PITTSBURGH—The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Delta Foundation and Pittsburgh Pride 2010 will present a forum on civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people on Monday, June 7th at 6:30pm on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University (University Center Connan Room, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15213).

The forum, “You Belong: At School, in the Workplace, as a Family, and in Politics – Issues and Answers on Law, Marriage, Money and Family Matters” aims to provide LGBT people—and their friends and families—with a better understanding of their legal rights and offer practical advice on adoption, tax issues and healthcare decisions. “The complexity of the legal issues facing the LGBT community and those that serve them compels all of us to carefully examine our legal options,” explained Kathy Schneider, an attorney and CPA who will cover family issues during the program.

Sue Frietsche, senior Staff Attorney with the Women’s Law Project who will discuss workplace issues, described the law protecting LGBT people workplace discrimination as a patchwork quilt. “We need to pass stronger laws, but even today you might have more legal protection than you know,” explained Frietsche. “Don't just assume there's nothing you can do about being harassed at work or in school.”

“There’s no question we still have a long way to go in the fight for full equality for the LGBT community, but we have made important progress,” said Paula Harris, chair of the ACLU-PA Pittsburgh Chapter Public Education Committee. “We hope this forum will arm LGBT folks and their families with a better understanding of the legal rights they do have—and how to get active to fight for the rights and protections that remain out of reach."

The program will look at students’ rights, family and tax issues, anti-discrimination protections at work and current legislative efforts in Pennsylvania to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. Local legal experts will participate in “Experts’ Corners” -- giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and get advice individually and in small group conversations. Light refreshments will be provided.

WHAT: You Belong: At School, in the Workplace, as a Family, and in Politics –
An LGBT Rights Forum Presented by the ACLU-PA in partnership with the Delta Foundation and Pittsburgh Pride 2010

WHO:

  • Amanda Green Hawkins, Allegheny County Councilwoman—Primary Sponsor, Allegheny County Human Relations Ordinance
  • Kathy Schneider, Attorney and CPA—Law Offices of Kathleen D. Schneider
  • Robert Flipping, Supervisor of Education/Community Services and Intake—Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission – Pittsburgh Regional Office
  • Sue Frietsche, Senior Staff Attorney—Women’s Law Project
  • Erika Fricke, Chief of Staff—Office of State Representative Dan Frankel (primary sponsor of House Bill 300 which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in housing, employment and public accommodations across Pennsylvania).

WHEN: Monday, June 7th, 2010 — 6:30pm

WHERE: CMU University Center, Connan Room — 5000 Forbes Ave. at Morewood (15213)

For questions, directions or more information, call 412-681-7736.