Washington, DC ( February 16, 2016 ) — LPAC, the national grassroots lesbian political action committee supporting pro-LGBTQ, pro-women's rights and progressive candidates, announced a first-of-its-kind benefit performance featuring top lesbian and queer comics and women's rights champions, including Kate Clinton, Rosie O'Donnell, Billie Jean King, Lea DeLaria, Karen Williams, Cameron Esposito, Judy Gold, Marga Gomez, Jes Tom, Marsha Warfield, Rhea Butcher, and others. Former Late Show with David Letterman Executive Producer and Showrunner Barbara Gaines will produce the show. Award-winning cartoonist and author Alison Bechdel will be designing an original poster for the event. Levity & Justice for All will take place at the historic Town Hall on June 16, 2016, and will celebrate the political voices, humor, and activism of LGBTQ women, inspiring and motivating those in attendance to actively participate in the 2016 election.
"Lesbian and queer women are on the cutting edge of cultural change," said Kate "Hilarity" Clinton. "Our comedy has always delivered pointed political commentary and helped inspire activism. I am thrilled that LPAC and this stellar line up of comics will take center stage in this critical election to urge our communities to get involved politically and to vote!"
As the first national LGBTQ organization to endorse Hillary Clinton for President, LPAC plans to invest more than $500,000 — including the proceeds of the evening's event — to get out the vote, and inspire women, young people and the LGBTQ community to support Secretary Clinton and the LPAC-endorsed 2016 slate of progressive candidates.
"June 2016 marks the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's marriage equality decision; and it takes place in a political season that vividly reminds us that our work for justice is far from done," said Beth Shipp, LPAC Executive Director. "We face candidates at the national and local level who would overturn the gains made on LGBTQ equality, women' rights, racial and social justice. We want Levity & Justice for All to shine a spotlight — through fun and humor — on our work to elect candidates from the state house to the White House who will positively impact the lives of LGBTQ women and families across the country."
"Levity & Justice for All" will take place at The Town Hall ( 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 )
in New York City, on June 16, 2016, amidst LGBT Pride Month and shortly prior to the 2016 national political conventions. Funds raised will be used for political education, organizing, and mobilization efforts to support LPAC endorsed candidates. For information on event sponsorship and benefit tickets, contact Patricia Evert at patricia@teamlpac.com .
About LPAC
LPAC builds the political power of lesbians and queer women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women's equality, and social justice. Founded in 2012 by experienced leaders in feminist, LGBTQ and social justice movements, LPAC has raised $2.1 million dollars from more than 1,500 donors across 48 states and the District of Columbia. LPAC has invested $900,000 directly in more than 40 races and independent expenditure campaigns throughout the country, and used the balance of its funds to organize, convene, network and build the political power of LGBTQ women. Learn more at www.teamlpac.com .
LPACs Work
As the country's first lesbian Political Action Committee ( PAC ), LPAC's mission is to advance women's equality, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and Queer ( LGBTQ ) equality and social justice, by investing in great candidates, building political engagement, and giving lesbians a real and meaningful seat at the political table. LPAC believes that the engagement of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender ( LBTQ ) women in politics is essential to advance and defend LGBTQ, gender, racial, economic, and social justice for all.
Each election cycle, LPAC researches and presents a slate of candidates, ballot initiatives and campaigns in which it invests. LPAC has been instrumental in electing key national and local candidates, supporting legislation and ballot referenda that guarantee women are paid the same as men for the same jobs, have access to reproductive health, aren't discriminated against when it comes to their own healthcare decisions, and safeguard LGBTQ employees from being fired.
LPAC has mobilized thousands of people in political giving, raising $2.1 million in contributions from 48 states and building a grassroots community of more than 25,000 people. LPAC has a broad base of support both nationally and economically, yet the majority of LPAC's donors have contributed under $100.
Board of Directors
Laura Ricketts, Chair ( Chicago, IL )
Ana Cruz ( Tampa, FL )
Karen Dixon ( Washington, DC )
Diane Felicio ( Jamaica Plain, MA )
Dawn Laguens ( Washington, DC )
Pamela "PJ" Layng ( West Palm Beach, FL )
Joyce Newstat ( San Francisco, CA )
Michelle Peak ( Dallas, TX )
Alix Ritchie ( Fort Lauderdale, FL )
Hilary Rosen ( Washington, DC )
Urvashi Vaid ( New York, NY )
