Get ready for the annual forum recognized as the premier annual LGBT summit.
Equality Forum, which coordinates LGBT History Month and produces documentary films, is in its 20th year of presenting the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights forum. This year, Isreal is the featured nation and there will be special events to celebrate.
Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of the Equality Forum, said “Our 20th anniversary celebrates the transformation from a groundbreaking conference that focused on an emerging civil rights movement into the annual Equality Forum recognized as the premier annual national and international LGBT summit.” He went on to say, “Israel, as the featured nation, will be represented by the Ambassador to the U.S., major Israeli LGBT leaders, and Tel Aviv DJs and entertainers.”
The annual Equality Forum takes place May 3–6, 2012 in Philadelphia and includes 25 panel discussions, the International Equality Dinner, SundayOUT! at The Piazza, six parties, 13th Annual Gay and Lesbian Art Exhibit, theater, and special events. There is no registration fee and all panels are free.
Check out some of our highlights:
Israel Programs
- Ambassador of Israel to the U.S. Dr. Michael B. Oren as Keynote Speaker at International Equality Dinner
- Israeli photographer David Adika featured at 13th annual Gay and Lesbian Art Exhibit
- Israeli delegation including elected officials, leaders, drag queen, and entertainers
- Israeli Pop Star Shorty performs at SundayOUT! at The Piazza
- Tel Aviv Drag Queen Osher Sabag performs at Drag Party
- Tel Aviv DJs spin at Equality Forum parties
Panel Discussions
- Featured Nation: Israel – Moderated by Israel native Nurit Shein, Executive Director, Mazzoni LGBT Health Center, with four leading Israeli panelists, including openly gay Tel Aviv City Council Member Yaniv Weizman, Thursday, May 3rd at 8:30 p.m
- National Military Panel – Members of OutServe, a network of out service members, on obstacles LGBT military personnel face after “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Saturday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m.
- National Sports Panel – A panel of sports experts discusses the challenges facing openly LGBT amateur, college and professional athletes, Saturday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m.
- National Religious Colloquy – Moderated by Rabbi Rebecca Alpert, Professor of Religion, Temple University, a panel of Catholics discusses LGBT inclusion in the Roman Catholic Church, Thursday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
- National Youth Panel – Facilitated by Katherine Miller, discharged West Point cadet under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” is a discussion with gay former University of Michigan Student Body President Chris Armstrong, and Iowa activist and son of lesbian parents Zach Wahls, Saturday, May 5th at 2:30 p.m.
- National Same-Sex Marriage Panel – Moderated by Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation, the panel surveys the status of marriage equality, Saturday, May 5th at 2:30 p.m.
SundayOUT! at The Piazza
Head out on sunday, May 6th, from noon to 7 p.m. for over 150 vendors, artisans, galleries, bars, boutiques, cafés and restaurants in an Italian inspired open-air plaza. SundayOUT! includes music, recording artists, drag queens, and Israeli DJs and performers.
Parties
- NBCUniversal Welcome Party at Vedge – Thursday, May 3rd
- Drag Show & Party at Tabu – Friday, May 4th
- Stimulus Party – Friday, May 4th
- Girl Fever at Sisters – Saturday, May 5th
- Men’s Party at Voyeur – Saturday, May 5th
- SundayOUT! Tea Dance at Tendenza – Sunday, May 6th
Curve is a proud sponsor of Equality Forum 2012. For a complete schedule of events, visit equalityforum.com.