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MEMORANDUM SUBJECT:    Gay and Lesbian Pride Month 2006

FROM: Karen D. Higginbotham, Director Office of Civil Rights

TO:   All EPA Employees

During the month of June, we recognize the diversity of our workforce by celebrating and observing Gay and Lesbian Pride Month.  This year’s international theme is “Pride, not Prejudice.”   As members of the EPA workforce and community, it is important that we treat each other with dignity and respect.

The EPA Office of Civil Rights, Diversity Program for Sexual Orientation is sponsoring an opening event in concert with the EPA-approved Chapter of Gay, Lesbian, Or Bisexual Employees (GLOBE).   The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Pavilion Room on the second floor of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.  We are extremely pleased to have an outstanding guest speaker -- accomplished actress, writer, and producer Sheryl Lee Ralph.

In addition, we will have Gilles Marchildon, Executive Director for Egale Canada (Equality Canada) and the Egale Canada Human Rights Trust as a speaker.  The program will take place June 28, 2006 in the Rachel Carson Room of the Ariel Rios Building from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There will be other activities sponsored at regional offices and laboratories during the month.  Please join us at these events and encourage all employees to attend.  If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Jerome King, National Diversity Program Manager, at (202) 564-7429.