LGIRTF is now Immigration Equality

For Immediate Release

April 7, 2004

LGIRTF is now Immigration Equality

The Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force has officially changed its
name to Immigration Equality. As the organization marks its tenth anniversary,
it has changed its name to reflect the increased scope of its work:
immigration equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV
status. Immigration Equality is also thrilled to announce the election of two
new Board co-chairs, John Nechman, a Houston-based immigration attorney who
specializes in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV immigration
matters, and Mark Gasparini, the former Board treasurer, and Chief Financial
Officer of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.

“Immigration Equality has led the fight to oppose discrimination in U.S.
immigration policy,� states John Nechman, Immigration Equality’s newly elected
Board of Directors co-chair. “This leadership has seen some remarkable results,
but U.S. immigration law continues to harm lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and HIV-positive immigrants and their families. We oppose this ongoing
discrimination and will hold the government accountable for these actions.�

Immigration Equality advocates against the discrimination faced by LGBT and
HIV-positive foreign nationals under U.S. immigration law. Currently, U.S.
immigration law does not recognize same sex couples, forcing thousands of
individuals to choose between their lives in the U.S. and their partners. U.S.
Immigration law also imposes a near total ban on HIV-positive foreign nationals
immigrating to the U.S. permanently or even visiting. Since its founding in 1994,
Immigration Equality has emerged as the national leader fighting for equality
under the law for LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants.

“The U.S. continues to drag its feet, and we are seeing that LGBT and
HIV-positive immigrants get the message – you are not welcome here,� states Mark
Gasparini, Immigration Equality’s Board of Directors co-chair.

Immigration Equality, founded 1994 and formerly known as the Lesbian and Gay
Immigration Task Force or LGIRTF, addresses the widespread discriminatory
impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and HIV positive immigrants, their families and loved ones. Email
info [at] immigrationequality.org or visit http://www.immigrationequality.org for more information.

Immigration Equality
(formerly LGIRTF)
350 West 31st St., #505
New York, NY 10001
(212) 714-2904 x 21
F: (212) 714-2973
info [at] lgirtf.org


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