Date: Tue, 28 Mar 1995 17:26:54 -0500 From: INLGO@aol.com INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF LESBIAN AND GAY OFFICIALS We appeal to all people to reject personal prejudice as public policy. Instead, we ask them to embrace a vision of a world whose rich history we share, and which includes as equal partners people of color, women, and those with differing religious views. We ask that lesbian and gay people not only be seen and heard, but also acknowledged for the work we are doing to provide fair and effective government, and supported in our demand that gay and lesbian people be given the respect and justice we deserve. Makeup The International Network of Lesbian and Gay Officials (INLGO) is comprised of elected and appointed officials, their partners, activists, and others interested in networking with openly lesbian and gay officials. As openly lesbian and gay public officials, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to serve as teachers both within the institutions of government and to the larger community. As an organization, we support local, state, and national legislation outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, religion, sex, marital status, disability status, national or ethnic origin, and age. We also support legislative and legal efforts to overturn laws that prohibit consensual sexual activity between adults. On both a professional and personal level, our families and our relationships are a significant part of our lives. As part of our commitment to full equality for gay and lesbian people, we support domestic partnership legislation and other steps to the legal recognition of our families. We also demand equitable treatment in child custody, foster care and adoption. We support efforts to ensure the only relevant test of a home be that children are placed in a loving and nurturing environment. We also continue to support multiple strategies to deal with AIDS and HIV-related illnesses, including efforts to protect people from discrimination based on HIV, increased services to people living with HIV and AIDS, and increased governmental funding for AIDS research and education. Annual Conference This is the highlight of INLGO. Each year we offer a conference that provides officials with a major planning and support network of lesbian and gay elected and appointed officials from around the world. The Conference provides a forum for discussion of shared concerns and problems, and is a springboard for ideas on political and social issues. It serves as a vehicle for the planning and organizing efforts of its participants. Conference locations shift to a different host city each year, and have ranged from such locations as West Hollywood, Chicago, Seattle and Toronto. Conference workshops provide a range of topics for all levels of experience - from understanding polls, conflict resolution skills, national and local organizing, family issues, building bridges, and balancing public and private life. Throughout the conference, participants are given the opportunity to separate into caucuses to network, offer support, and develop proposals for the organization to consider. Grants and scholarships are made available on a limited basis for those people who would like to attend the conference but who need assistance with covering conference costs. Regional Gatherings The North American section of INLGO has divided the area into a number of regions. Each region offers an annual gathering that provides ongoing resources and support to members on a more personal level. Mentor System Following each annual conference, participants are hooked up with more seasoned officials to provide a mentor relationship. Participation Although INLGO is not formally a membership organization, participation in its activities provides an opportunity to influence the leadership and direction of the Network. A portion of your annual conference registration fee goes toward financing the ongoing costs of the organization. However, if you are unable to attend an annual conference, or are simply interested in networking with those who do, we suggest an annual tax-deductible contribution of $15 or more to offset our expenses. Commitment As public officials, we are dedicated to using our positions, our abilities, and our power to shape a more just society. We will assist one another and will encourage and actively work for ever expanding numbers of openly lesbian and gay elected and appointed officials. Our diversity is impressive: we are male and female; from many political parties; urban and rural; local, state, provincial, national, and international. We are proud of the compassion and commitment we have brought to our conferences and the organization as a whole, and we recognize our individual abilities and collective strengths as public leaders to fulfill our goals.