August, 05 2009, 11:41am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Inga Sarda-Sorensen, Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463 (Cell) 202.641.5592
isorensen@theTaskForce.org
Task Force to Co-Sponsor Vigil in Support of LGBT Israelis in Wake of Tel Aviv Shooting
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is standing with its international and national partners in condemning the deadly shooting in Tel Aviv at a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) gathering space. The Task Force is a member of the Council for Global Equality -- a coalition of 14 leading advocacy organizations working together to promote human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and abroad -- which sent a letter expressing condolences to and solidarity with the LGBT community in Israel.
WASHINGTON
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is standing with its international and national partners in condemning the deadly shooting in Tel Aviv at a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) gathering space. The Task Force is a member of the Council for Global Equality -- a coalition of 14 leading advocacy organizations working together to promote human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and abroad -- which sent a letter expressing condolences to and solidarity with the LGBT community in Israel. In addition, the Task Force is co-sponsoring tonight's vigil in New York City, organized by Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, at 7 p.m. at 57 Bethune St.
"We join our sisters and brothers in Israel and around the world in grief and shock at the violent violation of the Tel Aviv Gay and Lesbian Association, resulting in the deaths of two young people and the wounding of many more who were attending a support meeting for LGBT youth," says Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "When our spaces of refuge and safety are invaded and violently attacked, we see bloody testament to the failures of societies to accept, embrace and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. We take heart and strength that so many in Tel Aviv, in Israel, and around the globe are standing strong in pride and solidarity at this difficult time. We call upon leaders everywhere to support, protect and defend the rights of LGBT people to live, to love and to contribute to our fullest in all aspects of society."
Get more information here about tonight's vigil in New York City.
The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!
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