APUZZO RUMORED TO BECOME TOP-RANKING GAY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE: According to a September 25 Washington Blade report, President Clinton is set to appoint former National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) Director Virginia Apuzzo to his senior White House staff, making her the highest-ranking openly gay person ever to serve in a federal post. Crediting "some of Washington's well-connected gay politicos," the Blade says Apuzzo will be appointed as assistant to the President for management and administration, one of 18 positions on Clinton's senior staff. Richard Socarides, Clinton's gay community liaison, noted that a number of gay people could be appointed to "very senior posts....in the very near future," but would not specifically confirm Apuzzo's appointment. For more information contact Richard Socarides (White House Liaison to the Gay & Lesbian Community) at (202) 456-1611.

FAMILY DAY TO CELEBRATE LESBIAN & GAY PARENTS AND KIDS: On October 4, hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families and friends will celebrate the Third Annual Family Day in San Francisco. "As families, our coming together is crucial this year," said Cheryl Deaner, executive director of All Our Families Coalition (AOFC), the non-profit group sponsoring Family Day. "It's clear the radical right is targeting our families with anti-gay legislation and ballot initiatives. We need to know how to protect ourselves." In addition to entertainment by San Francisco Supervisor and comedian Tom Ammiano, comic Maureen Brownsey and DJ Renel from KMEL-FM, and age-appropriate kid's venues, guests include San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, California Assemblywoman Carole Migden and National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell. AOFC is dedicated to the civil and social rights of families with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. For more information contact Cheryl Deaner (AOFC) at (415) 681-1960

GAY YOUTH CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON CARING AND SUPPORT: Just weeks after the recent suicide of Utah gay youth leader Jacob Orozco, service providers will come together October 3-5 at Pennsylvania State University for "Interventions with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youths: From Practice to Policy." Through lectures, discussions and workshops, nationally renown researchers, scholars, social workers, counselors, psychologists and educators will address how to best guide families and youth through complex cultural issues revolving around sexual orientation and identity. For more information contact Dr. Anthony R. D'Augelli (Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State) at (814) 863-0241.

SOUTHERN COMFORT BRINGS TRANSPEOPLE TOGETHER: Hundreds of transgender people and friends will gather in Atlanta for the Seventh Annual Southern Comfort Conference October 1-5. "From basic presentations for newly out crossdressers concerned with beauty and appearance to nitty gritty legal, medical and political issues, to informative seminars on family relationships, sexuality and spirituality, our schedule reflects a deep commitment to serve the diverse needs of the transgender community and probe cutting-edge thought and action on gender issues," said conference organizers. For more information contact Donna Johnston (Southern Comfort Conference) at (404) 633-6470 or e-mail sccatl@aol.com.

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To Report Defamation in the Media - Call GLAAD's Alertline at 1.800.GAY.MEDIA or go to the GLAAD Web Site at www.glaad.org and report through our Alertline Online.

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