The Bi Writers Association
and
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Present

Putting the “B” in LGBT Summit

Day/Time: Sat. May 30, 2009 11am-6:30pm

Place:        Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Address:   208 W. 13 Street, 7-8 Ave, New York NY 10011

Admission: Free

Sponsors: The New York Times Company GLBT & Allies Affinity Group,

The Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Renna Communications

Registration: Go to www.gaycenter.org Look up event on the Center’s online Calendar in “Events by Date” for Sat. May 30, 2009

Contact:    Sheela Lambert, Founder, Bi Writers Association 212-928-3558                                              info@biwriters.org

Many people aren’t quite sure how the “B” fits into LGBT. As a result, the “B” often goes missing in press releases, articles and speeches about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights issues. This creates an incorrect public perception of bisexual people, incomplete reporting on LGBT issues and lessens support in the bi community for LGBT rights organizations, publications and politicians who ignore the “B” in LGBT.

We invite everyone who writes about LGBT rights issues: LGBT activists, journalists (LGBT & straight), bloggers and political office staff to join together to brainstorm about how this can be remedied. We also welcome anyone who would like to learn more about the myths and realities of bisexuality. Meet bi speakers who are married to a same-sex partner, have suffered military discrimination and job discrimination.

Keynote Speaker: Robyn Ochs, Editor of Getting Bi, Honoree of the Gay and Lesbian Task Force and marriage equality activist. Plenary and Panel Speakers: Chagmion Antoine (Correspondent for 365 Gay News on Logo), Cindi Creager (National News Director, GLAAD), Dr. Jaime M. Grant (Director of Policy Institute, Gay and Lesbian Task Force), Oriol Gutierrez (Board, Natl. Lesbian & Gay Journalists Assoc. and Deputy Editor, POZ), Loraine Hutchins (Co-Editor, Bi Any Other Name), Ramon Johnson (New Media Journalist, Gay Life Guide at New York Time’s About.com), Micah Kellner (New York State Assembly Member), Sean Kennedy (News & Features Editor, The Advocate), Sheela Lambert (Founder, Bi Writers Association, Co-Founder, Bi Women of All Colors), Denny Meyer (Public Affairs Officer, AVER: American Veterans for Equal Rights), Ann Northrop (Co-Anchor, Gay USA), Pauline Park (NYAGRA: New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy), Donna Redd (Founder, SiSTAH, Co-Founder, Bi Women of All Colors), Cathy Renna (Managing Partner, Renna Communications), Ignacio Rivera (activist/performance artist) Lara Schwartz (Legal Director, HRC), Dennis Slade (Co-Organizer, BiRequest), Ron Suresha (Editor of Kinsey from Zero to Sixty, Bi Men, and Bears on Bears), Jay Venasco ( Editor in Chief, 365 Gay.com.) More speakers TBA.

Program: Putting the “B” in LGBT Summit

11-12 Registration, Free Continental Breakfast & Shmooze

12-1:00 Opening Plenary

Putting the “B” in LGBT

Keynote Speaker: Robyn Ochs, Editor of Getting Bi, Honoree of The Gay and Lesbian Task Force and marriage equality activist.

1:15-2:00 Bisexuality: Exploding the Myths

Panel of experts will explode myths and stereotypes about bisexuality and explain the realities. Dont be afraid to ask questions!

2:00-2:30 Lunch & Networking

Inexpensive & healthy lunches will be available for purchase.

2:30-3:45 Bi Community Panel: Telling Our Stories

Panel of bi speakers discuss how LGBT rights issues such as Marriage Equality, Military Discrimination and Job Discrimination impact their lives. Q&A following presentation.

4:00-4:45 Crafting the Message: How to Put the “B” in LGBT

Practicum on putting the ‘B’ in LGBT in a press release, news story, policy paper, speech or interview on LGBT rights issues. How to report more accurately on bisexuality.

5:00-6:30 Closing Plenary Discussion

Putting the “B” in LGBT: How can we do a better job?

Roundtable discussion by distinguished LGBT rights activists, media professionals, political office holders and bi community activists. Audience participation welcomed.

About the Bi Writers Association

The Bi Writers Association works to dispel myths and stereotypes about bisexuality and is the foremost voice promoting bi writers, bi books and bisexual writing in America. BWA successfully campaigned for a Bisexual Book Award category at the Lammys (LGBT book awards) organizes readings, bi culture events, panels, summits and conferences. BWA provides a networking forum for bi writers, an online bi book club, a bi bookstore and Bidar: a blog covering bisexuality in media arts & culture. BWA includes writers in all genres including journalism, essays, fiction, non-fiction, plays, poetry, TV and movie scripts, songwriting and erotica. Visit www.biwriters.org

About the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center

Established in 1983, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, located at 208 West 13th Street in New York City, is the largest LGBT community center on the East Coast. More than 6,000 people visit the Center weekly and 300 groups meet there. More information is available at www.gaycenter.org

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