FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2010
Press Contacts:
Davide Gnoato, Davidegnoato@gmail.com, (401) 626-0623
Ben de Guzman, bdeguzman@yahoo.com, (202) 422-4909
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Southeast Asian Youth Organization Hosts Gathering on LGBT/Queer Immigration Issues
Free public event is part of national initiative on Queer Immigrant Rights
WHAT: After a free networking reception with light refreshments, panelists will provide an update on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) immigrants’ rights. Topics will include federal and state issues, how immigration reform may affect LGBTQ individuals, and how the audience can get involved. Spanish-language interpretation will be provided.
WHO: Speakers include:
Michelle Deplante, Immigrants United
Alison Foley, Immigration Attorney
Ben de Guzman, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
Raúl Iriarte, community member
Kathy Kushnir, Marriage Equality Rhode Island
Dimple Rana, Deported Diaspora
Moderated by:
Davide Gnoato, Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership (seaQuel)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Reception and Networking: 6:00 PM
Program: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
WHERE: PrYSM, 669 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907
WHY: As comprehensive immigration reform comes up for debate in Washington, LGBTQ immigrants need to be central and part of the debate and movement for immigration reform. LGBTQ people face additional barriers to immigration justice. For example, immigration law does not recognize same-sex marriage, meaning that spouses cannot sponsor each other for legal status. The panel will discuss a range of issues and provide opportunities for participants to work together to address love across borders.
Presented by: Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM), Southeast Asian Queers United for Empowerment and Leadership (seaQuel), and the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
Co-sponsors: Deported Diaspora, Immigrants United, Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) and the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA), Community HIV/AIDS Mobilization Project (CHAMP), Rhode Island PRIDE
