Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 15:34:40 -0400 From: Jason Riggs Subject: Policy Institute Names Boston Activist as Research Director *********************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager tconaty@ngltf.org 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Washington, DC 20009 www.ngltf.org *********************************************** TASK FORCE POLICY INSTITUTE NAMES BOSTON ACTIVIST & SCHOLAR RESEARCH AND POLICY ANALYSIS DIRECTOR NEW YORK --- April 9, 1999 --- The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) today announced the appointment of Boston-based activist and academic Sean Cahill as the director of its Research and Policy Analysis Program. Cahill joins the New York City-based Policy Institute with a strong background in gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender (GLBT) movement activism, policy development, organizing and teaching. "Sean Cahill's expert background in activism and policy will deepen and strengthen this think-tank's vital research program. The blend of skills he brings -- from excellent academic credentials, to first-rate writing and research ability, to an extensive knowledge of the issues and politics shaping the GLBT movement, are essential as the Policy Institute helps frame and shape the public policy debates that affect our communities," said Urvashi Vaid, the Director of the Policy Institute. From 1997-1999, Cahill worked at the Massachusetts Human Services Coalition, an advocacy organization focused on poverty, welfare reform and disability policy; he served the organization first as a Policy Analyst and most recently as its Executive Director. From 1993-1996, Cahill worked as editor of Dorchester Community News, a biweekly community newspaper. Throughout this time, from 1992-1998, Cahill also served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Northeastern University, Suffolk University and Salem State College, teaching courses in political science, political theory, government and law. Cahill received a B.A. from Middlebury College in 1985 and holds both an M.A. degree and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. His doctoral dissertation examined anti-gay discourse in contemporary US politics. He has written articles for GLBT straight media on GLBT rights issues, human rights in Northern Ireland, and welfare and anti-poverty policy. He is the author of several policy reports on welfare and health care policy in Massachusetts. Cahill was actively involved in the Boston Lesbian and Gay Political Alliance (BLGPA) serving most recently as its chair. He has been involved in a wide range of grassroots organizations in Boston and in Ann Arbor, including ACT UP, Ann Arbor. "I look forward to applying my experience to the pressing public policy challenges that GLBT people encounter," Cahill said. "I am particularly excited about challenging the right wing's dominance in the intellectual and policy debates in this country, and in helping to develop a proactive agenda to make this country safe and welcoming to all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. And I especially look forward to working at NGLTF, which recognizes that all justice issues are related, and that the best way to achieve long-term social and political change is to link GLBT people up with other movements working for equality and transformation." The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, based in New York, is a four-year old think tank dedicated to research, policy analysis and strategic projects to advance gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equality. At the heart of the Policy Institute's mission is uniting thought to action by linking the worlds of academia, community activists, and policy makers. The Policy Institute publishes critical research papers that provide a factual backdrop for the work of advocates, develops policy options and proposals on a wide range of public policy issues, and develops new strategies and projects to advance the movement for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) equality. The Research and Policy Director manages all aspects of the research, policy analysis and publication programs at the Policy Institute of the NGLTF. In 1998, the Policy Institute published several reports including; "Income Inflation: The Myth of Affluence Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Americans"; "Calculated Compassion: How the Ex-Gay Movement Serves the Right's Attack on Democracy"; "Out & Voting: The Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Vote in Congressional House Elections 1990-1996"; and "From Wrongs to Rights: Public Opinion on Gay and Lesbian Americans Moves Toward Equality." Each of these publications may be downloaded from NGLTF¹s website at http://www.ngltf.org. -30- _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message.