The ESF has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, MyOutSpirit.com, and others to engage in service oriented events designed to allow LGBT individuals to work side-by-side with non-LGBT members in an effort to open up communication between both sides.
“ESF is proud to be working with various organizations to address many of the major issues facing Americans today; affordable housing, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of funds for neighbourhood revitalisation,” said A. Latham Staples, President and C.E.O. of the ESF. “Regardless of whether you are gay or straight, these issues affect everyone. And for those in the LGBT community who are unable to attend the national march, this is a great opportunity to help others in need, and in doing so we can engage in dialogue through this non-partisan manner in an effort to promote understanding and equality.”
“Whether you’re Jewish, Christian, or Buddhist, every spiritual tradition requires you to serve the community,” added Clayton Gibson, founder of MyOutSpirit.com, a social networking site for LGBT spiritual individuals. “It’s no different for the LGBT community. We are a part of this community, our families are here. Our well-being and our lives are intertwined with everyone else in the community. And our spirituality demands that when we can help, we do so, while our integrity demands that we aid without hiding who we are.”
What: Empowering Spirits Foundation’s “Proud Hearts Reach Out” events
Where: Nationwide, 36 states
When: Saturday, October 10, 2009, & Sunday, October 11, 2009
Volunteers are asked to visit www.empoweringspirits.org to R.S.V.P. For more information on the San Diego event or an event being held in any other city please visit www.empoweringspirits.org, email events@empoweringspirits.org or call (858) 523-8201.
