Equality Forum 2005

Equality Forum celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement. On July 4, 1965, 40 Gay Pioneers staged the first gay and lesbian demonstration in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The first out and proud annual demonstrations, held from 1965 to 1969 in Philadelphia, New York and Washington D.C., helped galvanize the GLBT community, leading to the Stonewall riots and the first New York City pride parade.

The National 40th Anniversary Celebration on Independence Mall salutes the Gay Pioneers and honors 40 Heroes who have made a defining contribution to GLBT civil rights over the last 40 years. The celebration includes big-name entertainers, speakers, SundayOUT! Street Festival, programs at major institutions, 40 Equality Forum rainbow flags and a concert on Independence Mall. It concludes a week of more than 70 seminars, parties and special events by over 100 regional, state, national and international organizations.

With profound courage, the Gay Pioneers started a movement at a time of mass repression. Over the last 40 years, we have made remarkable strides, but there remains much to be accomplished.

In 1963, Bayard Rustin, a gay African American colleague of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., organized the landmark civil rights demonstration at the Lincoln Memorial that advanced African American emancipation. The 40th Anniversary Celebration at Independence Mall is our opportunity to send a message to America a reminder of our resolve and of the freedoms that are our birthright. Join us on this historic occasion and help empower our march toward equality.

Sudedam

Malcolm Lazin Executive Director

Equality Forum

Equality Forum's mission is to advance national and international GLBT civil rights. Equality Forum undertakes high impact initiatives, produces documentary films and presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum. Equality Forum's documentaries include JIM IN BOLD and Gay Pioneers and its initiatives include a Fortune 500 anti-discrimination collaboration and Project 1138. Equality Forum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Philadelphia, the site of the first gay and lesbian civil rights demonstration.