"The Office of GLBT Affairs bill recognizes the paramount function of the Office of GLBT Affairs in bringing together all sectors of the District's diverse GLBT community to develop and advance a unified agenda to address issues facing our community from a policy and community development perspective," said Mario Acosta-Velez, Stein Club President. "This legislation establishes a permanent mechanism through which key sectors such as GLBT direct service community-based organizations, advocacy organizations, individual advocates, and government representatives can work together to ensure greater responsiveness from the DC Government to issues impacting the GLBT community."

The Stein Club commends the City Council for ensuring the final passage of the legislation, especially Councilmember Jim Graham for his commitment and advocacy to ensure the passage of the bill. The Stein Club worked as part of a coalition with other GLBT community leadership organizations in support of this bill, including the DC Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gay Men, the Whitman-Walker Clinic, SMYAL, Brother Help Thyself, Latinos in Action, Youth Pride Alliance, DC Center, PFLAG Chapter of Metro DC, and Pride at Work-DC.

"The Stein Club recognizes that, as a community with a long history of advocacy work and accomplishments, we must work together to address the various policy-based issues facing the community. We believe that the establishment of a permanent Office of GLBT Affairs complements efforts by many effective advocacy community groups and individuals, and further promotes the integration of diverse sectors of the GLBT community in our collective efforts to advance the interests of the community," continued Acosta-Velez.

We look forward to working with the City Council, the Mayor's Office and community organizations and individuals to build a unified agenda representative of all sectors of the GLBT community and further community collaboration.
###