Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered people (GLBT), along with their families, friends and supporters, celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride Month each June. Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of the demonstrations and reprisal actions at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This was one of the first times that the gay and lesbian community fought back against harassment and discrimination.

       Fortunately, the Federal government has made important strides over recent years to insure that the Federal workplace is a place where diversity and equity is valued, and discrimination and harassment are not tolerated. In 1994, EPA expanded the Agency's EEO Policy to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

       The NHEERL Diversity Steering Committee and the Office of Administration and Resources Management will be presenting two events this year to commemorate EPA-RTP's second annual Gay Pride Month. On June 12, 2002, there will be screening of "All God's Children" from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m., in Room C111A, of the New Campus Main Building. This award- winning film parallels the struggles of the black civil rights movement and the GLBT movement. The second event will be held on June 20, 2002., from 1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., in Room C112, of the New Campus Main Building. This event will feature the documentary film, "Homophobia in the Workplace," followed by a facilitated discussion about issues presented in the film. The facilitator for this discussion is Dr. T. J. Myers, D.V.M.., of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dr. Myers, a research veterinarian, is also the National GLBT Manager for the USDA and has risen through the ranks of a Federal regulatory and research organization. He will also discuss his perspectives of GLBT issues in the culture of an organization that also is research focused.