D.C. Benefit for an Activist in Need

LGBT advocates in the nation's capital are coming together Wednesday evening to benefit a young colleague recently diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.

Ben Shallenberger, a video editor whose entry for the video competition "Film Your Issue" won him a national award, has worked with the Human Rights Campaign and was highly involved in D.C. marriage equality efforts.

Colleagues and friends of Shallenberger have organized a Wednesday evening event in Washington, D.C. to raise funds and awareness for his illness. He is scheduled to travel to Texas for upcoming treatment.

For the event's Facebook page, click here.

The full press release:

Join us this Wednesday [April 13] as we show our love and give back to our friend Ben Shallenberger who was recently diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer.

Over the years, Ben has made numerous contributions to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. He first crossed the radar of the Human Rights Campaign by winning a national video competition called "Film Your Issue." As Ben later explained, "I wrote a poem about the personal struggle with being gay and a Christian. I spoke from the heart about my experiences. The whole thing took under 4 hours, but the effects of it will last forever." You can watch the video here.

When the battle for marriage equality was taking place here in the District, Ben offered testimony as a resident of Ward 5 in support of the the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009. In his words: "I'm not even involved in a relationship at this time. To be completely honest, I've never even been on a date. But I do know that someday, I will be ready to commit my life to someone, and I want the opportunity to get married in the eyes of God and the state."

Through his work at the Human Rights Campaign and his time and talents in the field of video editing, Ben's work has been seen by anyone who has ever visited HRC.org or attended an event. His favorite video included an interview with Darlene and Candy -- married in the District of Columbia.

Now, it's time for all of us to show our support as he travels very soon to Texas for treatment.

JOIN US THIS WEDNESDAY TO SUPPORT OUR FRIEND, BEN.
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Nellie's Sports Bar,
900 U Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

7:00 p.m. Cocktails
8:00 p.m. Program
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$10 suggested donation / all proceeds will benefit Ben Shallenberger