Reflections on Laurel Hester

People like Laurel Hester are being denied equality across New Jersey today, and that's why their fight continues (4.00 / 3)

It would have been wonderful if the result of Laurel's heroism was that New Jersey today gives equal rights, benefits and responsibilities to same-sex couples.

That didn't happen.  As today's Star-Ledger and Associated Press stories point out, and as the New Jersey Civil Union Commission report will point out when it is released on Tuesday, many same-sex partners are denied equal benefits by their employers, just like Laurel was.  Employers who won't recognize any relationship short of marriage.

That is not to diminish what Laurel, of blessed memory, did for our movement.  We are closer to equality today because of her.

Nor is it to diminish the unique circumstances of Laurel's fight for equality, a fight she undertook, with the help of Blue Jersey, Garden State Equality and many of others, as she was dying.

She was an American hero.

But the work continues to fulfill Laurel Hester's dream.  Let us win it in her honor.  

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by: Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality chair @ Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 15:46:29 PM UTC

Freeheld: The Laurel Hester Story... (4.00 / 1)

...showing today!  
http://www.freeheld.com/
February 17, 2008  
Muesuem of Modern Art (MOMA)
New York City
5pm

http://www.moma.org

Here's the rest...

March 1, 2008
New York Women in Film & TV - 25th Anniversary
Tribeca Cinemas, New York City
Noon, with panel & reception to follow

http://www.nywift.org

March 14-23, 2008
Women's Film Festival
Brattelboro, VT

http://www.womensfilmfestival....

April 4-6, 2008
Garden State Film Festival
New Jersey

http://www.gsff.org/

April 12, 2008
Rehoboth Beach Women's Conference
Rehoboth Beach, DE

http://www.rehobothfilm.com/

Prediction: This important and touching film will win an Oscar.

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by: Nick Lento @ Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 16:15:57 PM UTC

Freeheld: The Laurel Hester Story showing in South Orange, NJ on Sunday, Feb 24, at 7 pm (4.00 / 1)

Remember, Garden State Equality is having an Oscar party on Sunday, Feb 24 at 7 pm, South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange.  At 7 pm, we'll watch Freeheld together in a special screening.  At 8 pm, we'll watch the Oscars together and root for Freeheld to win the Academy Award for Best Short Documentary.  We'll have fabulous food and drink, including a champaigne toast to Freeheld.  We are expecting hundreds.  No RSVP or tickets needed.  Please join us.

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by: Steven Goldstein, Garden State Equality chair @ Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 16:38:11 PM UTC