Just my opinion.......
You can read our list of some influential LGBT Leaders (too many to list here) and inspiring figures later in this issue. This year I was saddened to learn of the passing of one of my icons from my youth; music pioneer Frankie Knuckles. For those of you not familiar with the legendary music producer and DJ, he is credited as "The Godfather of House Music”, a Grammy Award winning producer and an inductee of the Dance Music Hall of Fame (for his achievements in 2005). Read more about this iconic figure later in this issue. Our struggle for equality is a global effort reflected in my interviews with Nancy Heilner, LCSW Executive Director Queer LifeSpace, and Todd Barron-Vice President of Community Affairs for the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco as well as South African born political activist and author Melanie Nathan. We also reached out to our LGBT partners like Andrea Shorter-Sr. Manager of Community Relations for Out and Equal, for their take on working with corporations to foster diversity and inclusion of LGBT professionals in corporate America. And so this month we celebrate the diversity and pride in all of us. We may all be from different orientations but we share the same world view. Peace and equality for all. Happy Pride!!!
Tony Wilkins
It’s Pride month. And even if you’re not a part of the LGBT community it’s still a time for acknowledging LGBT individuals and LGBT –friendly professionals for their efforts in promoting equality and diversity.