Senate GLASS Caucus

Glass Caucus Celebrates 10^th Anniversary

For Immediate Release

April 29, 2014

Contact: Laura Erickson Hatalsky, laura@glasscaucus.org

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Gay, Lesbian and Allies Senate Staff (GLASS) Caucus proudly marked the 10^th Anniversary of its official formation. The GLASS Caucus is a nonpartisan organization open to all whose purpose is to raise awareness of issues affecting the LGBT community, increase visibility and promote the welfare and dignity of LGBT employees of the United States Senate by providing a safe environment for social interaction and professional development. The current Steering Committee of the Caucus released the following statement to mark this occasion:

“It was a very different world, and a very different Senate, 10 years ago when eight Senate staffers formed the first staff association for LGBT Senate employees. We are greatly indebted to Lynden Armstrong, Brett Bearce, Jeffrey Levensaler, Josh Brekenfeld, Jason Knapp, John Fossum, Kelsey Phipps, and Mat Young for their leadership in forming an organization that has made the Senate a more welcoming environment for all staffers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“The late Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) will always remain close to our hearts for the support he lent GLASS when the caucus was just in its infancy. From the Senate floor one decade ago, Senator Lautenberg called on us to ‘build a community here in the Senate and across the nation of mutual respect, tolerance, and freedom.’ We hope to repay the graciousness shown by Senator Lautenberg by faithfully continuing our work towards making the Senate a more inclusive community.

“We look forward to a productive year working within the Senate to raise awareness about issues confronting the LGBT community, and celebrating our first decade as often as possible.”