Murray Hill, Dominique Jackson by Aldi Victoria Courtesy Callen-Lorde
Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQIA+ Health
Last night at Chelsea Piers 650+ guests celebrated Callen-Lorde Community Health Award recipients Billy Bean, Dominique Jackson and Stef Dolson on behalf of the WNBA’s New York Liberty. The event was emceed by Murray Hill.
Patrick McGovern, Callen-Lorde CEO:
“Healthcare that is delivered by us and for us is never more relevant than today. Across our nation, we are witnessing a disturbing surge in attacks on life-affirming healthcare, particularly targeting and demonizing members of our transgender community. The same baseless fears, the same malicious demonizing and the same willful ignorance threatens to cast a dark shadow over all LGBTQ+ care. Callen-Lorde will be the beacon of light as it has been for over 50 years. LGBTQ+ services are most powerful, most impactful and most enduring when delivered by members of our own community who demonstrate with their own being that you belong here; you are safe here.”
Dominique Jackson:
“My journey, like that of so many transgender people, has been one of adversity and triumph. It is a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is a journey that has been marked by both personal and professional challenges, but one that has also been illuminated by the love and support of my chosen family—the LGBTQ+ community. On a very personal note, Callen-Lorde has been instrumental in my coming to be and has been a beacon of light and a space where life changing events occurred for me. As I accept this award, I do so with the knowledge that it is not just a recognition of my work, but a symbol of hope for all transgender and gender-diverse individuals who face unique healthcare challenges. It is a testament to the strength of our community, and it serves as a reminder that we are resilient, powerful, and deserving of the highest quality healthcare.”
Billy Bean:
“In 2014, MLB asked me to initiate conversations with its players about culture, respect, and inclusion. At that time, I was the only living major league baseball player, past or present, to disclose themself as gay. It wasn’t easy, but as the one member of both worlds, I dedicated myself, one team at a time, to examining and discussing the bias that for so long went unchecked in professional sports.
“Two years later on a tour of Callen-Lorde’s facilities I immediately thought, how my life and career would have been different if, as a player, I had known to come to Chelsea, and speak with someone there who understood me, my secret, and willing to educate me about all the things I didn’t know. I am more than humbled by this award. Callen-Lorde inspires me to do better, and I will continue to fight for acceptance, equity, and fairness, for the rest of my life.”
Stef Dolson on behalf of The New York Liberty (As winners of WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, the New York Liberty raised $35,000 to support Callen-Lorde’s work.)
“After this historic season, everyone knows what the New York Liberty means to this city, the people we represent, and the values that are most important to us. This season was even more special knowing we were competing on behalf of Callen-Lorde, the amazing people within the organization, and the recipients of their care. Spending time with the Callen-Lorde team really deepened our perspective and provided even greater intentionality, knowing exactly who we were playing for. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, our initiative both resonated and motivated me as we competed throughout the Commissioner’s Cup schedule, and ultimately, the Championship.”
EVENT COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs: James Evans, Faiz Osman, and June Stafford
Auction Co-Chairs: Brandon Krisko and Andy Phillips
Members: Michelle Arrowood, Jen Berrent, Blane Charles, Michael DeLucia, Andrew Gallagher, Alexandra Hallock, Alexes Hazen, Michelle Kline, Richard Kosinski, Marc Manseau, Karen Sauvigné, Vickie Tillman, and Lanita A. Ward-Jones
Callen-Lorde is the global leader in LGBTQ+ health care. Since the days of Stonewall, we have been transforming lives in LGBTQ+ communities through excellent comprehensive care, provided free of judgment and regardless of ability to pay. In addition, we continuously pioneering research, advocacy and education to drive positive change for LGBTQ+ people, because we believe health care is a human right. To learn more about Callen-Lorde, please visit callen-lorde.org
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