Interior GLOBE - Gay and Lesbian Pride Observance Day

Interior GLOBE

U.S. Department of the Interior

Breakneck Speed and Diversity Mix at Pride Celebration

By Jim Gasser, Interior GLOBE

The Department of Interior’s annual Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Celebration, held June 24, 2003 at the South Interior Building Auditorium in Washington DC, began with recorded music from the Washington, DC Gay Men’s Chorus and a series of slides of famous American gays and lesbians. As the slides of Walt Whitman (a fired Interior Employee), Martina Navratilova (tennis champion) and many others flashed on the screen, the attendees enjoyed danish and coffee as part of the tribute to the employees of the Department who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT).

The National Business Center’s Human Resources Director, Vivian Clark, opened the program. She substituted for the Director of NBC, Timothy G. Vigotsky, who was not able to attend. She welcomed the attendees and remarked on the exponential growth of Interior GLOBE since 1993 when it became a Departmentally recognized employee organization. Interior GLOBE is committed to educating employees to promote and respect diversity and human rights, working with Departmental offices.

As in years past, two candles were lit in remembrance of victims of HIV/AIDS and hate crimes. This year, former Interior GLOBE President Maria Wiseman and Pride Celebration organizer Shenee’ Turner did the honors.

Mark Oliver, Director, Office of Educational Partnerships, served as Master of Ceremonies and introduced Sarita Davis who sang “Somewhere” from Westside Story.

Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Human Resources and Workforce Diversity, J. Michael Trujillo, introduced the Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Barney Frank (D-MA). In his introduction, DAS Trujillo covered the high points of Congressman Frank’s career, starting as an aid to Boston Mayor Kevin White in the late 1960’s through his service in Congress from 1981 to the present. Congressman Frank is the Senior Democrat on the Financial Services Committee and is also a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism. Early in his career he taught in several Boston area universities.

To begin his remarks, Congressman Frank said he was delighted to be present under the auspices of the Department and to have a Deputy Assistant Secretary introducing him. He spoke earlier at an event under somewhat different circumstances for Justice Department employees and he expressed his appreciation to the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, and to the Department for being here in this capacity today.   [The Department of Justice’s Celebration on June 20, 2003, was not sponsored or supported by Justice.]

Keynote
Speaker:

The Honorable Barney Frank
Massachusetts Congressman

Frank stated that the “fight for equality” of GLBT persons is making progress for many reasons, but he was certain one of the most important is the “coming out” of GLBT employees. He said, "Coming out is when gays, lesbians and bisexual people discuss their sexual orientation. We aren't the only ones who discuss our sexual orientation. Heterosexuals discuss it all the time, however, when they do it it is called talking." He said it is impossible not to talk about it in normal conversation. "Heterosexuals come out often. It's just when we did it it was a big deal…. Why do we talk about gay pride? Isn’t it like being proud of height or hair color? The answer is that what we are proud of is our individual and collective willingness to beat back a terrible prejudice.” He said that he looks forward to the day when pride would really be less meaningful.

Frank continued to expand why he believes progress is being made in equality as he told of a framed copy of a 1950 Senate Report entitled, “The Employment of Homosexuals and Other Perverts in Government” which led to the Eisenhower Administration’s ban on security clearances for homosexuals in government. This ban is no longer in place due to actions to reverse it by recent administrations.

He continued, “Speaking out and being honest with ‘who we are’ is important” in reversing people’s opinions on gays and lesbians.   By speaking out and telling fellow employees who we are, it permits them to know that we are in all walks of life. “We free America from prejudice by coming out.”

Frank believes we are making progress as the opponents of equal rights are using “stupid arguments.” “When your opponents are dishonest that’s a sign you are winning.” He stated that often in a conference committee as they make the final amendments to a bill he hears arguments that are not factual. Frank said, “If the opposition used a factual argument they would loose the argument.   The facts are that since 1980 ten states have had their judiciary or legislature overturn sodomy laws.”

Frank went on to say that events like the Pride Celebration are important. These “programs bring us all out and make us all equal,” said Frank.

At the conclusion of his remarks, GLOBE President Jerry Bock presented Congressman Frank with the Interior GLOBE Millennium Human Rights Award. In presenting the award, Bock stated that this was the 4^th annual award and in the past it had been presented to an Interior employee. Due to the work of Congressman Frank on behalf of all GLBT Federal employees, Interior GLOBE was presenting this award to him.   Frank said he would send this award to his New Bedford, MA office as it is near the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park so it will be near one of the Interior (National Park Service) sites in his district. Immediately following Bock’s presentation, William Rinne, Deputy Director, Bureau of Reclamation, presented Frank with a certificate of appreciation from the Bureau of Reclamation. Frank quipped, “I shall have to put this certificate on my Washington Office wall as owing to the location of my district, I have never [before] received anything from the Bureau of Reclamation.”

After receiving these two items Congressman Frank quickly departed for a vote on the House floor, and the program continued with remarks from DAS Trujillo. Trujillo spoke of the Department’s objectives “to create and sustain an environment where all employees can express their individual points of view, where all employees can be who they are without having to present a false image, and where we understand and respect one another’s differences.”

“We strive for a workforce that reasonably represents the broad and rich diversity of the American public. The American people have the right to expect we will treat one another with respect, regardless of our ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, gender, or sexual orientation.”

Trujillo went on to ask the audience “to join me in creating and fostering such an environment. We have an important thing in common…our commitment to excellence in serving the American public. Secretary Norton has initiated the 4C’s philosophy which embraces and advances as a core value how we deal with one another and ultimately how we approach and respond to our customers...the American people…all the people regardless of our similarities or differences.”

As Interior GLOBE President Jerry Bock had already presented the Keynote speaker with the award, he made just a few additional remarks. Bock said, “We don’t take our friends for granted…I want to thank the Secretary of the Interior and DAS Mike Trujillo for this event and their support of gay and lesbian employees.” Following Bock’s remarks Sarita Davis sang her final selection, “America the Beautiful.”

To conclude the celebration, William Rinne representing Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner John Keys spoke. He restated Secretary Norton’s commitment to a policy of equal opportunity and zero tolerance for discrimination. “Ensuring diversity and freedom from prejudice are the keys to the Department’s success in creating an atmosphere of respect.”

Rinne thanked the Bureau of Reclamation’s Shenee’ Turner and NBC’s Charlene Freeman for their wonderful support for preparation of the program and the reception beforehand. He also thanked the Interior Special Emphasis Committee, Mike Trujillo and Mark Oliver for their support of the programming. Lastly, he thanked Jerry Bock, President of Interior GLOBE for “providing a forum for GLBT employees to meet and address issues of concern. Jerry has played a pivotal role in advocating diversity and ensuring a safe and productive work environment. He has also helped build a sense of community though promotion of this month’s Pride events.”

With that the program ended.



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Revised: 10/21/03
Robert_J_Veltkamp@nbc.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior Breakneck Speed and Diversity Mix at Pride Celebration By Jim Gasser, Interior GLOBE
The Department of Interior’s annual Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Celebration, held June 24, 2003 at the South Interior Building Auditorium in Washington DC, began with recorded music from the Washington, DC Gay Men’s Chorus and a series of slides of famous American gays and lesbians. As the slides of Walt Whitman (a fired Interior Employee), Martina Navratilova (tennis champion) and many others flashed on the screen, the attendees enjoyed danish and coffee as part of the tribute to the employees of the Department who happen to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT).
The National Business Center’s Human Resources Director, Vivian Clark, opened the program. She substituted for the Director of NBC, Timothy G. Vigotsky, who was not able to attend. She welcomed the attendees and remarked on the exponential growth of Interior GLOBE since 1993 when it became a Departmentally recognized employee organization. Interior GLOBE is committed to educating employees to promote and respect diversity and human rights, working with Departmental offices.
		As in years past, two candles were lit in remembrance of victims of HIV/AIDS and hate crimes. This year, former Interior GLOBE President Maria Wiseman and Pride Celebration organizer Shenee’ Turner did the honors.
	Mark Oliver, Director, Office of Educational Partnerships, served as Master of Ceremonies and introduced Sarita Davis who sang “Somewhere” from Westside Story.
	Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Human Resources and Workforce Diversity, J. Michael Trujillo, introduced the Keynote Speaker, the Honorable Barney Frank (D-MA). In his introduction, DAS Trujillo covered the high points of Congressman Frank’s career, starting as an aid to Boston Mayor Kevin White in the late 1960’s through his service in Congress from 1981 to the present. Congressman Frank is the Senior Democrat on the Financial Services Committee and is also a member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, where he serves on the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, and the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism. Early in his career he taught in several Boston area universities.
To begin his remarks, Congressman Frank said he was delighted to be present under the auspices of the Department and to have a Deputy Assistant Secretary introducing him. He spoke earlier at an event under somewhat different circumstances for Justice Department employees and he expressed his appreciation to the Secretary of the Interior, Gale Norton, and to the Department for being here in this capacity today. [The Department of Justice’s Celebration on June 20, 2003, was not sponsored or supported by Justice.]
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Barney Frank Massachusetts Congressman
Frank stated that the “fight for equality” of GLBT persons is making progress for many reasons, but he was certain one of the most important is the “coming out” of GLBT employees. He said, "Coming out is when gays, lesbians and bisexual people discuss their sexual orientation. We aren't the only ones who discuss our sexual orientation. Heterosexuals discuss it all the time, however, when they do it it is called talking." He said it is impossible not to talk about it in normal conversation. "Heterosexuals come out often. It's just when we did it it was a big deal…. Why do we talk about gay pride? Isn’t it like being proud of height or hair color? The answer is that what we are proud of is our individual and collective willingness to beat back a terrible prejudice.” He said that he looks forward to the day when pride would really be less meaningful. Frank continued to expand why he believes progress is being made in equality as he told of a framed copy of a 1950 Senate Report entitled, “The Employment of Homosexuals and Other Perverts in Government” which led to the Eisenhower Administration’s ban on security clearances for homosexuals in government. This ban is no longer in place due to actions to reverse it by recent administrations. He continued, “Speaking out and being honest with ‘who we are’ is important” in reversing people’s opinions on gays and lesbians. By speaking out and telling fellow employees who we are, it permits them to know that we are in all walks of life. “We free America from prejudice by coming out.” Frank believes we are making progress as the opponents of equal rights are using “stupid arguments.” “When your opponents are dishonest that’s a sign you are winning.” He stated that often in a conference committee as they make the final amendments to a bill he hears arguments that are not factual. Frank said, “If the opposition used a factual argument they would loose the argument. The facts are that since 1980 ten states have had their judiciary or legislature overturn sodomy laws.” Frank went on to say that events like the Pride Celebration are important. These “programs bring us all out and make us all equal,” said Frank.
	At the conclusion of his remarks, GLOBE President Jerry Bock presented Congressman Frank with the Interior GLOBE Millennium Human Rights Award. In presenting the award, Bock stated that this was the 4^th annual award and in the past it had been presented to an Interior employee. Due to the work of Congressman Frank on behalf of all GLBT Federal employees, Interior GLOBE was presenting this award to him. Frank said he would send this award to his New Bedford, MA office as it is near the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park so it will be near one of the Interior (National Park Service) sites in his district. Immediately following Bock’s presentation, William Rinne, Deputy Director, Bureau of Reclamation, presented Frank with a certificate of appreciation from the Bureau of Reclamation. Frank quipped, “I shall have to put this certificate on my Washington Office wall as owing to the location of my district, I have never [before] received anything from the Bureau of Reclamation.”
After receiving these two items Congressman Frank quickly departed for a vote on the House floor, and the program continued with remarks from DAS Trujillo. Trujillo spoke of the Department’s objectives “to create and sustain an environment where all employees can express their individual points of view, where all employees can be who they are without having to present a false image, and where we understand and respect one another’s differences.” “We strive for a workforce that reasonably represents the broad and rich diversity of the American public. The American people have the right to expect we will treat one another with respect, regardless of our ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, gender, or sexual orientation.” Trujillo went on to ask the audience “to join me in creating and fostering such an environment. We have an important thing in common…our commitment to excellence in serving the American public. Secretary Norton has initiated the 4C’s philosophy which embraces and advances as a core value how we deal with one another and ultimately how we approach and respond to our customers...the American people…all the people regardless of our similarities or differences.” As Interior GLOBE President Jerry Bock had already presented the Keynote speaker with the award, he made just a few additional remarks. Bock said, “We don’t take our friends for granted…I want to thank the Secretary of the Interior and DAS Mike Trujillo for this event and their support of gay and lesbian employees.” Following Bock’s remarks Sarita Davis sang her final selection, “America the Beautiful.”
To conclude the celebration, William Rinne representing Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner John Keys spoke. He restated Secretary Norton’s commitment to a policy of equal opportunity and zero tolerance for discrimination. “Ensuring diversity and freedom from prejudice are the keys to the Department’s success in creating an atmosphere of respect.” Rinne thanked the Bureau of Reclamation’s Shenee’ Turner and NBC’s Charlene Freeman for their wonderful support for preparation of the program and the reception beforehand. He also thanked the Interior Special Emphasis Committee, Mike Trujillo and Mark Oliver for their support of the programming. Lastly, he thanked Jerry Bock, President of Interior GLOBE for “providing a forum for GLBT employees to meet and address issues of concern. Jerry has played a pivotal role in advocating diversity and ensuring a safe and productive work environment. He has also helped build a sense of community though promotion of this month’s Pride events.” With that the program ended.