Introducing GLID's New President, Colin Casey

Colin Casey has been involved in New York politics for five years, beginning with an internship with Assembly Member Deborah Glick, the first openly lesbian elected to the New York State Assembly. It was there that he got his first taste of New York government, and how neighborhoods and communities shape State and City politics.

After his internship ended, he graduated from Wesleyan University and returned to New York City. Colin became involved in numerous community campaigns and ballot initiatives. He has worked throughout New York State on campaigns, focusing primarily on changing the long-held Republican controlled State Senate to Democratic control. This effort has taken him around the State, working first on the re-election campaign for New York State Senator Liz Krueger, then later for New York State Senator Craig Johnson, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and most recently the special election in Watertown for victorious New York State Senator Darrel Aubertine. Colin is fully committed to working to see that Democrats control the New York State Senate - something that has not been done since 1965.

Continuing on his community and public service career, Colin is currently the Senior Legislative Aide for New State Senator Thomas K. Duane. He is the point person for community relations and intergovernmental affairs, with a focus on both Community Boards 4 and 5 in Manhattan. He also works closely with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, developing policies and making recommendations for legislation, programs, and services that benefit the community. Colin also works on lofts, SROs/hotels, the environment, energy, crime, uniformed services, and commercial development issues for the Senator.

Colin was asked to serve on, and was subsequently unanimously elected to, the GLID executive board in 2006. GLID overwhelmingly elected him as its President in January 2008. His positive attitude, refreshing enthusiasm, political skill and commitment make him an excellent leader for the democratic struggles ahead.

We welcome and congratulate him.

 

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR GLID'S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER!

Please join us on Thursday, June 5th for GLID's annual Cocktail Party and Awards Dinner! We have good food, good company, and a really stellar list of honorees! Due to popular demand, we're going back to Porcao Churrascaria (360 Park Avenue South @ 26th Street). Come and eat, drink, meet our honorees, and reconnect with your fellow GLID members and what is always a wonderful mix of community leaders, elected officials, and YOU!

Cocktails are from 6:00 - 7:00pm
Dinner from 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Our Distinguished Honorees:

Florent Morellet is a Meatpacking District treasure, and his restaurant Florent is a Gansevoort landmark. Unfortunately, it looks like Florent will be closing soon, and when it dies, a little bit of the area's, and the LGBT Community's, history will go with it. Come honor a stalwart of the LGBT Community and his contributions to our neighborhood, city, community and the fight against HIV/AIDS!

Randi Weingarten has led the 160,000-member United Federation of Teachers since 1998. As such, she inherited the mantle at the head of an organization long supportive of LGBT rights. Before and during her tenure, UFT has helped to win domestic partner benefits for municipal workers in the early 1990s; negotiated antidiscrimination language in its contract; supported gay and lesbian students at the Harvey Milk High School; and, recently, backed a 2004 law that required city schools to combat bullying and harassment based on bias. Ms. Weingarten, an open lesbian, recently announced her candidacy for President of the American Federation of Teachers. Come honor one of our own who has done so much for our city, its teachers, our youth and our community, and wish her luck in her quest to lead the national union!

Tracie Gardner has more than 20 years of experience working in various capacities of AIDS policy and advocacy. As the Director of New York State Policy for the non-profit Legal Action Center (LAC), she lobbies State officials to adopt sound public policy on HIV/AIDS, criminal justice and alcohol and drug dependence and abuse. She also coordinates LAC's Women's Initiative to Stop HIV in New York State (WISH-NY) and serves as a member of the New York State AIDS Advisory Council, where she is a strong voice for people with HIV/AIDS as well as for sound prevention strategies, and especially for women of color and people in the criminal justice system.

***Tickets start at $125***

Wednesday, May 21st, 6:00 - 8:00PM
MAY GENERAL MEETING - STEVEN GOLDSTEIN AND CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENT FORUM
Steven Goldstein, Chair of the highly successful New Jersey LGBT lobbying and advocacy organization Garden State Equality will be joining us at our meeting in May! We are honored that he has agreed to join us. Come and ask questions from the leader of the LGBT Community in our neighboring New Jersey! Get his perspective, his tips and advice...
Is it incredibly important that ALL ELIGIBLE VOTING MEMBERS attend this meeting, which is also our Candidate Endorsement Forum. All State Senate, State Assembly and Members of Congress are up for election in 2008. Several of our Manhattan elected officials are facing challengers this year and GLID needs to weigh in!

6:15-7:00 Steven Goldstein
7:00-8:00 Candidate Endorsement Forum
LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th Street

Sunday, June 29th is the date of this year's Gay Pride March down Fifth Avenue!
GLID will have its own float like always and we invite everyone to join us!
Save the Date!