Susan Russell to Receive Liberty Award from Lambda Legal

620 Park Avenue #311 Rochester, NY 14607-2943
800-462-9498 info@integrityusa.org www.integrityusa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2007—Lambda Legal announced last week that the Rev. Susan Russell, the President of Integrity, will receive a Liberty Award " for effectively advocating for full inclusion of LGBT people in the Episcopal Church, including the blessing of same sex unions."

In response to the announcement, Russell said, "I am thrilled to accept this honor on behalf of the tireless efforts of those within the Episcopal Church who have labored so long and hard for the full inclusion of all the baptized into the Body of Christ. I believe it is a wonderful opportunity for evangelism—a chance to proclaim to the Lambda Legal community that the Episcopal Church is committed to respecting the dignity of every human being. Integrity and Lambda Legal are united in our dedication to 'liberty and justice for all.'"

The award will be presented on October 2nd at the Directors Guild of America Theatre Complex in Los Angeles. Ticket prices for the event begin at $200 each and can be purchased by calling Levy, Pazanti & Associates at 310-201-5033.

PRESS CONTACTS

The Rev. Susan Russell, President
president@integrityusa.org
714-356-5718 (mobile)
626-583-2741 (office)

Mr. John Gibson, Director of Communications
jhngb@aol.com
917-518-1120 (mobile)

BACKGROUND

See attached Lambda Legal press release.
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LAMBDA LEGAL WEST COAST LIBERTY AWARDS
TO HONOR ALAN CUMMING, DAVID BOHNETT,
REVEREND SUSAN RUSSELL AND HILTON

Awards Ceremony to Take Place Tuesday, October 2nd
at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles

(Los Angeles – July 25, 2007) - Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund will present its 15th Annual Liberty Awards on Tuesday, October 2nd at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles. This year’s celebrated honorees are actor Alan Cumming for his distinguished career and as an LGBT activist and champion for civil marriage equality; David Bohnett for improving society through social activism and philanthropy including his generous support of LGBT organizations; Reverend Susan Russell for effectively advocating for full inclusion of LGBT people in the Episcopal Church, including the blessing of same sex unions and Hilton for their excellent record of workplace diversity as well as their dedication and hospitality to the LGBT community. The event will also celebrate Lambda’s Executive Director Kevin Cathcart for his 15 years of service.

Actress and designer Honey Labrador will host the event which is one of the most important and meaningful awards ceremonies of the year as it honors those heroes who have made strides in the fight for full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people (LGBT) and those with HIV.

Lambda Legal is the country’s most prominent and powerful civil rights organization addressing the needs of the LGBT community and those with HIV. Since 1973 Lambda Legal's strategy has been to secure legal precedents that solidify basic rights in all areas of life for LGBT people and people with HIV through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. From the beginning, Lambda has produced unparalleled results, changing the day-to-day lives of LGBT people across the country.

"This year’s Liberty Awards celebration comes at an exciting time for both Lambda Legal and the struggle for LGBT rights in general. We’re proud to recognize those who are helping us in our fight for equality," says John Davidson, Lambda Legal’s Director of Legal Affairs.

Over the past decade Liberty Awards have been given to corporations, law firms, and individuals whose work exemplifies the highest standards of service and commitment to the LGBT communities and those with HIV. Past recipients include Mayor Gavin Newsom, Rosie & Kelli O’Donnell, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Martina Navratilova, Herb Ritts, Bill Jones, Margaret Cho, Dolores Huerta, Kathy Griffin and State Senator Sheila Kuehl.

Located in Los Angeles, the Western Regional Office (WRO) anchors Lambda Legal’s operations throughout the West Coast. The oldest and largest of Lambda Legal’s regional offices, the WRO celebrated its 15th anniversary year in 2005. The WRO boasts a docket as diverse as the territory it covers, with cases advancing legal protections for gay youth, advocating for the freedom to marry, defending domestic partner benefits, challenging discriminatory police policies, and fighting for fair treatment of people with HIV.

Ticket prices begin at $200 each and can be purchased by calling Levy, Pazanti & Associates at 310-201-5033.

For press information contact:
Jim Dobson
INDIE PR
(818) 753-0700
jim@indie-pr.com

4370 Tujunga Ave. #105, Studio City, Ca. 91604 (818) 753-0700 jim@indie-pr.com