NAACP Head at LGBT Conference Talks Marriage, Trans Brother

NAACP president Ben Jealous

At the 24th National Conference on LGBT Equality Thursday in Baltimore, NAACP president Benjamin Jealous delivered the keynote address, pledging support for marriage equality, antibullying efforts, and discrimination protections for transgender people.

The conference, also known as "Creating Change," is one of the largest gatherings focused on LGBT equality. At the event Jealous discussed his transgender brother as well as the NAACP's mission to ensure fair voting rights for all Americans.

"I stand before you today as an individual deeply invested in the struggle but also as the leader of an organization with strong connections to the fight for LGBT rights," Jealous said, according to local reports.

The NAACP will support marriage equality in Maryland, of which the Democratic governor is supportive, and gender identity protections in the state.

"As a leading employer in the nonprofit sector in Maryland, we'll be there in Annapolis to make sure the gender identity antidiscrimination bill is passed," Jealous said.

Also in attendance were Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Maryland first lady Katie O'Malley, both LGBT equality supporters.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Michael Banks
Date posted: 1/27/2012 5:15:18 PM
Hometown: Montréal

Comment:
Having the NAACP on board is positive , because for a longtime the thought of putting racial and sexual descrimination as one was a long process. This should send a message to the Black Church and Black Community that times are changing ,and until gay and racial rights are excepted on an equal basis , nobody wins !!
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Name: Frank J Troia
Date posted: 1/27/2012 4:52:03 PM
Hometown: Carmel

Comment:
Support for LBGT rights coming from the NAACP is a wonderful thing. Let us not forget that only through coalition building we will we see justice for everyone . Homophobia and racism come from the same root of bigotry..... we are called to look deeply into our own souls to see the value in each other's communities.

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