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About the Authors
Equality California (www.eqca.org) is a civil rights and advocacy organization that is guided by a mission to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians. Equality California leads efforts for LGBT civil rights at the state level through an array of strategies including efforts for LGBT civil rights at the state level through an array of strategies including sponsoring legislation and leading efforts to ensure their passage, lobbying legislators and other government officials, building coalitions, and empowering other organizations and individuals to engage in the political process.
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) (www.nbjc.org) is a national civil rights organization of Black same-gender-loving, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and our allies dedicated to fostering equality by fighting racism and homophobia. NBJC advocates for social justice by educating and mobilizing opinion leaders, including elected officials, clergy, and media, with a focus on Black communities. Through educational initiatives we promote policies that support racial justice and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Americans.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) (www.nclrights.org) is a national legal organization with headquarters in San Francisco and regional offices in St. Petersburg, Florida and Washington, D.C. NCLR advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through impact litigation, public policy advocacy, public education, and collaboration with other social justice organizations. As part of a broader social justice movement, NCLR advances the legal and human rights of lesbians, gay men, and bisexual and transgender individuals across the United States.
Resources for Further Information
Each of us has a responsibility to stand for justice. The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Equality California (EQCA) have compiled the following resource list to assist individuals interested in exploring the issue of marriage equality. The following publications, community centers, and websites specifically serve African American communities.
As we educate ourselves, let us continue to dialogue across our differences, in hopes that together we will achieve justice for all of our families.
Community Organizations Standing for Equality
Refuge Ministries/City of Refuge United Church of Christ (www.sfrefuge.org)
City of Refuge United Church of Christ is a San Francisco-based ministry that worships with prayer, preaching and song from the Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal traditions that welcomes all persons.
Unity Fellowship Church (www.unityfellowshipchurch.org)
The primary work of the Unity Fellowship Church Movement (UFCM) is to proclaim the "Sacredness of ALL Life", thus focusing on empowering those who have been oppressed and made to feel shame. Through an emerging international network, UFCM works to facilitate social change and improve the life chances for those who have been rejected by society's institutions and systems.
The Balm in Gilead (www.balmingilead.org)
The Balm In Gilead is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with an international mission to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout the African Diaspora by building the capacity of faith communities to provide AIDS education and support networks for all people living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
PFLAG’s Families of Color Network (http://www.pflag.org/Families_of_Color_Network.focn.0.html)
The Families of Color Network is a collective group that facilitates Parents, Family, and Friends and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) activists of color to work together on local and national levels to fight homophobia, striving to promote cross-culture synergism and make our ethnic communities safe for LGBTs through education.
National Minority AIDS Council (www.nmac.org)
The National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), established in 1987, is the premier national organization dedicated to developing leadership within communities of color to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS. NMAC provides in-depth training and conferences opportunities to AIDS service organizations across the country.
Zuna Institute (www.zunainstitute.org)
Zuna Institute is a National Advocacy Organization for Black Lesbians that was created to address the needs of black lesbians in the areas of Health, Public Policy, Economic Development, and Education.
Operation Rebirth (www.operationrebirth.com)
Operation Rebirth is dedicated to ending the religious and spiritual abuse against black gays and lesbians inflicted by Black churches and provides resources that assist black gays and lesbians on reclaiming their religion and spirituality.
