activelyOUT LGBT Professionals in Oakland- yes we are here!

I want to thank everyone who came out to the activelyOUT Professional Networking reception in Oakland this week. Thanks to our sponsors, PGE and Barbary Lane.

Here is what one of our newest member, Maya Moore, had to say.

The activelyOUT event was great! First of all it was nice to attend something in Oakland for a change, and the venue overlooking Lake Merritt was spectacular...

There was a touching presentation regarding the gay marriage issue, something I've never really been concerned about since I don't really value the symbolic union of people (marriage) as much as the health and functionality of relationships which seem much more important to me. However, after hearing how important it is for some folks, and learning of the financial and property rights issues involved in couples who have been together for years I was moved to change my position to actively support the gay marriage cause.

I know when I received my passport from the U.S. State Department with my proper name and gender, I felt an overwhelming respect for my country and felt like I was supported and respected as much as any other citizen. I think it must be a similar situation for LGBT folks who seek the right to marry. As our country faces many looming challenges I believe we need to bring people together, and not drive them away.

I met a few interesting people, one lawyer who is working on a project helping indigenous people of South America deal with the legal and institutional systems and laws imposed on them by the ruling population. In return the native peoples want to utilize his organization to help the "developing" world understand the ways and sustainable nature of their people. I really look forward to following up with him on this exciting endeavor.

I also met a guy who's working to finance various international development projects, specifically in Africa and wanted me to send him my resume to see if there could be a possible fit with any of their projects.

So it was a great experience, thanks for recommending it! "