Please Pay 2009 Dues here!
Please support GLIFAA! Your contribution makes all that we do possible.
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GLIFAA Main State Lunch Every 2nd Friday of the Month in 1st Floor Cafeteria
This Month: April 10 12-1pm
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GLIFAA FSI Lunch Every Last Friday of the Month near side-room 2107 in the Cafeteria
This Month: April 24 12-1pm
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USAID Lunch Every Second Wednesday of the Month in the Post Office Pavilion
Next Month: May 6 12-1pm
Email Rebecca Maestri and Ajit Joshi at so we know to
expect
you! Meet the group on the mezzanine (second floor) of the eatery.
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Greetings!
GLIFAA will hold elections in May! Please send your nominations (for others or yourself) - including a short description of the candidate - by Friday, May 1. Our next newsletter will be the Election Issue - with descriptions of candidates and online voting process.
Those of you at Main State -- GLIFAA will hold its monthly 2nd Friday in the 1st Floor Cafeteria near the south windows on 10 April from 12-1pm. Look for the GLIFAA signs.
Thanks!
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URGENT - Call for Candidates
GLIFAA Board Elections May 5 - 15
It is time for the
annual election of the GLIFAA Board. Elections will be held
electronically for all paying members between May 5-15. If you are
thinking about expanding your leadership experience and want to get involved
with a group on the front lines of advocating for GLBT rights for federal
employees, then consider running for the board. If you want to have a
say in the leadership and participate in the elecction, please make sure to pay your dues by May 5.
Nominations are due (for others or yourself) to [email protected] by
Friday, May 1.
Speak with President
Michelle Schohn at State ( [email protected]), Vice-President Kerri Hannan ( [email protected])
or email GLIFAA to get more information or submit your name and
position.
All positions are up for re-election:
President
Represents
GLIFAA at public venues and in meetings with senior leadership (with other
Board members), works with policy committee to set long-term agenda for
GLIFAA, and serves as spokesperson for GLIFAA.
Vice President/Executive Officer
Ensures
implementation of GLIFAA bylaws and oversees meetings, coordinator of member
activities and outreach to new members, maintains archives and structure of
organization while providing assistance to the President in the management of
GLIFAA
Policy Director
Leads
and establishes policies (working with policy and legal/visa team and Board)
that affect LGBT community in foreign affairs agencies and in the federal
government, oversees and provides guidance to the legislative and outreach
team, LGBT and human rights advocacy organizations with domestic and
international scope, and coordinates GLIFAA's responses to government policy
decisions. Also provides guidance to LGBT civil service team
Treasurer/Recording
Secretary
Manages
GLIFAA finances and budget, organizes GLIFAA's legal steps to becoming a 501 (c)
6 tax-exempt organization, ensures
adequate finances for GLIFAA activities, reports to the board concerning
finances, responsible
for drafting and clearing meeting minutes, and offers input on GLIFAA
expenditures.
Public Affairs and Communication Director
Responsible
for overall communication for GLIFAA, including coordinating
responses to media, maintaining a membership database, responding to
all correspondence, drafting and distributing the newsletter, and overseeing the website
(a priority in the coming year). Outreach DirectorResponsible for coordinating PRIDE events, planning monthly membership outreach events such as happy hours, meetings, and speaker events. Manages contacts with other LGBT organizations in the US government and elsewhere in DC.
Post
Representative Coordinator
Support
LGBT related events at missions abroad, supervise the post representative
network and actively participate in the MOH network, answer requests regarding
conditions at foreign posts, and serve as focal point to address concerns of
members abroad; must be a GLIFAA member serving abroad.
Other
positions available
Besides
the six voting board members, we have additional opportunities for interested
GLIFAA members to serve in leadership positions in charge of committees
(Membership, Legislative, Legal/Visa issues, Policy, Public Affairs,
and MOH) or special projects (PRIDE). Please let us know if you are
interested in volunteering for a leadership role but don't want to
serve on the board.
All
are welcome, experienced GLIFAA members as well as newcomers.
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In NYC Columbia University Presents: GLBT Career Panel
Columbia's first GLBT career panel in international and public affairs will bring together students and professionals to discuss issues facing openly GLBT professionals serving in government, international
relations, and consulting fields. Panelists from the Dept. of State, United Nations, Capitol Hill, CIA, Booz Allen Hamilton, and McKinsey will speak about career experiences and opportunities, as well as trends and policy issues facing GLBT professionals and their partners. Steven Gee and Joshua Black, as well as other members from the Mission to the UN, will be representing GLIFAA.
Columbia University
International And Public Affairs Building (IAB)
Room 707 420 W. 118th Street New York, NY
Tuesday, April 14
6:30 - 8:30pm
Reception to follow
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The NextGLIFAA General Membership Meeting!
GLIFAA hopes to see all members at these monthly meetings every second Thursday of the month.
Location TBA
Thursday, April 16
6:30pm - 8:30pm
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Library of Congress GLOBE Presents:
"How Did I get Here? Journey of a Gay Jewish Author" by Lev Raphael
Prize-winning pioneer writing about the gay Jewish experience, publisher of fiction about children of Holocaust survivors, author of classic collection Dancing on Tisha B'Av, and 18 other books.
Library of Congress
Madison Building, 6th Floor Dining Room West
Metro: Capitol South
Thursday, April 23
12:00-1:00pm |
Congratulations Ambassador Burleigh!
GLIFAA Member Appointed Charge d'Affairs India
GLIFAA has learned that one of our long time members, Ambassador Peter
Burleigh, has been appointed interim Ambassador to India. GLIFAA
recognized Ambassador Burleigh in 2002 during GLIFAA's 10th year
anniversary commemorative history book and thanked him, among other
senior leaders, for their service as out-LGBT people in foreign affairs
agencies. We are thrilled to read about Ambassador Burleigh's
appointment and look forward to working with him.
Ambassador Burleigh's previous post was at the University of Miami as a visiting Professor. He previously served as Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives (1995-1997) and in senior positions at the UN and at Main State. In 2000, Burleigh was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award and the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Medal
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GLIFAA Congressional Outreach Meet with your Representatives!
The GLIFAA board and our legislative outreach team are working hard to advance pro-equality legislation on the Hill - but we really need your
help! Members of Congress will pay MUCH more attention to an issue if
they know it impacts someone from their very own district. GLIFAA
member Selim Ariturk was recently in Washington and shares his Hill
experience:
I was in Washington during a recent R&R, spending time with family
and friends and showing my partner around the United States. One day, my parents and my partner joined me for a trip to Capitol Hill to meet with my parents' elected representatives: Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL 18). Due to scheduling difficulties on our end, we were unable to meet with Senator
Martinez's office. Members of Congress will usually ask their staffers to meet with you, which is completely fine, as these staffers are very close to the Member and can tell you almost exactly what the Member is thinking. We were thrilled, however, that Congresswoman
Ros-Lehtinen chose to meet with us in person. We spoke to the
Congresswoman about how current immigration law impacts our family, and how I as a U.S. diplomat cannot even live in the United States
together with my partner. The meeting was very positive, and I'd be
happy to share more details with anyone else who might be thinking of
making the trip. I also want to add that I'm looking for more people
with a Florida connection, as a staffer in Senator Nelson's office is working on some materials for him about the Uniting American Families
Act. If you've got a partner who is not an American citizen, and you
are a Florida voter (or one of your family members is), please contact
me directly - I'd love to introduce you to this staffer.
Help us win over more votes! Ask to meet with your elected representatives (or those of your stateside family) the next time you're in Washington. And email Ralan Hill, our Legislative Outreach Team Leader, or the rest of the team ( Aaron Schubert, Selim Artiturk) or Ajit Joshi, our Policy Director, for great tips and
talking points that will help you prepare for your meetings. GLIFAA
members worldwide have great stories to tell about their service - and
Members of Congress listen! Help us make pro-equality legislation a reality. |
State Website PRIDE Bios
Deadline April 15 for Bios to be placed on Website
DEADLINE: APRIL 15 - NEED 250 WORD BIO AND DIGITAL PHOTO
FOR INCLUSION ON STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE FOR PRIDE
For the upcoming PRIDE celebration, the Bureau of Public
Affairs, the Office of Civil Rights and the Bureau of Human Resources wish to
feature GLBT employees on the Department's homepage. GLIFAA is collecting
short bios from members to be posted on the external website of the State
Department. Please submit a 250 word professional bio and a clear
digital photo (preferably head shot or clear full length shot with little
distraction in the photo) to Kerri Hannan. These will be
posted on the public site. We are hoping for a good diversity of membership
(male, female, married, children, all backgrounds) so please take a moment to
submit by April 15.
Link to the bios used to observe Black History Month.
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Notes from the Policy Director
Ajit Joshi
Meetings with the Under Secretary and
Director General
The GLIFAA Board met with Under Secretary Kennedy on March
24 and with Director General Thomas on March 25. In both meetings, we
spoke at length about GLIFAA's transition package and Secretary Clinton's
statement at the Town Hall meeting that she is looking at same sex partner
issues on a "fast track." The Under Secretary stated that he
has been following up on the Secretary's tasking as expressed in the town
hall meeting. He spoke with the Secretary as late as early Tuesday
morning, March 24, before the meeting with GLIFAA later in the morning. The
Under Secretary said that GLIFAA's recommendations are with the Secretary
for her review. The GLIFAA board is cautiously optimistic about the possibility
of forthcoming changes for same sex partners. For anyone that missed the town
hall meeting, check out the Advocate's article.
We also spoke about our ideas for June LGBT Pride Month including ideas for
a Pride event at State and the possibility of State participation during the
Pride festival. GLIFAA has been tasked to draft a Pride Proclamation
statement. Any GLIFAA member interested in providing input and ideas on
the draft that the board has reviewed, please email Ajit at [email protected].
Training Opportunities
The International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) is
accepting applications for their one week leadership training in Aspen. All GLIFAA
members are encouraged to apply. Visit the ICAP website at
to apply for the program. Applications are due May 5. GLIFAA board
members Ajit Joshi and Kerri Hannan are alumni of the program.
GLIFAA Meetings and Events
GLIFAA has had several meetings this month: The GLIFAA Board
met on March 13th and March 31, and also had a general meeting on March 26,
2009:
GLIFAA All Members' Meeting
Members attended a meeting at Bob Gilchrist's house.
Treasurer John Wiecking reported that GLIFAA currently has 59 (later
revised to 63) paid members, 28 more than in 2008 at this time. Last year's
expenses totalled $2,296.74. He reminded members to pay dues through the website or by mailing a check to GLIFAA.
Ajit Joshi reported on GLIFAA's activities during the transition.
- Our policy paper
is available for the world to read on www.change.gov, the transition
Web site. GLIFAA members met with Agency Review Teams at both State
and USAID during December. The State Department meeting focused on
same-sex partners. The team was supportive, but in a listening mode,
making no commitments. At USAID the meeting focused on maintaining
LGBT issues in the economic development process. The tone was one of
"Let's see what we can do."
- GLIFAA inspired a question to then-Secretary designate Clinton during her confirmation hearings.
Secretary
Clinton was also asked a question on our issues at her first Town Hall,
eliciting a promise to put GLIFAA issues on a "fast track."
GLIFAA is now awaiting the Secretary's response, continuing Board
members' contacts with the Secretary and Under Secretary Kennedy.
Board members met with the Director-General earlier on March 26th. He
requested patience for a year; he and the Under Secretary have both
counselled caution lest there be an unfavorable reaction from Capitol
Hill. Discussion ensued on the likelihood of such a reaction given the
2008 election results and ways to press forward.
On the
upcoming AFSA elections, we have two candidates running, one on a slate
and one independent. One slate failed to complete GLIFAA's
questionnaire. Michelle Schohn will post candidates' responses early
in April.
Members discussed how to mark GLBT Pride in June.
The Board is working on a draft proclamation for the Secretary and
considering possible participants in a panel discussion that she might
introduce. The possibility of a reception to thank our supporters
during the month was raised, as well as invitations to former Secretary
Acheson's daughter Elly and Keith Boykin. The Board appealed for
volunteers to serve on a Pride committee. Email Michelle Schohn to get involved.
Ashton Giese
reported on outreach. Thirty students attended a presentation at
Georgetown University on March 24. Two members volunteered to met with
interns from the Human Rights Campaign on March 31. Columbia
University has requested a lesbian Foreign Service Officer to
participate in a panel discussion on April 13. Ashton asked those
present what they thought of the newsletter and Constant Contact. The
response was basically favorable. There was further discussion of
outreach to students based on the extremely favorable, even inspiring,
experience at Georgetown: it was agreed that Happy Hours don't work as
students often cannot drink legally and it's hard to give GLIFAA
visibility in a bar. Bob Gilchrist asked whether M might consider
funding and organizing an outreach event for GLIFAA as part of the
Department's recruiting effort. It was reported that the Under
Secretary had expressed interest in GLIFAA attending next October's Out
and Equal conference.
Ajit Joshi asked members to update
their entries in the database. GLIFAA now has fifty post
representatives around the world, but Selim Arit�rk is always looking
for more. One member asked if it would be possible to get help in
fixing the Web site, which is in need of streamlining and updating.
Ashton brought up a possible gay diplomats' conference and college outreach events, which might be
scheduled in fall 2009. We will need to identify gay and lesbian
foreign diplomats in Washington.
FSI LGBT Course Thanks to tireless efforts
by David Tessler and others, there will be a one-day LGBT course at FSI
on June 10. Chris Hoh and Kerri Hannan will co-lead. We need to fill
the room. There will be an official announcement soon; HR and
management officers should also be asked to take the course, either
this time or whenever it is repeated.
Save
the date for June 10, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm for FSI's first LGBT
course! All GLIFAA members are encouraged to sign up and attend!
GLIFAA Outreach
The GLIFAA Board thanks Bob Gilchrist and Aaron Schubert for
their coaching and mentoring to Interns working at the Human Rights Campaign. They
provided insight into the life of being LGBT and in the foreign service to the
Interns on Tuesday, March 31, at HRC.
AFSA
We encourage all GLIFAA members who are AFSA members to vote
in the AFSA elections. Look for GLIFAA's survey's and our voting recommendations this month.
In the News
We also encourage members to visit organizations doing some
very interesting LGBT work internationally: Global Equality and International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
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Get involved from abroad! GLIFAA Post Reps now at 55!!!
- Selim Ariturk, Post Rep Coordintator
We'd like to
thank all of you who have volunteered to join our Post Rep network.
Post Reps play a valuable role in facilitating communications between
post and Washington - we on the board need to know what's important to
folks in the field. And we're encouraged to see the great
collaboration taking place between post reps worldwide. Keep up the
great work, Post Reps!
Want to contact a Post Rep? Look up one of the below names in the Global Address List, or email Post Rep Coordinator Selim Ariturk to be put in touch directly with a post's representative. Want to join this proud club? Email Selim Ariturk to express your interest.
Current Post Reps:
John Degory Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire Jeffrey Cochrane Accra, Ghana Melanie Rubenstein Antananarivo, Madagascar Karl Olson Baghdad, Iraq Selim Ariturk Baku, Azerbaijan Alexander Keith Hardin Bangkok, Thailand Chris Robinson Belgrade, Serbia David Maurice Jones Belmopan, Belize Kenneth Kero Berlin, Germany Dexter Payne Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Aaron Jensen Brussels, Belgium Jan Krc Budapest, Hungary Susan Shirley Cairo, Egypt Bryan W. Dalton Chennai, India Darren Bologna Ciudad Juarez, Mexico Matthew Paschke Frankfurt, Germany David L. Fierstine Frankfurt,Germany - Taiyon J Coleman Guadalajara, Mexico
- Sandrine Goffard Guangzhou, China
- Nik Granger The Hague, Netherlands
- Mark Weinberg Harare, Zimbabwe
- Angela R Dickey Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Steven Giegerich Hong Kong, China
- Nathan Hara Islamabad, Pakistan
- Luke Zahner Jerusalem, Israel
- Stephen Stark Johanneburg, South Africa
- Chuck Lisenbee Khartoum, Sudan
- Thomas W. Santos Kyiv, Ukraine
- Jon Tollefson Lagos, Nigeria
- Christopher Baumgarten Lima, Peru
- Genevieve Shapiro Lima, Peru
- Eugene Sweeney Lisbon, Portugal
- Dick Custin London, UK
- Sara A. Calvert Managua, Nicaragua
- Erin Krasik Moscow, Russia
- Nicholas Cox Nairobi, Kenya
- Jason Chue Nicosia, Cyprus
- Erik Anderson Parmaribo, Suriname
- Matthew Britton Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- Raymond H Murphy, II Pretoria, South Africa
- John "Jeff" Daigle PRT Babil, Iraq
- Linda Hartsock Quito, Ecuador
- J. Ethan Tidwell Rangoon, Burma
- Jon Moody Reykjavik, Iceland
- Timothy Eydelnant Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Robert Heater Seoul, Korea
- Mary Avery Singapore
- Sarah Hutchison Sofia, Bulgaria
- Carl Watson St. Petersburg, Russia
- Patrick R. Wingate Tbilisi, Georgia
- Melissa Schraibman Tirana, Albania
- Richard Polney Toronto, Canada
- James Holtsnider Tunis, Tunisia
- Jason Davis Valletta, Malta
- Bill Salisbury Warsaw, Poland
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Council for Global Equality and Human Rights Campaign Call for Investigation into Iraqi Gay Murders
Homosexuality Illegal in Iraq
The Council for Global Equality and the Human Rights
Campaign are calling on the U.S. State Department and U.S. officials in Baghdad to investigate reports suggesting
that there has been an alarming wave of extrajudicial executions targeting
Iraqi men who are perceived to be gay. Some of the allegations are detailed in
a front-page story in today's New York Times.
For more information see the Global Equality website.
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Out And Equal 2009 Summit/Awards
Prepare to sign up for this year's events!
The all-LGBT workplace advocate organization, Out and Equal will hold its annual summit October 6-9, 2009 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Florida.
Furthermore, Out and Equal will hold a Town Call (conference call) on March 26 at 3pm EST.
You may also nominate colleagues for Out and Equal's workplace awards starting April 1!
Get involved and go to Disney next fall! | |
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