I. In Conclusion: BY PAT ROBINSON OITM Staff Writer November 13, 2001: “Encouraging” said Human Rights Campaign Director David M. Smith regarding the new poll data released by the Kaiser Family Foundation. The information strongly indicates that Americans sup- port federal legislation to battle discrimination and violence against the LGBT community. 73% support hate crime laws, 76% support federal employment protection, while gay, lesbian and bisexual people say they feel more accepted now than in the past. The new poll also shows 39% of the general public supports gay marriage, up from 36% in 1998, ‘and 29% in 1994. Two thirds of the general public believe that homosexual behav- ior is a normal part of some people's sexuality. Still, an alarming 74% say they have experienced prejudice and discrimination. 32% identified themselves as having been a target of physical violence. For more information on this new poll, visit www.hrc.org listed under news releases. November 26, 2001: In a joint letter to Attorney General Ashcroft and the United States Dept. of Justice, six major civil rights organizations ask for fairness in compensation foruthe victims of Sept. I l. The federal government set up the September l I Victim Compensation Fund to provide financial support for -survivors whose relatives were killed or injured in the attacks. ‘ The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, the Human Rights’Campaign, the Empire State Pride Agenda, and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund make specific sugges- tions to evaluate relationships. Lambda Staff Atty. Jennifer Middleton, who drafted the letter told Atty. General Ashcroft this: “The only fair and humane response is to recognize all victims of this tragedy, including lesbian and gay partners and their children, and to distribute the funds equitably to all those who suffered losses.” ~ A Lambda, ESPA, and HRC have been working with lesbian and gay surviving partners to receive benefits from the agencies involved. , In a statement at the time, then HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch noted that, “the American Red Cross and the Sally Mae 911 Education fund have already recognized the domestic partners of victims when dispersing survivor benefits.” December 3, 2001: HRC's David Smith reports that “for the most part, charities have granted gay partners the same level of aid as that pro- vided to spouses.” _ State aid and Federal compensation has varied. John Winter lost his partner Tony Karnes in the WTC. “You’re never sure whether you’re included or not, so you always have to ask, and when you’re feeling emotionally stressed like this, it’s not easy to push (for aid).” Winter acknowledged that the American Red Cross and the State of New York both helped. In New York Gov. George Pataki issued 1 BY f-JADE ‘Wow: C)ITM:Stqff AASaturdayjanuaryu:.19th;:frolrn.,.,noontog, P A. V -.lR_efa1i_stica1ly},j;,i’- $300 alli. ¢1,m:¢_.,.a: Ether Charlotte and St.‘EMichael’s7‘~‘College.5will 2hold‘f.a:_ba: ‘etb _ _ _j V A i if 3.2a-Y.§%.1’r.Sif‘r<>ff:asé“and‘.01.p.€=.' “W-0 * All of thelproce,ed’ls' willibé-rulsed A Brookes Cowan‘ and‘Penny"’Liebercerit.’ “‘This‘ isian ..opportunity for the UVM and St. Michael’s female alumni to share their ,cou1t"'lskills,and knowl- edge of basketball with-clinic participants.” ‘ . ' A V " ' Betti Lewis grew up in Charlotte, Vermont. fundraiser comes out of a true sense of community. The communityhas an opportunity to contribute financial support for Vermont’s young, female athletes. “It was tough getting a gym for this event,” said Betti. “This time of year the gyms are being utilized as much as possible by people. When I was able to schedule the clinic in the Charlotte Central School, it felt appropriate. I began playing basketball there as a young girl. It sort of feels as if I have come full circle.” The three co—leaders understand how essential it is to give back to the community. “It’s all about living life pow- ‘nd,i3i£si