COMMUNITY REPORT OUT Bolder Than Out Conference 2013 Chicago, Illinois On April 5th – 7th, 2013 in commemoration of the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the Coalition for Justice and Respect (CJR) and the Coalition for Justice and Respect Foundation (CJR F) called an intergenerational co-gendered community conference. CJR is a membership based coalition of organizations, agencies, social organizations and clubs, governmental initiatives, private initiatives, faith based communities, private initiatives, and individuals that believe in the full human rights and social justice of the Black AfricanAmerican Lesbians and Gays and all people. The Coalition for Justice and Respect Foundation (CJRF) CJRF is a non-profit charitable 501(c) (3) to support the mission, programs and services of CJR. CJR uses strategies of public education and social action that may lead to non-violent direct action. The attendees included Chicagoans from all parts of the city as well as participants from Washington, D.C., New York, Detroit, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Ghana. The name and theme of the conference is Bolder Than Out –Setting Direction For The New Normal. Bolder Than Out (BTO) is the 5th annual Social Justice forum called by CJR. This year considering the developments in Health Care and Social Justice CJR called this conference as an opportunity for our community to come together and network on public policy and best practices in civil rights and community development. BTO featured life affirming and lifestyle enhancement Concert that showcased the talents within our community and appreciation of the arts. BTO held workshops and speakers on topics and issues from civic engagement to relationship development and celebration of arts and culture. The conference was empowering, educational and a celebration of the lives and living of African-American Same Gender Loving Black Gays and Lesbian. BTO include provided the tools to better living, personal growth, and community development and support. In addition to providing voice to Removing Barriers to the Path of Making Education, Beyond Marriage Equality – Public Policy, Health Action Agenda, Social Justice International Issues, Financial Opportunities in a Crisis Economy, Hosting and Hospitality, Images and Impressions-Writers Workshop, Family and Personal Relationship Enhancement. The entire weekend raised issues, concerns and sending forward a call to action. The overall message whether it is Targeted Violence, Hate Crime and Bullying Local and International the primary necessity is a safe place where people can appreciate the diversity themselves. Public Policy needs to reflect sincere commitment to dutiful respect of humanity.
Inclusive is strong statements that the priority of African, African- American, Same Gender Loving Black Gays, Lesbians and Transpersons that our encouragement of Marriage Equality remains rooted in its connection to the fundamental tenants of the social justice and civil rights tradition of equal protection and due process 3