FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 14, 2008
GAY/PRIDE WEEKENDS ARE AN IMPORTANT TIME TO CELEBRATE AND REFLECT
The West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee announces the 2008 Etheridge Award
will be presented to Senator Sheila Kuehl on Friday, June 6th.
Friday, June 6th will not just be the start of the annual Gay/Pride weekend in West Hollywood, California. This year, the West Hollywood Lesbian Visibility Committee (WeHo LVC) and its sponsor, The City of West Hollywood, are planning a string of events that promises to be the highlight of the weekend. Along with the annual Dyke March, performances by several main stream, “out” artists, and speeches by prominent members of the lesbian community, the celebration will also include the presentation of this year's Etheridge Award to recipient, Senator Shelia Kuehl.
Named after one of the most visible and respected lesbians in our country’s history, Melissa Etheridge, the Etheridge Award is given to a lesbian who exemplifies the utmost character and determination in today’s society. Always honest and forthright about her own lifestyle, Melissa Etheridge’s musical career and personal travails have been part of a public journey that has inspired many lesbians throughout the world. WeHo LVC has acknowledged her incredible contribution to the lesbian community by naming an annual award after her, honoring individuals who have made a significant impact within and for the lesbian community. Established in 2007, Etheridge herself received the first Etheridge Award. The second recipient will be actress-turned-politician, Senator Shelia Kuehl (D-California).
As a young actress, Kuehl was best known for her portrayal of the "irrepressible" Zelda Gilroy in the long-running 1950s TV show, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. However, in 1965 she changed her focus to academics with an acceptance from Harvard Law School. Still unafraid of the spotlight, she chaired the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first group of women to be admitted to Harvard Law (1950) when she graduated in 1975.
Kuehl was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1994, becoming the first openly gay person elected to the California legislature. She served as Speaker pro tempore during the 1997-98 legislative sessions becoming the first woman in California history to hold the position. In 2000, after three terms in the Assembly, she was elected to the California State Senate, beating Assemblyman Wally Knox in the Democratic Primary. Re-elected in 2004 with 65.7% of the vote, she has been dubbed the "smartest" member of the California Legislature by the California Journal.
In 2006 she sponsored a bill that would prohibit any school district in California from adopting instructional material that discriminates against persons based on their gender or sexual orientation.
Gay/Lesbian Pride Weekends all over the world continue to garner huge crowds with parades, corporate sponsors, entertainment, vendors and free promotional gifts. Many businesses, particularly Gay/Lesbian run, look to this weekend as a way to find new clientele and increase revenue and community support. WeHo LVC will use this highly visible and exciting time to reach out to women locally and all over the world, encouraging them to be a part of their outreach programs, join the Dyke March, witness the Etheridge Award presentation and celebrate at the LVC after party. Who knows, maybe one day West Hollywood will create its own Dinah Shore Weekend and call it, the LVC Weekend.
For more information about LVC, their outreach support, and the city’s weekend events including the after party venue please visit: www.weholvc.org / www.myspace.com/weholvc and www.weho.org
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For more information on WeHo LVC please contact Denise Marsa, KeyMedia Group,
(212) 243-4893, e-mail: keymediapublicrelations.com; www.KeyMediaPublicRelations.com
Please follow form below you can download this form at the bottom of this page. Thank you!
Etheridge Award Criteria
Mission Statement: The Etheridge Award was inspired by the dedication and passion of musician and activist Melissa Etheridge. The purpose of the Etheridge is to annually honor a woman or group of individuals who have made a significant impact within and for the Lesbian community.
Guidelines for Eligibility
1) The individual must be a woman
2) A team must consist of at least one woman in a leadership role.
3) The individual or team must be nominated within the period designated per each year’s Etheridge.
4) Must be nominated for their work specifically in the Lesbian community.
5) Posthumous nominations are accepted
Guidelines for Nominations
1) Nominations are open to the public.
2) Nominations must be postmarked by January 2nd, 2008 to be considered for the 2008 Etheridge Award.
3) A complete entry will consist of the following items: the response to the short essay prompt on the nomination form, the nomination form filled out in its entirely – including the signature of authenticity, and optional supplemental material.
4) The Lesbian Visibility Committee of the City of West Hollywood will select from the nominees and vote as a panel.
5) Submitter’s and nominees may be contacted by members of the Lesbian Visibility Committee for further details regarding the information provided on the nomination form.
6) The recipient(s) of the Etheridge will be informed of their status between January 16th and January 31st, 2008 via the phone number and/or email provided on the nomination form.
7) The Etheridge Award Ceremony will take place at the West Hollywood Dyke March on the evening of June 6th, 2008.
8) Nomination Forms are available at the following locations: www.weholvc.org, www.myspace.com/wehodykemarch, www.weho.org, a Different Light Bookstore, and West Hollywood City Hall.
9) Nominations may be submitted in the form of a word document to KPatterson@weho.org, or faxed to (323) 848-6565, mailed to City Hall at the address below, or dropped off to the first floor receptionist:
Kim Patterson
c/o LVC Etheridge Award
West Hollywood City Hall
8300 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
