I’m pleased to report that the August 10, 2009 LGBT community planning meeting was a huge success.  Nearly 40 people braved the thunderstorms and traffic to come together, discuss issues, and offer suggestions for the future of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization and activities in the Baton Rouge metropolitan area.

Some meeting highlights:

·         The crowd in attendance was refreshingly diverse, with excellent representation by gender, age, race, ethnicity, skills and interest
·         Everyone felt that a formal organization (or multiple organizations) representing LGBT people in greater Baton Rouge is necessary and important
·         An appropriate organizational structure needs to be researched and identified to meet the diverse needs of the community
·         Renewed leadership with fresh ideas and perspectives, representing the diversity of our community, is needed
·         Well-prepared, professionally-trained, articulate spokespeople should be identified to speak on behalf of the community when approached by the media, elected officials, and the public
·         Communication across the many different LGBT groups in the Baton Rouge area and the state needs to be organized, coordinated and consistent
·         Past obstacles should not prevent success moving forward
·         We need to find ways to build upon and sustain the energy and enthusiasm generated last night, and make participation fun and rewarding

The most significant outcome of last night’s meeting was the creation of four committees that will pursue specific objectives and report back to the next community-wide forum, which will be held in September.  The four committees are: 

·         Organization Structure
·         Communications/Marketing/Public Relations
·         Education and Advocacy
·         Outreach and Recruitment

Each committee has a chairperson and approximately 8 – 10 members.  Cami Miller and Kevin Serrin will serve as co-coordinators for the community forums until a new organizational structure and Board of Directors is identified and elected.

Each committee has identified much work to be done.  If you missed last night’s meeting, but would like to participate in one (or more) of the committees, please contact me.  The committees will be meeting in various locations over the next month in advance of the next general meeting on September 21.

We have also pledged to keep the CCA website up-to-date.  Please visit www.ccabatonrouge.org for complete information and to stay informed. 

My personal thanks go out to everyone who attended the forum, and the many others who wanted to attend, but were unable.  I feel very optimistic!  If I may slightly modify Mayor Holden’s vision for Baton Rouge: together we can make BR ‘The next, great, GAY, American City’! 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.