Seattle Activist Charlene Strong Meets with President Obama at the
White House on June 22
Strong Focuses on LGBT Marriage Equality and the
Impact of Discrimination on Real Families
SEATTLE - June 15, 2010 - Kate Fleming -- actress, narrator, producer and Charlene Strong’s wife -- died on December 14, 2006. Strong was initially prevented from visiting Kate in the hospital or making funeral arrangements for her partner of 10 years.
But that was only the beginning of the story...
Realizing that she could be a catalyst for change, Charlene took to battle fighting for marriage equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families. “Our lives are valuable and deserve a voice and full inclusion in the discussion of full equality,” Strong says. “My goal is to be that voice -- a voice that reaches out to say that this is the real story, the real pain and the real collateral damage of discrimination.”
Strong will take her message of inclusion to President Barack Obama during a White House reception on June 22. “Kate’s mom will be with me -- she led a life of volunteering and supporting candidates that pushed for equality -- and it will be a pleasure to have her there at that moment to first thank the president for the recent memorandum (providing limited benefits to LGBT partners of federal employees), but also to let him know that I am here if he needs any assistance. I am happy to help.” She hopes to draw attention to the vulnerability of LGBT families without legal protections.
Charlene's testimony was instrumental in the passage of Washington state’s historic domestic partnership legislation and her subsequent campaigning for the affirmation of those rights with Referendum 71 was the first time LGBT partnership rights were upheld by popular vote in the United States. Strong was appointed to the Washington State Human Rights Commission and is a nationally recognized speaker and advocate for LGBT civil rights in the U.S. She serves as the spokesperson for Equal Rights Washington’s (ERW) Education Fund (AmIProtected.org). She is also co-producer of the award-winning documentary film, FOR MY WIFE.
“There is real damage because of discrimination and it will continue without full equality. Anyone today who is told they cannot be by their loved one's side as they die would explode in outrage.”
Editor’s Note: Strong will also appear at two East Coast premier screenings of the film FOR MY WIFE:
Philadelphia:
Monday, June 21 at 6 p.m.
InterAct Theatre
2030 Sansom Street, Philadelphia
Washington:
Thursday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m.
University of California D.C. Center
1608 Rhode Island Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
About Charlene Strong
Charlene Strong lost her wife, Kate Fleming when flood waters invaded their Seattle home in 2006. Initially prevented from seeing Kate on her deathbed and unable to make the most rudimentary of arrangements on Kate’s behalf, Charlene has become a tireless advocate for marriage equality and equal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families. Her testimony was instrumental in the 2007 passage of landmark domestic partnership legislation in Washington state. Soon after, Strong was appointed by Governor Chris Gregoire to the Washington State Human Rights Commission. In 2009, Strong’s strong voice was vital to the historic passage of Washington state’s Referendum 71 affirming for the first time by popular vote LGBT partner rights. Taking the fight for equality beyond Washington’s borders, Charlene's story and courage have made her a nationally recognized activist.
About FOR MY WIFE
Co-producer Charlene Strong suffered the loss of her partner of 10 years, Kate Fleming in 2006. Cruel double standards compounded the tragedy. Trick Dog Films, in this dramatic and award-winning documentary, captures her transformation into a powerful voice of fairness and a courageous face of the LGBT struggle for full equality under the law. The film is directed by David Rothmiller. http://www.formywife.info/
Contact: gail@gbenzler.com
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