
Democratic Executive Committee in 2010. Along with his partner of 7 years
and their brilliant 6 year old son, he resides in Lewisburg, which is, of
course, America’s Coolest Small Town.
Cynthia DeVille
Lewisburg
Ms. DeVille is a resident of Lewisburg, West Virginia, transgender business
owner of Cythia’s Hair and Nails, and a retired military veteran who
honorably served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. Since coming out in
2009, Ms. Deville has made it her mission to educate others on transgender
issues and is an activist for tolerance and fair treatment of gendernonconforming individuals. Her efforts include making presentations on
transgender issues to the West Virginia Wesleyan College Gender Studies
Symposium, the Fairness Now conference, PFLAG, New River Community
and Technical College, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and
the Keystone Conference in Harrisburg, Pa. Ms. Deville has been nominated
for inclusion on the Military Advisory Council of the Servicemembers Legal
Defense Network. She has organized the West Virginia observance of the
Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2011 and 2012.
Robert F. Dunlap, Esq., M.B.A.
Beckley, WV
Dunlap is a Greenbrier and Monroe County native who attended both
Greenbrier West and East High Schools, Concord University, and West
Virginia University and completed his Juris Doctorate and Master’s in
Business Administration at Duquesne School of Law. He is admitted to
the bars of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Before returning to West Virginia in 2006, Mr. Dunlap practiced law in
Allegheny County, PA, and served on numerous boards including that of
Juris Magazine, Secretary of the Women’s Law Association and President
of the PLGFS – Pittsburgh Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. Since his return to
West Virginia to start his family and establish his law firm, Robert Dunlap
Esq. PLLC, Mr. Dunlap has represented numerous corporate clients as inside
counsel, including PNC Bank, Diversified Enterprises and Family Options
Providers, Inc where he currently serves as CEO and President providing
statewide social services. He has served two years as an Assistant Public
Defender in Raleigh County, teaches various Legal Studies courses at
Concord University, and is Of Counsel for the National Fertility Law Group
where he assists in the establishment of parental rights for all of West
Virginia’s families.
Treasurer
Christina Dalton, M.B.A.
Charleston, WV
Dalton was raised in the Charleston, West Virginia area. After graduating
from Riverside High School, she attended West Virginia State University
where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
with a Concentration in Accounting. After working a short period of time in
state government as an Accountant, she enrolled in Marshall University’s
Graduate School program and subsequently graduated at the top of her
class with her Executive Master’s in Business Administration. She is currently
studying for the coveted Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation for
investment professionals. Today, she holds the title of Assistant Financial
Controller for a state government agency responsible for managing the
operational activities of the accounting staff in relation to governmental
accounting and budgeting. Currently she resides in Charleston with her
partner and two daughters.
John Hagen
Morgantown, WV
John H. Hagen is a Scholarly Communications Consultant based in
Morgantown, West Virginia. Originally from Flint, Michigan, Hagen
studied Sociology at Michigan State University, where he launched his
career at the MSU Libraries in 1987. Hagen’s extensive academic library
background includes management of the Institutional Repository programs
and coordination of the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) program
at the West Virginia University (WVU) Libraries from 1989-2011. Hagen
presently serves on the Board of Directors for the Networked Digital
Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD), an international non-profit
consortium of hundreds of universities (since 1998). Hagen also serves
on the Board of Directors for the US ETD Association (USETDA), a nonprofit organization promoting and supporting ETD networks for libraries
and graduate schools nationwide (since 2009). In 2009 Hagen served
as Co-Chair for the 15th International Symposium on ETDs, held at the
University of Pittsburgh and co-sponsored by WVU, where Hagen also
received the NDLTD International ETD Leadership Award. Hagen has also
been significantly involved in political activism and human rights advocacy
through his volunteer service efforts. Hagen served as Co-Chair for the WVU
Council on Sexual Orientation (COSO), member of the WVU Social Justice
Council and founding member of the faculty/staff/allies LGBT networking
group WVU Common Ground (1998-2011). Hagen served on the Board of
Directors for Caritas House, a nonprofit charitable organization serving the
needs of individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness
in the North-Central West Virginia (2003-2009). Hagen presently serves on
the Fairness West Virginia Board of Directors, the leading non-profit LGBT
civil rights advocacy organization in West Virginia (since 2009) and served
as Co-Chair for the 2nd annual Fairness WV conference in 2010. Hagen is
an evangelist for the open access in scholarly communications and social
equality movements.
Secretary
Jessica Scott
Buckhannon, WV
Scott is Instructor of Interdisciplinary Studies and Coordinator of Gender
Studies at West Virginia Wesleyan College. She holds a Master’s degree
in Music from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Gender
Studies from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She has traveled
extensively outside of the United States as a performer, volunteer, and
researcher, most recently to South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Austria, and
South Korea. Her research interests include legal recognition of same-sex
relationships in South Africa and LGBT visibility in Appalachia. While living
in South Africa in 2009 and 2010, she was a researcher for the Gender,
Sexuality, Law project at the African Gender Institute of the University of
Cape Town. She resides in Elkins, WV with her partner.
Jeff Crist
Charleston, WV
Crist is Health Action Manager at Covenant House of WV, an organization
dedicated to working for justice by offering direct services for people in
need while creating social change through advocacy and education.
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Candace
Gingrich-Jones
Associate Director, Youth and Campus Outreach
Human Rights Campaign
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
@ 7:30 p.m.
Mountainlair Ballrooms
WVU Downtown Campus | Morgantown, WV
Since 1995, Candace Gingrich-Jones has served as a key advocate for
issues of importance to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
community. Her involvement in the movement for queer equality began
when her brother, Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-GA., was elected House speaker.
Her 1996 autobiography, The Accidental Activist, was a best seller in the LGBT community. Gingrich-Jones
promotes the importance of coming out, the duty to vote and the power of everyday conversations to change
minds. As HRC's Youth & Campus Outreach associate director, Gingrich-Jones works to empower Gen EQ
(Generation Equality) to fight for LGBT equality on campus and beyond.
The Festival of Ideas lecture series was created by President Emeritus David C. Hardesty Jr. in 1995. It was
inspired by events he organized as WVU student body president in the 1960's.
Key figures from the fields of politics, business, entertainment, research, sports, scholarship, and culture will
travel to Morgantown to share their wisdom with the greater university community. All presentations are free
and open to the public. Interpretation for the hearing impaired is provided by Disability Services of the
President's Office of Social Justice.
For more information, please visit our website at http://festivalofideas.wvu.edu and our Facebook page at
"West Virginia University Festival of Ideas".
David C. Hardesty, Jr.
Festival
of
ideas
FAIRNESS WV BOARD
Lou Ann Johnson
Jackson County, WV
Lou Ann is a native of Sophia, Raleigh County and currently resides in
Jackson County. A graduate of Concord University, she served as State
Director for Senator Jay Rockefeller for 23 years before retiring in 2008.
She now works as a government affairs consultant.
T. Donald Sommerville, M.D.
Huntington, WV
Troy Sommerville, MD is an Internist at the Veterans Administration Medical
Center in Huntington, WV. A West Virginia native and graduate of WVU,
Dr. Sommerville has been an advocate for LGBT issues for many years. He
is a also member of the ACLU and the NAACP. He lives with his partner in
an old house in Huntington and they raise lush greenbrier and box tortoises
at a hobby farm nearby. He enjoys life.
Justin Murdock
Huntington, WV
Murdock is a graduate of Wayne High School and still resides in Wayne
County where he lives with his partner. He is a father of two children who
happily occupy much of his time. Justin is a manager at a family business
in Huntington where he works closely with the disabled community and the
Veterans’ Administration. He is an active member of his church where he
serves on the council and joins them in fighting for social justice issues. He
and his partner have been active in fighting and organizing for LGBT rights
on a grassroots level in the Huntington area.
Frances “Fran” C. Whiteman
Morgantown, WV
Frances C. Whiteman grew up in Keyser, West Virginia. She attended
West Virginia University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree
in Journalism in 1982 and a Master’s in Public Administration in 1984.
After working for five years in Fairmont with Grant Management Services
performing grant and project administration in connection with E.P.A.
funded Clean Water Act projects, Fran attended Capital University Law
School where she was awarded a Juris Doctor degree in 1992. While living
in Morgantown, Fran has practiced law in Fairmont since October 1992.
In 1999, she and Kristine Burdette became law partners and formed the
firm Whiteman Burdette, PLLC. Fran is licensed to practice law not only
in the state of West Virginia, but in the state of North Carolina, and in
the Northern and Southern Federal Court Districts in West Virginia. Fran
practices personal injury litigation, criminal and juvenile defense, abuse/
neglect law, public utility law and local government representation.
She regularly advises clients who are gay and lesbian about domestic
partnership agreements, wills, real estate, powers of attorney, and estates.
She was President of the North Central Chapter of the WV Foundation for
Equality, before the chapter became inactive in 2005.
Stephen Skinner, Esq.
Shenandoah Junction, WV
Skinner was raised in Charles Town, West Virginia, and graduated from
Jefferson High School, West Virginia Wesleyan College, and the West
Virginia University College of Law. He is admitted to the bars of West
Virginia, New York, the District of Columbia. Before returning to the West
Virginia in 2004, Mr. Skinner practiced law in New York City. Mr. Skinner
handles catastrophic injury and consumer law cases across the country.
He is a member of the American Association for Justice, the District of
Columbia Trial Lawyers Association, the West Virginia Association for
Justice, where is a board member. He just stepped down after three years
as President of the Board of Trustees of the Contemporary American
Theater Festival. Skinner is an alumni of West Virginia Boys State and
the West Virginia Governors Honors Academy. In 2008, Skinner was
elected as a pledged Barack Obama Delegate to the Democratic National
Convention representing West Virginia’s Second Congressional District. In
2009, Governor Manchin appointed him to the West Virginia Commission
on the Arts. Skinner’s Charles Town-based firm, Skinner Law Firm, focuses
on representing consumers and victims of negligence.
Tim Wheeler
Lost River, WV
Timothy (Tim) Wheeler grew up in southern Virginia and graduated from
Averett University with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He is a former Special
Education Teacher and Reading Specialist having taught in Martinsville,
VA and in the Juvenile Correctional Facilities in the Richmond, VA area.
Currently, he is President of the Lost River Artisans Cooperative and
Museum. He married Robert (Bob) Alcock in California, June 2008, and
they reside in Lost River, WV. Tim is committed to full equality for all LGBT
individuals.
Adam Smith
Washington, DC
Smith grew up in Parkersburg, WV. After graduating from Parkersburg
South High School, he attended college at Elon University in North
Carolina. After a short stint at a PR firm, he moved to Public Campaign,
a national nonprofit organization working on campaign finance reform.
At Public Campaign, Smith worked in all areas of communications,
including research, writing, graphic design, and online advocacy. He also
assisted state based organizations across the country on legislative and
communications strategies, including in West Virginia. Today, Smith is the
Press Secretary for Public Campaign and lives in Washington, D.C.
BOARD OF ADVISERS
Sara Bird, Esq., Buchannon, WV
Scott Crichlow, Ph.D., Morgantown, WV
Andrea Marano King, Esq., Charleston, WV
Ian Gibson-Smith, Shepherdstown, WV
John Saunders, Ph.D., Buckhannon, WV
Kevin Waldo, Esq., Charleston, WV
Trellis Smith
Morgantown
Trellis is a native of New Orleans and Creative Director/Owner of EC, a
design studio and event production firm in Morgantown. In addition to
being an entrepreneur, Trellis is a published food and lifestyle writer. In the
past, he has served on the Human Rights Campaign New Orleans Steering
Committee. Currently, he is the coordinator for the Morgantown chapter
of G2H2 (Gay Guys Happy Hour), a monthly social networking group.
Trellis works in Morgantown, where he resides with his partner and their
two adopted sons.
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CONFERENCE FACULTY
JAY ADAMS, M.A.
HIV Care Coordinator WV Ryan White Part B Program
Jay is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University and received his Master’s Degree from Marshall
University. He has been working in the field of HIV/AIDS since 1984. He has served as the HIV Care
Coordinator in West Virginia since 1991 when Ryan White CARE Act funds were first received by the
state. Jay has served many roles statewide in West Virginia in the areas of HIV prevention and care.
His day to day responsibilities include administering the WV AIDS Drug Assistance Program and the
Ryan White Part B State Direct Services for nearly 1,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in WV. As a
volunteer, Jay chairs the only AIDS Memorial Quilt Chapter in WV and he is a frequent lecturer at
nursing schools and social work programs throughout the state and performs HIV Rapid Testing. He
has been honored with numerous awards including the inaugural national Mary Fisher Family AIDS
Network National Outstanding Caregiver Award.
KAY ALBRIGHT
Rev. Kay Albright is pastor of Bridges of Grace United Church of Christ. Bridges of Grace is a
new church start in Charleston, WV. Since coming to Charleston, Rev. Albright has been a part of
various LGBT organizations including spending the last year on the board of Rainbow Pride of West
Virginia Inc. She takes pride in advocating for equality issues, and starting a church that is Open
and Affirming. Open and Affirming means welcoming not only LGBT folks, but all people who seek a
safe place to worship and explore their faith. Rev. Albright has a Master’s of Divinity and Master’s
of Arts in Counseling Ministries.
JOHN BLOSNICH
John Blosnich earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health Sciences from West Virginia University.
His research focuses on how social stressors play key explanatory roles in health disparities among
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (i.e., LGBT) populations. His research began with examining
tobacco use among LGBT populations and has expanded to include suicide risk. He is currently a
postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and a Health
Sciences Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs VISN-2 Center of Excellence for Suicide
Prevention. His most recent work includes exploring how early life stress and childhood adversity
associate with mental health disparities among LGBT populations.
DOUGLAS M. EVANS, MA
Corporate Development Associate
Prestera Center for Mental Health Services, Inc.
Doug Evans has had the honor and privilege of serving as Marshall University’s LGBT Outreach
Director from 2005 to 2009 prior to becoming an adjunct faculty member in the Marshall University
Psychology Department. He is currently serving as a Corporate Development Associate with the
Prestera Center for Mental Health Services. As the LGBT Outreach Director he helped secure a grant
to redesign, redevelop, and promote the Marshall University Safe Space Program.
Today, Doug’s work with Prestera Center and the Prestera Foundation is aimed at ensuring that all
individuals dealing mental health and substance abuse issues have access to high quality mental
health and addiction treatment services regardless of their ability to pay. He is also an advocate
for the sensitive treatment of LGBT mental health consumers. Doug is originally from the southern
coalfields [one word] near Beckley and has worked both in Huntington and in Charleston, where he
now resides.
12
CONFERENCE FACULTY
PHYLLIS CARTER
On March 7, 2011, Judge Phyllis Carter assumed the role of Acting Executive Director of the West
Virginia Human Rights Commission. For eleven years prior to being appointed Acting Executive
Director, Judge Carter worked as the Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Commission. In her
capacity as Chief Administrative Law Judge, she heard cases involving allegations of employment
and public accommodation discrimination as well as violations of the West Virginia Fair Housing Act.
Also, she has held numerous positions in West Virginia state government including Commissioner
of the Division of Human Services, Executive Director, Division of Juvenile Services and Director
of Federal State Relations in the office of Governor Gaston Caperton. Judge Carter is licensed to
practice law before the West Virginia Bar, Virginia Bar and Arkansas Bar. She is admitted to practice
before the Supreme Court of the United States. She is a member of the Board of Governors for the
National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary. She is the immediate-past president of the West
Virginia Association of Administrative Law Judges.
Judge Carter graduated magna cum laude from St. Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina.
While at St. Augustine’s, she studied at the Sorbonne and L’Alliance Francise in Paris, France. She
holds a Juris Doctor Degree from the College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law,
Williamsburg, Virginia, a Certificate in Administrative Law Adjudication and a Certificate in Dispute
Resolution from the National Judicial College. She joined the faculty of the National Judicial College
in 2007, where she teaches courses to attorneys and judges regarding courtroom issues.
ISADORA HARRIS
Isadora Harris was born and raised in Charleston. An alumni of George Washington High School,
she was an active campaigner for local Democrats. Upon first attending West Virginia University,
Isadora went through a process of coming out as transsexual and since then turned her activist
devotion to LGBTQ rights. Isadora is now Chairperson of WVU Queer Student Union.
FRANK HARTMAN, ESQ.
A native of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Frank Hartman received his B.A. in American Studies (an
American Literature and American History combined program) at The Evergreen State College in
Olympia, Washington. Upon graduation, he was selected as a Teach for America corps member
and served a full two-year term as a fourth grade teacher in Baldwin, Louisiana. Accepted at the
West Virginia University College of Law, Frank deferred his enrollment to become the statewide
field coordinator for the 1996 Joe Manchin for Governor Campaign. After graduating from WVU,
he clerked for the Honorable Thomas H. Keadle, Chief Judge of the 26th Judicial Circuit, and then
established a family law firm in his home town of Buckhannon. While at Hartman & Hartman, he
managed an extensive civil and criminal caseload. Five years into practicing law, Frank received a
gubernatorial appointment to the West Virginia Insurance Commission as the Consumer Advocate.
Hartman served as consumer advocate until joining the Charleston law firm of Lewis, Glasser, Casey
& Rollins, where he had the opportunity to work with some of the most experienced lawyers in
the valley. At Lewis Glasser, Frank litigated real estate, tort, contract, and election law matters
in state court and was a registered lobbyist for business and civil rights interests in West Virginia.
Frank is the founding member of Hartman Law & Government Affairs, PLLC, focusing on litigation,
administrative and election law, and criminal defense. Frank is currently adjunct faculty at Glenville
State College. A graduate of the 2009 Class of Leadership West Virginia, he is a former member of
the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee and former chairman of
the Upshur County Democratic Party.
13
CONFERENCE FACULTY
JOEY MADIA
Joey Madia is a playwright, teaching artist, director, and actor. He is the Artistic Director/Resident
Playwright of Seven Stories Theatre Company, Inc. and Resident Playwright at Youth Stages, LLC. He
has appeared in or directed over 80 plays. He specializes in social justice theatre and participatory
plays for youth. His 17 plays for young audiences have been produced across the United States
and his series of books on using theatre in the classroom (The Stage Learning Series, Accompany
Publishing, 2007) is helping teachers redefine learning. He has written and performed pieces about
Civil War captains Louis Emilio and Thomas Maulsby.
As a teaching-artist he has worked with, taught, and mentored thousands of students in both theatre
and creative writing and has spoken at many schools and national conferences. He specializes in
working with young students and performers to develop new works in the classroom and for public
performance as well as helping teachers integrate the Arts into their classrooms. He has worked
with organizations including The Epilepsy Foundation of NJ and Camp NOVA to bring theatre to
students with disabilities and has won three writing awards from VSA of NJ. His poetry, essays, and
short stories have been widely published and have earned him several awards. His first novel, JesterKnight, was published in February of 2009. He is a book and music reviewer and the founding editor
of www.newmystics.com, an art and literary site.
PAUL MILAM
Paul Milam is 24 years old and was born and raised in West Virginia. He currently works with the
LGBT smoking cessation program at Covenant House in Charleston, WV. After attending college at
the University of Findlay in Ohio he moved home in fall of 2009 and began to volunteer with PFLAG
Charleston-Huntington. This led him to volunteering with other organizations like Rainbow Pride
WV, The Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Covenant House and more. He was one of the Covenant
House volunteers who helped collect data for the tobacco use among the LGBT community in WV.
He became the Coordinator in 2011 for the Mpowerment Project, an HIV prevention program that
targets young gay/bi men, at Covenant House. He is currently finishing a Bachelor’s Degree at
Marshall University.
ALEXANDRIA RUNYON
Alexandria Runyon is currently a sixteen year-old junior at Cabell Midland High school, where she is
the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance and the design editor of the school newspaper. She splits
her time between both passions and hopes to be involved in both advocating for the LGBT community
and journalism throughout her life.
14
CONFERENCE FACULTY
DOUG SANBORN
As the Manager of Community, Commerce, and Partnership, and national LGBT, for MillerCoors, a
U.S. joint venture between SABMiller and Molson Coors, Doug Sanborn is responsible for leading
all aspects of the company’s corporate relations programs as well as coordinating all aspects of
leveraging MillerCoors equity in the LGBT Community. With more than 20 years of marketing,
sales and management experience, Sanborn has helped develop a committed partnership between
MillerCoors and the LGBT community.
During his 11 plus years with the company, he has held field sales, management, Brand Marketing
and Corporate Relations positions. He has successfully implemented national market development
programs and partnerships with major LGBT organizations and community groups. His work has
resulted in numerous awards and recognitions for MillerCoors, including receiving a perfect score
for eight years in a row on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. Sanborn’s leadership has resulted in
numerous sponsorships/partnerships including the GLAAD, Trevor Project, Out and Equal, HRC, Out
Serve, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors.
Prior to joining the company, Sanborn held sales and management positions for Fortune 500
companies including Campbell Soup Co, and Dr Pepper/Seven Up. A native of Alpena, Michigan,
Sanborn graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Education.
MICHAEL VINCENT
Michael is case manager of the AIDS Residential and Resource Program and coordinator of the LGBT
Smoking Cessation Program at Covenant House in Charleston. He moved to WV in 1982 with a BA
from Indiana University, a Master’s from Yale University Divinity School and three years’ experience
at the NYC Catholic Worker. While a program director at Catholic Charities WV, Michael received
the WV Governor’s Martin Luther King Peace Award for creating an inmate family support program
in Alderson and organizing community efforts against police brutality in Summers County. A licensed
social worker, he lives in Cool Ridge with his spouse; they are proud parents of three children.
JoELLEN ZACKS
Charleston Area Alliance
Throughout her career, JoEllen Bursinger Zacks has harnessed her legal, public policy and
communication experience to lead meaningful change and organizational success. Senior vice
president for the Charleston Area Alliance since 2007, she is responsible for policy and legal affairs,
institutional advancement and the organization’s numerous professional development programs,
including its “inclusion=innovation” diversity initiative. She was formerly the senior director for strategic
communication at the American Bar Association in Chicago, where she directed a communication
team of 150 to advance the 450,000-member organization’s lobbying, marketing and public
education goals. Her work took her around the country to launch campaigns on topics ranging
from tort reform to the death penalty to children’s rights, and to partner with the administrations of
Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush on issues of national importance. At
the ABA, she championed a wide range of groundbreaking gender equity and racial justice issues
with Association leaders such as Hillary Clinton and former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer. JoEllen
is the vice president of the Mountaineer Montessori School in Charleston and serves on the board
of West Virginia Independent Colleges and Universities. She is past president of the West Virginia
Symphony League and has served on the boards of West Virginia Advocates, Girl Scouts of Chicago,
Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation Chicago
Chapter, and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. She holds a BA from the University
of Wisconsin School of Journalism and JD from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago and is
admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of
Illinois and the Illinois Supreme Court. She and her husband, Charleston native Ben Zacks, reside
with their daughter in South Hills.
15
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
8:00–9:00
Registration & Coffee
9:00–9:10
Welcome, Introductions, and Invocations
9:10-9:30
Keynote: “The State of Equality in West Virginia”
9:30–10:45Panel: Hard Work Doesn’t Discriminate
This panel is dedicated to documenting the experiences of workers who have been discriminated against for their sexual
orientation and taken action against such offenses. This panel will feature experts in law, politics, and human rights.
11:00-12:15Panel: Beyond Bullying: Other Experiences of LGBT Youth
This panel is dedicated to urging schools to go beyond the statewide bullying reporting requirement to passing stronger
protections for all students to reduce rates of homelessness, suicide, and substance abuse. The panel will feature youth
and prevention experts.
12:15-1:30
Lunch & Networking Groups
1:30-2:30Breakout Sessions
Alexandria Runyon, President of Cabell Midland High Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), and Isadora Harris, chairperson of
West Virginia University’s Queer Student Union, will present on programs their organizations have done. This will be
followed by a brainstorming session on the topic.
Doug Sanborn, Manager of Community Commerce Partnerships for MillerCoors, will speak about his company’s LGBT
partnership strategy.
JoEllen Zacks, Senior Vice President of the Charleston Area Alliance, will present the Alliance’s unique research project
called MAGNET: Managing, Attracting and Growing New and Existing Talent. The goal of this project is to identify
opportunities and obstacles to building a world-class, diverse professional workforce that will help the Kanawha Valley
be competitive in a global marketplace.
2:45-3:45Breakout Sessions
Frank Hartman, of hartmanmullins Government & Communications, LLC, and Joey Madia, Artistic Director and Resident
Playwright of Seven Stories Theatre Company, Inc., will be providing an introduction on lobbying community leaders.
Jay Adams, HIV Care Coordinator of Ryan White Part B State Direct Services, will present on HIV and AIDS policy and
the social stigma attached to knowing your status.
Rev. Kay Albright, of Bridges of Grace United Church of Christ, will present on talking to people of faith about gay and
trans issues.
John Blosnich, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Rochester, with Michael Vincent and Paul Milam, of the
Covenant House, will present on how your local community can work to change the high rates of smoking among
individuals who are LGBT.
4:00-5:00Breakout Sessions
Cynthia DeVille, owner of Cynthia Hair and Nails, will present Transgender 101, an introduction to the issues faced by
people who are gender non-conforming.
Robert Dunlap, Esq will present on current non-discrimination law and the importance of documenting incidents.
Doug Evans, former Director of Marshall University’s LGBT office, will present on essential elements for a successful safe
space program.
16
SPONSORS
n...
Our missioPLATINUM
to increase access to services for
individuals at-risk, or infected with,
HIV disease and to provide quality,
Stephen G. Skinner
comprehensive patient care in a safe
Andrew C. Skinner
environment for all lesbian,
L A W gay,
F I R M
Laura C. Davis
bisexual and transgender West Virginians.
We are located at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
www.SkinnerFirm.com 304.725.7029
SK IN N ER
BRONZE
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
OF WEST VIRGINIA
PO BOX 3952
CHARLESTON, WV
24339-3952
(304)345-9246
NON-PROFIT
WWW.ACLUWV.ORG
BECAUSE FREEDOM CAN’T PROTECT
ITSELF.
Toll-free:
1-877-565-4423
camc.org/ryanwhite

West Virginia Wesleyan College
Gender Studies Minor
Courses include:
Queer Theory/Queer Lives
IN KIND

Masculinities


Motherhood in American History
Gender Communication

Gender, Sexuality, Politics: Debates in Contemporary African Contexts



For more information, contact the Coordinator of Gender Studies
Jessica Scott [email protected] (304)
473-8360




 

 














17




STAN
SPEA
Fairness WV and AC
launched WV Bullyanti-bullying policies
every child is entitle
learning environmen
To learn more about
have your voice hea
Our
mission...
to increase access to
services for individuals
at risk for, or infected
with, HIV disease and
to provide quality,
comprehensive patient care
in a safe environment for
all lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender West
Virginians. We are located
at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Toll-free:
1-877-565-4423 • camc.org/ryanwhite
24692-J12
Applauds the work of
FAIRNESS WEST VIRGINIA
Keep up the Fight
2012 GALA TABLE CAPTAINS
ACLU of WV
Gary Blake
Christina Dalton & Abi Ayers
Cnythia DeVille
Robert Dunlap
Coy Flowers & Jonathan Hemby
Dwight Foley
Gaddy Engineering Company
Aaron Gumm & Justin Gilmore
Rainbow Pride of West Virginia Inc.
Lou Ann Johnson
Jamie McCormick
Joshua McGrath
Joe Racalto
Randall Reid-Smith / Douglas Sanborn
Stephen Skinner & Jeffrey Gustafson
Tim Wheeler & Bob Alcock
Fran Whiteman
WV Free
WV Wesleyan
19
STAND UP.
SPEAK OUT.
Fairness WV and ACLU of West Virginia have
launched WV Bully-Free to secure effective
anti-bullying policies in West Virginia, because
every child is entitled to a safe, secure
learning environment free from harassment.
To learn more about these efforts and how to
have your voice heard visit: wvbullyfree.com.
GALA SCHEDULE
6:30
Registration & Reception
7:15Welcome & Invocation
Rev. Shauna Hyde, Pastor of Parish Life, Christ Church United Methodist, Charleston
7:30Performance by Charleston Gay Men’s Chorale
Dinner
8:302012 Fairness WV Institute Award Presentation
Accuracy & Fairness in Media Award
Hoppy Kercheval
Public Leadership Award
Dr. Jorea Marple
Ian Gibson-Smith Award
Stephen Skinner
Special Recognition to
Larry Matheney
Diego Sanchez
9:30
Closing Remarks
Program printed by
Program designed by
matthewminch
[email protected]
840 North Jefferson Street · Lewisburg, WV 24901
304-793-6300
www.postnet.com/lewisburg-wv102
21
William McKee, Jr.
Cindy S. McGhee
CPA / PFS, CFP®
CPA / PFS, CTFA, CRSP
[email protected]
[email protected]
304.206.3308
304.206.3310
STAND UP.
Investigate
SPEAK
and see
whyOUT.
A&F Financial
Advisors
is unique.
Fairness WV and ACLU of West Virginia have
launched WV Bully-Free to secure effective
anti-bullying policies in West Virginia, because
every child is entitled to a safe, secure
learning environment free from harassment.
To learn more about these efforts and how to
have your voice heard visit: wvbullyfree.com.
AF Center
101 Washington Street East
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
304.206.3338 • 800.642.3601
www.affinancialadvisors.com
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION
OF WEST VIRGINIA
PO BOX 3952
CHARLESTON, WV
24339-3952
(304)345-9246
WWW.ACLUWV.ORG
BECAUSE FREEDOM CAN’T PROTECT
ITSELF.
2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS
ACCURACY AND FAIRNESS IN MEDIA AWARD
HOPPY KERCHEVAL
Presented for his steadfast and public support of LGBT rights, including marriage equality
and the Employment and Housing Non-Discrimination Act.
The radio “dean” of West Virginia broadcasters, Hoppy Kercheval joined West Virginia Radio
Corporation in 1976. Through the years Hoppy’s assignments have spanned the gamut to include
news, sports, and talk.
A native of Summit Point in Jefferson County, Hoppy began as a news anchor/reporter at WAJR in
Morgantown while still attending West Virginia University. After graduating with honors from WVU,
Kercheval took over as News Director at WAJR and began carving an identity as the state of West
Virginia’s most professional and respected broadcast journalist.
A founding father of Metronews, Kercheval served as News Director until assuming the role of Vice
President of Operations in 1991. In 1993, he created Metronews Talkline, which has become a
signature program of the network. Hoppy’s gift of interviewing has made Talkline a must-listen for
lawmakers and anyone interested in state politics and the day’s top news events.
In addition to his Metronews assignments, Kercheval has been a key member of the Mountaineers
Sports Network. His pre-game, halftime, and post-game scores and highlight features have become
a staple of MSN broadcasts.
An avid traveler, Hoppy’s adventures have taken him to fifteen different countries in Central and
South America, Europe, and Asia.
23
2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS
PUBLIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS JOREA M. MARPLE
Presented for her work in making all West Virginia students safer.
Jorea M. Marple took over as West Virginia’s 27th state superintendent of schools on March 1,
2011.
As superintendent, Marple oversees West Virginia’s public school system, which includes 55
individual school districts, serving about 282,000 students in preschool through 12th grade.
Marple, who has a doctorate in education administration from West Virginia University, has more
than 35 years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, university instructor,
principal, assistant county superintendent, county superintendent, assistant state superintendent and
deputy state superintendent. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Fairmont
State and a master of arts in reading from WVU. She also is a published author on effective school
leadership. Marple has experience in West Virginia schools in Marion, Monongalia, Greenbrier and
Kanawha counties.
As a principal at Tiskelwah Elementary School in Kanawha County, she helped students significantly
improve their standardized test scores, which earned Tiskelwah a National Blue Ribbon School
distinction. As an assistant state superintendent and deputy state superintendent, she has helped
guide the state’s journey to create a responsive and accountable 21st century school system.
Her responsibilities have included working to create the state’s 21st century learning program,
“Global 21: Students deserve it. The world demands it.” The plan, which has garnered West Virginia
national and international attention, includes increased rigor and relevance and incorporates realworld learning and performance skills, such as problem solving and creative thinking, into state
standards.
Marple also has been involved in the state Department of Education’s work with pre-K programs,
school technology implementation, school leadership development programs, reading initiatives and
teacher quality efforts.
On the international front, Marple has been selected to participate in the Global Education Leaders
Program. Based in London, the program’s goal is to develop in-depth, sustainable transformation
practices beyond the simple exchange of ideas.
Nationally, Marple served as a leader within the National Urban and Suburban School Association.
She was invited to participate in both the Columbia and Harvard universities’ superintendent
academies. She has worked with the U.S. Department of Education, Partnership for 21st Century
Skills, Council of Chief State School Officers, other state departments of education, the State
Educational Technology Directors Association, the National Association of Test Directors, the
National Association of Special Education Teachers and the National Staff Development Council.
She also has been honored as a YWCA Woman of Achievement.
Marple and her husband, Attorney General Darrell V. McGraw Jr., live in Charleston. They are the
parents of two adult children.
24
2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS
IAN GIBSON-SMITH AWARD
STEPHEN SKINNER
For exemplifying LGBT activism in West Virginia by his outstanding service, professionalism,
and performance in his daily life, FWVI proudly announces this year’s recipient of the Ian
Gibson-Smith Award to Fairness West Virginia founder, Stephen Skinner.
Stephen Skinner was born and raised in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He graduated from
Jefferson High School in 1986, West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1990 in the Honors Program and
the West Virginia University College of Law in 1994. Prior to College, he attended the West Virginia
Governor’s Honors Academy and Mountaineer Boys State. During college, he also studied at
Wroxton College in the United Kingdom before returning to West Virginia Wesleyan and becoming
the Student Government President.
He began his legal career by working with his father in Charles Town from 1994 until 1999
when he moved to New York City. In New York, Skinner represented aviation disaster and other
catastrophically injured victims, including victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. He traveled
extensively with his New York firm before he returned to West Virginia in 2004 to rejoin his father
and his brother where he continues to handle catastrophic injury, consumer suits across the country.
He also has a public information and first amendment practice.
He is admitted to the bars of West Virginia, New York, the District of Columbia, the United States
District Courts in New York, West Virginia and District of Columbia and United States Supreme
Court. His a member of the American Association for Justice, the District of Columbia Trial Lawyers
Association, the West Virginia Association for Justice, Public Justice, the National Crime Victim Bar
Association and the Brain Injury Association of West Virginia.
He is a former President of the Board of Trustees of the Contemporary American Theater Festival at
Shepherd University and continues to serve on CATF’s board. He is a board member of the Shepherd
University Foundation and is an appointed member of the West Virginia Commission on the Arts.
This past year, Stephen was the lead counsel in the redistricting lawsuit challenging congressional
redistricting in West Virginia. Although successful in overturning the re-districting, the United States
Supreme Court reversed the lower court and the case has been returned to the lower court.
Stephen is the founder of and was the first board president of Fairness West Virginia. In 2011,
both Stephen and Fairness West Virginia were recognized by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Commission with “Living the Dream” award for his work in promoting LGBT rights.
In 2008 Skinner was elected as a pledged Barack Obama delegate in the 2nd District of West
Virginia. In 2010, Stephen was elected to the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee.
In January 2012, Stephen filed to run for the House of Delegates for the 67th District which includes
Shepherdstown and Harpers Ferry. If elected, he will become West Virginia’s first openly gay
member of the legislature.
Stephen and his partner, Jeffrey Gustafson, live on a small farm in Shenandoah Junction.
25
INDIVIDUALS RECOGNIZED
DIEGO SANCHEZ, SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR TO CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK
Recognized for his decades of work in Congress and beyond on behalf of transgender
people.
Diego Miguel Sanchez, APR, is Senior Policy Advisor to Congressman Barney Frank (MA-4) and is the first
openly transgender person to work on Capitol Hill in DC plus the first to be appointed to a DNC Standing
Committee (Platform) in 2008 when he was also a DNC At-Large Delegate and PLEO. As a veteran advocate
for social justice and civil rights, Diego has 32 years of award-winning expertise in global public relations,
marketing and diversity management at world headquarters of Fortune 500 companies including The CocaCola Company, Holiday Inn Worldwide, ITT Sheraton Corp. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He introduced
more than 50 global programs and 20 global brands including Diet Coke®, Combos®, Crowne Plaza® and
The St. Regis®.
He was named in the Top 100 Most Powerful Latinos in Corporate America, Outstanding Congressional
Staffer in the 112th Congress, a Capital Champion, an LGBT Latino Hero in DC, twice selected for El Planeta’s
Poderometro and was twice nominated as Pride Grand Marshal in Boston and in 2012 received Boston Latino
Pride’s Ejemplar Award.
He is a founding Board Member of Somos Latinos LGBT Massachusetts, the National Center for Transgender
Equality and was the first Co-Chair with Holly Ryan of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition.
Diego serves on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, sits on its Diversity Committee and was an AtLarge Delegate from Massachusetts at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. He is also on the Board of
The Boston Foundationís new Equality Fund and is President and COO of the Federal Equality Coalition, FedQ.
He was South Carolina Pride Grand Marshal last year and this year was the keynote speaker at the U.S. Census
Bureau’s Pride event, standing in for Congressman Frank.
His Bachelor’s in Journalism is from The University of Georgia, where he was a Rhodes Scholar candidate and
tennis letterman, earned on the women’s tennis team. He is a Senior Fellow of The Emerging Leaders Program
in the College of Management at UMass/Boston.
Diego is a nationally recognized speaker and interviewee on topics including LGBT civil rights, healthcare
disparities, public relations and diversity management. Having moved to Massachusetts in 1991, he lives in
Dorchester and Washington, DC.
LARRY MATHENEY, SECRETARY/TREASURER FOR WEST VIRGINIA’S AFL-CIO
Recognized for his staunch support of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender workers.
Matheney first became a union member in UMWA District #50 in 1966. His local merged with the United Steel
Workers of America, Local #12625, in 1972. Matheney served USWA Local #12625 in various offices including
Steward, Recording Secretary, and Vice-President. He was President for five terms. Most recently, Matheney
was the USWA Labor 2004 State Coordinator and the Legislative Coordinator for West Virginia. He was
elected as a Vice-President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO in 1997 and served in that capacity until his term as
Secretary-Treasurer began on August 16, 2004
Matheney recently put the full force of the AFL-CIO behind the passage of the Employment and Housing NonDiscrimination Act (EHNDA). Notably, Matheney penned a very public editorial, urging the House of Delegates
to make EHNDA a priority and urged them to swiftly pass it out of the House. It is because of his dedication
to workplace and employment rights that the Board of Directors voted to recognize Matheney for his efforts.
26
John C. Bullock, PE & CPG
President
303 Washington Street West
Charleston West Virginia
w// 304-342-0300
f// 304-342-4300
WV FREE salutes Fairness WV & honorees:
Hoppy Kercheval, Dr. Jorea Marple, Larry Matheney,
Stephen Skinner & Diego Sanchez
For their commitment to
equality and justice for
LGBTQ people in West
Virginia.
Join us in the fight for reproductive justice
for all West Virginians!
Sign up for free action alerts & info at
www.wvfree.org.
14th Annual Transgender
Day of Remembrance
Join Asbury as they remember one of their own, Tiffany Sloan,
as they celabrate 10 years as a member of the Reconciling
Ministry Network.
Asbury United Methodist Church
501 Elizabeth Street, Charleston, WV 25311
November 18, 2012 at 11:30 am
304-520-1170 or [email protected]
Those who cannot remember the
past are doomed to repeat it.
www.transgenderdor.org
WORLD AIDS DAY
DECEMBER 1, 2012
~George Santayana
service and candlelight vigil
Asbury United Methodist Church
501 Elizabeth Street · Charleston, WV
304-344-8053 x18
Living AIDS Memorial Garden
Our Mission:
To establish and maintain
a Garden in memory
of those who have died
of AIDS, provide a place
of reflection for those
who are living with
AIDS, and for those
who are survivors.
You can support our efforts by becoming
a Garden member.
Please visit
www.livingaidsmemorialgarden.org
Fairness Action is the political action committee (PAC)
affiliated with Fairness WV. PAC funds are used to provide
support to pro-equality candidates who want to promote a
climate of fairness and tolerance in West Virginia.
"The time has come for the LGBT community in West Virginia
to engage in the political process with full force."
120 W. Washington Street • Charleston, WV 25302 • 304-342-1186
Visit us on Facebook.
www.winterfloralandantiques.com
SAGA
Straight and Gay
Alliance
1105 Quarrier St.,
Charleston, WV 25301
http://sagaofstjohns.weebly.com/
An inclusive group founded by Saint
John’s Episcopal Church, Charleston, to
advocate the dignity of human sexuality
in the spirit of God’s love.
“Saga Second Sunday” offers a safe place
for those who may be questioning their
sexuality or who are looking for a
supportive community with whom to
share some time.
All are welcome to join us at 12:30pm on
the 2nd Sunday of each month except
June. Room 209 at St. Johns, take the
elevator to 2R.
St. John's Episcopal Church of Charleston, West Virginia
Welcomes You
Sunday services at 8 and 10:30 am
We reach out to the world in Christ’s name in hope that all might find a home in God’s healing love.
HARTMAN LAW
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PLLC
“Injustice anywhere
is a threat to justice
everywhere”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
879 Chester Road, Charleston, WV 25302
www.hartmanlga.com
Almost heaven.
C o r r i d o r G a t S o u t h r i d ge
•
s m i t hcar s . co m
•
f aceb o o k . co m / s cm c w v
•
8 0 0 . 4 2 7. 4 0 3 4
Where Equality Matters Every Day
SK I NNER
L A W
F I R M
www.SkinnerFirm.com
Stephen G. Skinner
Andrew C. Skinner
Laura C. Davis
304.725.7029