KFA Celebrates Leaders of Change at
3rd Annual Out & About Gala

November 10 was a day of celebration for fairness leaders in Kentucky. With our friends at the Fairness Campaign, KFA hosted our 3rd annual Out & About Gala at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville.

Fairness allies from all over the Commonwealth gathered for dinner, dancing, and community building, united under the theme "Celebrating Leaders of Change." We reunited with old friends and connected with new ones. We were privileged to welcome nationally renowned guest speakers and honor local fairness leaders.

Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes served as Master of Ceremonies. Vic Basile of Baltimore's Moveable Feast and first Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign delivered a stirring keynote address. And Louisville jazz favorite Robbie Bartlett rocked the house. KFA sends a warm "thank you" to all our guests who helped make the evening spectacular.

We also extend congratulations to the local and statewide leaders who received awards.

Tonya Sumpter of Somerset was named the 2007 Jason Johnson Scholar. A student of political science and criminal justice at Eastern Kentucky University, Tonya embodies the mission of KFA through her commitment to campus and AIDS activism.

The University of Louisville was honored with an Ampersand Award for Inclusiveness. The U of L Board of Trustees voted in the summer of 2006 to practice fair healthcare for unmarried university employees, making U of L the first public college in Kentucky to do so. The university serves as an inspiration and an example for the majority of Kentuckians who know a fair workplace is both right and smart.

Rev. Todd Eklof, pastor of the Clifton Unitarian Church in Louisville received the KFA Community Service Award. After the 2004 vote to ban same-sex marriage in Kentucky, Rev. Eklof - a straight ally - announced he would perform no more marriage ceremonies until all committed couples could share equal recognition under the law. As a result of making his position public, he was fired from his primary job. Rev. Eklof has brought a discrimination suit against his former employer, which is still pending.

Bradley Hamilton of Carrollton received the Pioneer Award for Electronic Activism. A member of KFA since 2005, Bradley has participated in more than 80% of all our online advocacy campaigns. He has been a strong and consistent voice for fairness in a region largely represented by anti-gay officials.

To all our dinner guests, sponsors, advertisers, silent auction participants, and members of the KFA family: Thank you for making Out & About 2007 a smashing success!