The National Business Center’s Human Resources Director, Vivian Clark, opened the program. She welcomed the attendees and remarked on the exponential growth of Interior GLOBE since it became a Departmentally recognized employee organization in 1994. 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 and NBC employee Shenee’ Turner did the honors.

J. Michael Trujillo, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Workforce Diversity, introduced the keynote speaker, who represents Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives. Trujillo touched on 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. Frank is the Senior minority member 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.

"Speaking out and being honest with ‘who we are’ is important" in reversing people’s opinions on gays and lesbians," Frank said. "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 progress is being made 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." Frank noted that events like the Pride Celebration are important. These "programs bring us all out and make us all equal," said Frank.

After Frank’s address, the program continued with remarks from Deputy Assistant Secretary Trujillo, who 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 asked 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."

GLOBE President Jerry Bock thanked Secretary Norton and Deputy Assistant Secretary Trujillo for this event and their support of gay and lesbian employees. Following Bock’s remarks Sarita Davis sang "America the Beautiful."

To conclude the celebration, Reclamation Deputy Commissioner Rinne, representing Commissioner John Keys, 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 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 GLOBE President Jerry Bock 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."