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On the eve of celebrating a woman who gave 12 years to helping define the state’s premier LGBTQ support agency, Garden State Equality’s Executive Director Christian Fuscarino paid tribute to all the women behind the nonprofit.

“Last Thursday, the League of Women Voters of New Jersey honored me at their annual ‘Making Democracy Work’ event,” Fuscarino said in a written statement. “But, when they called me up to present the award, I told them I could not accept.

“To accept this award is to accept patriarchy,” he said. “And I do not. To accept this award is to accept the history of men being recognized for things that women accomplished. And I can not. To accept this award is to take credit for things that women do. And I will not.

“Here’s the thing, women don’t get enough credit for their contributions to movements that men come to lead,” he said in a written statement. “While I support women’s rights, and I lift women up, the honor of this award belongs to the women of Garden State Equality.”

Fuscarino went on to spotlight the women behind nonprofit, including:

Dr. Denise Rodriguez, Director of Development, joined Garden State Equality in 2018. Previously, she worked at Millennium Strategies, where she managed eight municipal clients and wrote federal, corporate, and foundation grants for a variety of projects across multiple areas, including health/wellness, community development, parks/recreation, and arts/culture.

Ashley Chiappano, Safe Schools Coordinator, is a parent, advocate, facilitator and trainer. She has worked in the non-profit and public service fields for over 8 years. During her time as a public servant and child welfare professional, she trained and licensed many LGBT foster/adoptive parents for the Department of Child Protection and Permanency while also participated in their Safe Space Program.

Bianca Chanel Mayes, Health & Wellness Coordinator, is a dedicated public health advocate for the health and wellness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Bianca’s career has been centered around general healthcare for vulnerable populations. She worked at Atlantic Health System as a Health Educator and Research Associate for Community Health and Population Health Sciences. She currently attends Montclair State University as a full-time graduate student and will graduate May 2018 as a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the strong women that make up Garden State Equality’s diverse board: Michele Jaker of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Jackie Baras of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Barbara Leebaw former Executive Editor of Diversity Inc magazine, Amy Scheer of New York Red Bulls, and Morgan Sackman of Sackman Enterprises,” he said. “Without these women and the thousands of women that are members of Garden State Equality, we would not be the organization we are today.”

The LGBTQ support organization also celebrates Luanne Peterpaul’s 12 year long service.

Fuscarino credits Peterpaul for being a fundamental partner, fearless leader, compassionate advocate, and dedicated supporter, who made immeasurable contributions.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the time and dedication that Luanne has put into this organization,” he said. “She has taught and will continue to teach me so many valuable lessons that I apply to my work every day. She will be missed on our Board, but I know she will never stop being a loyal partner of Garden State Equality.”

He said Peterpaul has played an influential role in most, if not all, of the over 250 laws and local ordinances passed with guidance from Garden State Equality. Among the pioneers in the fight for equality, Peterpaul advocated for greater emphasis on educating today’s youth on diversity, equality and respect for their peers.

Peterpaul co-authored the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, which sailed through both the State Assembly and Senate, and was signed into law by Governor Chris Christie in January 2011.

A partner and principal at Peterpaul Law, located in Asbury Park, her practice specializes in everything from employment law, business litigation and school law issues. She is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of New Jersey, and the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. And last year, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the LGBT Rights Section of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

“Garden State Equality has evolved from a single mission organization – Marriage Equality – an important one at that – to an organization that makes an impact on the lives of the LGBT community and its allies every single day,” Peterpaul said. “I am confident that with GSE’s executive director, staff and board members, GSE will continue the great work being accomplished. We all must be mindful that we can’t continue to make strides forward and justice will not be served until, as Benjamin Franklin said, ‘those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.”

Chris Donnelly, who currently sits on Garden State Equality Action Fund Executive Committee, will step into Peterpaul’s position as Chair, Fuscarino said. Donnelly, a principal for Kivvit – an organization that focuses on public affairs and communications strategies, previously served as State Senate President Steve Sweeney’s press secretary. He has also worked in the administrations of three New Jersey governors and served as Congressman Rush Holt’s 2010 communications director. He also has a background in LGBT advocacy, having served as communications director for New Jersey United For Marriage – a grassroots campaign to bring marriage equality to New Jersey.

“It will not be easy following the incredible legacy Luanne is leaving behind,” he said. “She has been a mentor to me, but more importantly, a great friend. I look forward to continuing the great work she, Christian, and Garden State Equality have performed over the years. Whether it is combating rampant homelessness and addiction among LGBT youth, ensuring greater understanding of our LGBT brothers and sisters, or doing away with outdated laws that ingrain bias, there are still battles to be won in the fight for true LGBT equality in our state and in our Nation.”

For more information about Garden State Equality, click chere.

[Peterpaul, Fuscarino & Donnelly in feature photo, courtesy of GSE]

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