FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2001
Contact: Joe Pressley, 212-629-3075 x 109
or Carolina Cordero Dyer, 212-673-6633 x 304
OUT PEOPLE OF COLOR POLITICAL ACTION CLUB FORMS
New York City’s first such political club; Will endorse in this year’s elections
New York, NY (July 19, 2001): Today marks the announcement of the city’s first political club comprised specifically of lesbian, gay, bisexual, two spirit and transgendered people of color. OutPOCPAC will endorse in all of this year’s citywide races, as well as several City Council and Borough President races.
"I am thrilled to announce the formation of OutPOCPAC. We intend to be an active political force in the City, fighting for policies that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers," said Joe Pressley, Co-President. "This year’s elections provide us with a unique opportunity to determine the future of the city from the local grassroots level. OutPOCPAC was created to meet that challenge."
The group assembled in order to have a meaningful impact on the issues facing our many communities. "We think it’s important to make clear to New York City that there is more than one political voice of the LGBTST community. This is especially critical because queer communities of color are underrepresented in mainstream gay political clubs and organizations," said Carolina Cordero Dyer, Co-President.
OutPOCPAC will co-sponsor several candidate forums, including:
July 19 Democratic Mayoral candidates, LGBT Community Center
July 23 People of Color and the Changing Face of Queens Politics, Queens Pride House
July 25 Public Advocate & Comptroller candidates, LGBT Community Center
July 26 NYC Council candidates, LGBT Community Center
There will be media availability before each of these forums. OutPOCPAC will announce its endorsements following its July 30 meeting.
OutPOCPAC is a New York City-based nonpartisan, political club of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit and Transgendered (LGBTST) People of Color. It is committed to raising the awareness of elected officials and candidates for public office around issues of primary importance to our communities, as well as to increasing the number of elected officials from our communities. We seek to educate and unite our diverse communities around a progressive and multifaceted agenda of racial, economic, sexual and gender justice.
For more information about OutPOCPAC or any of the candidate forums, please contact call 212-222-9794, email OutPOCPACNYC@netscape.net, or visit our website at http://pocpac.tripod.com.