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How can others get involved with HRC? Bobbie: Contact Bobbie or Lauren: Bobbie11756@yahoo.com LVerrusio@aol.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/HRCLongIsland HRC.org look for us in the Greater NY section

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What types of goals do you have for HRC LI? Bobbie: To raise the awareness of HRC. I would like everyone to know how important it is to get involved stand up for your rights because nobody else is going to if you dont. Take action. LAUREN: It is our social responsibility to be a part of a cause that tirelessly fights for our basic rights. If youre not interested in the politics behind those rights, join us through our exclusive events. What better than to dance and toast your way towards equality? Anything else youd like to add? Bobbie: Those elected officials who voted for marriage equality must be supported by all of us. They have to keep their positions and be re-elected. Its so important because if they are not re-elected it sends a very clear message that GLBT people will not stand up for their rights. LAUREN: The Human Rights Campaign is at the forefront in gaining equality for ALL gay, straight, bisexual and transgendered throughout the country person by person, state by state. While we have won Marriage Equality in NY (yay!) we must continue to ensure that win is not stripped away while working to get the same rights across all 50 states and within the Federal Government. As the HRC Long Island Community Events Co-Chairs, Bobbie and I work to spread the message of HRC through our exclusive events and socials. We aim to bring together our community and our straight allies for what always delivers a fun and unforgettable experience. What types of events does HRC Long Island throw? Just recently we held a Colette Lee Inc produced red carpet Fashion Event at the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach. Celebrity guests joined almost 500 attendees to toast Marriage Equality in NY. Additionally, we hold an annual HER event celebrating our women plus a major themed event throughout the year. Mixed in with our large events are monthly socials, bowling events and more.

Tell me a little about your background. Where are you ladies from? Where did you grow up? Bobbie: I live in Rockville Centre, grew up in Valley Stream. Born in Brooklyn. Lauren: I grew up in New Rochelle (lower Westchester) but spend many summer weekends at the beaches of Long Island since I was a kid. Aside from HRC, which well get to, what do you ladies do for a living? Bobbie: Im on my second career. I originally worked in the insurance industry. After the events of September 11th I decided I needed to make a career change and went back to school for teaching. Now Im a special education teacher working with students with autism. I love my job! LAUREN I handle the Entertainment Publicity within the Business PR team for Major League Baseball. Before MLB, I did International Events and PR for Virgin Atlantic as well as interned with the Womens Sports Foundation. Any hobbies or interests? Bobbie: Like any good lesbian I play golf! I also ski, go to the gym and volunteer for the Long Island Crisis Center as well as Grateful Greyhounds. Save a life adopt a retired racer! LAUREN: Im a huge beach bum! There is no other place that makes me happier. I also played Division I Softball in college and now enjoying playing any sport that gets me outside. Tell us about HRC and how you got involved? Bobbie: I got involved about 4 years ago. I wanted to work with HRC to do whatever I could to help LGBT people obtain the basic civil rights that everyone else in the country has. LAUREN: Bobbie is the selfless one as I joined HRC to selfishly bring the lesbian community to me! All joking aside, I wanted to give back to a cause that I wholeheartedly believe in. The movement of our generation is being led by HRC so to do any small part in that fight is truly humbling. And to do so in a fun way through events that bring our community together gives me no greater satisfaction.

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LGBT EQUALITY MARCH 4.21.12