PFLAG NYC Awards to Highlight Growth of Anti-Bullying Program

[William769]

Mayor Michael Bloomberg Recognized for Support of Safe Schools and Marriage Equality -- -- Sandra Lee of the Food Network Honored as Key Ally in Victory for Marriage Equality -- -- Film "Gun Hill Road" Recognized for Highlighting Plight of Transgender Youth --"The Book of Mormon" Stars to Host VIP Reception --



NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will be honored by PFLAG NYC--Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of New York City--on Monday, October 10, both for his ongoing initiatives to make New York City's schools safer and more welcoming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and for his critical support of the Marriage Equality bill in New York. For his work on behalf of LGBT youth and the LGBT community and their families and friends, the mayor will receive the "Stay Close" Individual Leadership Award.

Beginning in 2008 with his endorsement of new school regulations on bias-related harassment to the Department of Education's growing "Respect for All" Program, the Mayor has been an advocate for equal access to an education for all young people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "Bullying and harassment impede our students' ability to learn. When students are victims of bullying because of race, sexual orientation, or other factors, they simply cannot focus on learning, and we cannot allow that," said Mayor Bloomberg.

Mayor Bloomberg is also the proud uncle of a lesbian niece, Rachel Tiven, Executive Director of Immigration Equality, a national organization fighting for equality under U.S. immigration law for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and HIV-positive individuals. His advocacy for the Marriage Equality bill this year proved to be a deciding factor in its success. Speaking about his niece, gay friends and staff, Mayor Bloomberg said, "I cannot tell them that marriage is not for them. I cannot tell them that a civil union is good enough."

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pflag-nyc-awards-to-highlight-growth-of-anti-bullying-program-2011-10-06