On the Move with Reverend Irene Monroe

Earlier this month, Reverend Irene Monroe, an exclusive APB speaker, noted columnist, and theologian, attended the National Equality March in Washington D.C.

Before heading to the National Equality March, Reverend Monroe captured the thoughts and feelings that resonate with many of our speakers in a blog for APB. Monroe passionately advocates for the African American community and LGBTQ youth. Additionally, she often speaks out against Anti-Semitism and discrimination based on race, sex, and religion. At APB, we’re proud to represent proactive speakers like Reverend Monroe, who work tirelessly to promote equality and stamp out bigotry, racism and discrimination.

In the following blog Reverend Irene Monroe sets forth her mission.

Out of my Black Church, Into the Streets
By Rev. Irene Monroe

I will not be in church this Sunday, but I will be in a place where my spiritual self will be fed. I will be participating in the National Equality March (NEM) this Sunday, carrying the banner of Faith in America, an organization that is working to stop bigotry disguised as religious truth.

And no faith community knows better than the Black Church how religion-based bigotry shapes prejudicial attitudes in this country. Religious texts have been interpreted to justify some of this country's worst crimes against our community, including slavery, lynching, and the prohibition of interracial marriage. As African Americans, we have continually experienced the harm that religion-based bigotry can cause, but today thousands of our own children live on the streets because they have been kicked out of their homes and their church for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

Religion-based bigotry and prejudice are the biggest obstacles lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans face in obtaining full civil equality and equal treatment under the law. As an African American ordained Christian minister and theologian who is also a lesbian, I face religion-based bigotry and prejudice from within my own faith community - the Black Church - and feel it is time to end the harm to our African American LGBTQ youth.

Virginia's "Racial Integrity Act of 1924" was upheld with the opinion, "Almighty God created the races white, black, yellow, malay and red, and He placed them on separate continents. And but for the interference with His arrangement, there would be no cause for such marriages. The fact that He separated the races shows that he did not intend for the races to mix." There is no clearer example of religion-based bigotry to justify discrimination under law, and it took the landmark Supreme Court decision in that case - Loving v. Virginia - to strike down anti-miscegenation laws in this country.

Sadly, many black ministers today, some of whom even marched with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the 1960's, use religion-based bigotry to accuse our gay rights movement of "pimping" the black civil rights movement. Such attitudes have resulted in the oppression of our African-American LGBTQ community.

Civil rights battles in this country have narrowly been understood, reported on or advocated for within the context of African American struggles against both individual and systematic racism. Consequently, the fight to gain equal civil rights by women, gays and lesbians, Native Americans, and other minorities have been eclipsed, ignored and even trivialized. For example, in the 1970's, women's civil rights were pitted against African American civil rights, which often forced African American women to choose which was a greater oppression for them: being black or being female.

Today, a similar debate is occurring within the Black Church and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities that once again leaves out a population of people who have the most to lose if queer civil rights are ignored - LGBTQ people of African descent.

Because of religion-based bigotry spewing from the pulpits of many black churches, we have a crisis in the African American community: an epidemic of homelessness among LGBTQ youth. They are the black community's throw-away kids, and they need our help. Our community is ravaged by AIDS and HIV largely because religion-based bigotry has kept us from addressing the problem, and now our prejudice is also putting our children on the streets. Their sexual orientation or gender expression do not make our LGBTQ youth children of a lesser God, and they deserve better than to be made homeless.

Discussing this reality publicly might be viewed by many in the black community as "airing our dirty laundry" or "putting our business in the street." But the problem is already in the street - because that's where our LGBTQ kids are. More than 42 percent of the country's homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, and approximately 90 percent of that group are African American and Latino youth from urban enclaves like New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. After teaching them that the Black Church is their family, their home - our churches go on to fail these kids and their parents in their time of need.

I have faith - and I have faith in America. That is why I am marching to support President Obama in his goals of creating a more perfect union for all of America - and to support our legislators in passing legislation that will save all of our children from religion-based bigotry.

Dr. Steven Galson Speaks on Swine Flu

The H1N1 influenza has affected us all this flu season, and it is has become evident that we must each do our part to minimize its spread. Whether that means staying home from work when we’re feeling ill, getting the H1N1 vaccine, or simply washing our hands a little more often than usual, it is important that we all be proactive about our health this flu season.

In an effort to better understand the current circumstances surrounding the H1N1 vaccine, we asked Dr. Steven Galson, Former Acting Surgeon General of the United States and APB exclusive speaker on healthcare issues, about his thoughts and feelings regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) influenza vaccination.

A Message on the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine from Dr. Steven Galson:

The government is reporting that the H1N1 flu is spreading all across the country and recommending that people at increased risk from the infection get vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes pregnant women and children.

Unfortunately, vaccine production is going more slowly than anticipated so it’s not going to be possible to vaccinate all those at high risk until supplies increase.

There have been a lot of stories in the media about the risks of the vaccine itself, but much of the information in these stories is not based on science. The H1N1 vaccine, whether the nasal or injectable versions, goes through same rigorous safety testing as the yearly seasonal influenza vaccine, and there is no reason to be worried about safety.

All medical products, whether drugs or vaccines, have some risk associated with their use. Luckily, with vaccines, the risks are extraordinarily low. If you’re worried, talk to your doctor.

The government has a fantastic web site for influenza, including H1N1. Check out www.flu.gov, and don’t forget to click on the Flu Myths and Realities tab. Your best way to be prepared is to be informed.

About Dr. Steven Galson:

After a two year stint as Acting United States Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, MD, MPH, stepped down in October, 2009. Serving as the nation’s top public health physician, Dr. Galson was inextricably involved in the most current and pressing healthcare issues today, and is a uniquely experienced keynote speaker on the proposed reform of the entire American healthcare system, the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), and the nation’s ongoing fight against obesity.

This fall, Dr. Galson joined the last three United States Surgeon Generals, Dr. Richard Carmona, Dr. David Satcher, and Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, as an APB exclusive speaker. Dr. Galson is an incredibly experienced addition to APB’s roster of healthcare experts and highly influential keynote speakers.

John Crowley takes Extraordinary Measures

The inspiring story of John Crowley, his wife Aileen, and there three incredible children, John Jr., Megan and Patrick, has been transformed for the big screen in an upcoming film entitled Extraordinary Measures, starring Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser, and Keri Russell.

When John Crowley’s two youngest children were diagnosed with Pompe disease, he was devastated to learn that it would almost certainly be fatal. At the time of his children’s diagnosis, there was no known course of treatment for the disease. Crowley could not sit idly by and watch as his children suffered from a disease that there was no hope of curing.

Crowley, the farthest thing from a medical expert, took action, quitting his job in order to pioneer a research movement for Pompe disease. To support the research, he founded a biotechnology company using a $100,000 home equity loan, and began traveling the world to assemble a team of researchers who would devote their energies to finding a cure for the disease.

Crowley and his team of biologists worked against a ticking clock to develop a treatment plan which would save the lives of not only his two children, but also the thousands of other children affected by the disease worldwide.

Through tireless efforts, Crowley grew his initial $100,000 personal investment into a $100 million research venture. As a result of his persistence and determination, Crowley developed a successful treatment for Pompe disease, garnering media attention and public support as he went.

Get a first look at John Crowley’s story:


A Pompe disease diagnosis was considered a death sentence before John Crowley, a true entrepreneur, became involved. Today, the disease is considered treatable through an enzyme replacement therapy developed by Crowley and his team. The disease is no longer a death sentence.

The film is scheduled to be released on January 22, 2010.

Kristof & WuDunn Continue the Fight for Women's Rights

Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s new book Half the Sky was released on September 8th and has already garnered high praise from The New York Times. Reviewer Martha Nussbaum called the book “stirring and sensible” for its impassioned representation of women in developing countries who are suffering from human rights injustices.

Packed with shocking statistics and startling true stories of suffering women around the world, Half the Sky sheds light on some of today’s most egregious and widespread human rights violations.

Raising awareness is the first step towards improving the social and economic status of women in developing countries. Both Kristof and WuDunn have long championed human rights, using their posts at The New York Times to spread a message of equality and empowerment. Half the Sky is another iteration of this issue that goes largely unnoticed and definitely deserves more attention.

I applaud both Kristof and WuDunn for the success of Half the Sky and for their steadfast dedication to women, human rights, and the ongoing search for a solution.

For Mary Robinson, the fight to end discrimination and suffering is an urgent moral imperative

First woman President of Ireland and exclusive APB speaker Mary Robinson received the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama. Robinson said she was both "humbled and honored" to be recognized for her efforts.

Robinson remained humble indeed, departing from her personal accomplishment to acknowledge the shoulders of others she's stood on. She mentioned fellow honoree Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the "wonderful" women activists she has worked with and Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney, whom she quoted to more descriptively articulate her fight against suffering.

Robinson herself certainly deserves this high honor, however, which reflects a culmination of career long efforts in fundamental respect for human life: the integration of human rights, gender sensitivity, and enhanced accountability of government. She has made her nation and the world a better place through her catalyzing initiatives for positive change. And her work continues.

"We must not allow ourselves to become over familiar with or lose sight of the intolerable. We must ensure our sources are highly reliable and not be distracted by ill-informed comment. Contemporary savagery continues to thrive in our 21st century and will do so unless we all accept the challenge posed by President Obama and act as agents of change."

--President Mary Robinson

Watch footage of Mary Robinson receiving Medal of Freedom

Comedian & Gay Rights Activist Carol Leifer Exclusive with APB

As a former writer for Seinfeld and Saturday Night Live, Carol Leifer has made a big splash in the entertainment business. As a woman, she was a pioneer in breaking into the "boy's club" of television and stand-up comedy. As a gay activist who came out at age 40, she is a strong proponent for GLBT rights and discusses her personal experiences with candor. Leifer joins APB's extensive roster of over 500 professional keynote speakers.

Newly Updated Childwatch Catalog

More so than almost any other time in history, children are faced with serious challenges in education, social issues, and technology. Parents, communities, and teachers need to work together to achieve a common goal, leading these children towards becoming healthy, happy, productive, and well adjusted adults.

The newly updated Childwatch 2009 catalog offers a directory of experts on the following issues:

• Education
• Leadership
• Raising children in the digital age
• At risk children
• Family affairs
• Health and wellness
• Child development
• Parenting
• Advocacy
• Inspiration

Our latest Childwatch catalog features outstanding educators like Erin Gruwell, subject of the movie Freedom Writers, who bucked the system by reaching out to disenfranchised students and inspiring them to write a book, graduate high school, and attend college; experts on raising children in the digital age like Anastasia Goodstein who penned Totally Wired: What Teens and Tweens are Really Doing Online, an inside guide what teens really do online; and renowned children advocates like Geoffrey Canada who created the Harlem Children’s Zone, an agency that blends community and education to help the most impoverished and at-risk children beat the odds.

The wide breadth of speakers in the Childwatch 2009 catalog all share a common quality - they are inspirational presenters who work with you to create an event that will be both educational and unforgettable. APB’s speakers on children’s issues are helping to shape the future by continually striving to improve schools, create nurturing environments for children, and make communities safer and families stronger.