Affirmations is committed to serving all LGBT people in this community. We have been dismayed by the coverage of the issues regarding Affirmations and its employees. We are particularly disappointed that some articles have degenerated into name calling and personal attacks. While it would be inappropriate for Affirmations to respond to the specifics regarding its former employees, we believe it is important for the community to understand AffirmationsÕ position.
As noted above, some of the attacks have been directed at Affirmations Executive Director Leslie Thompson. It is sad to see members of our community attacking one of our most effective community leaders. During LeslieÕs seven-year tenure, Affirmations has grown from a struggling organization to a thriving center poised to move into a new, state of the art, 17,000-square-foot building. The center has gone from offering programs for only a narrow part of the community to offering hundreds of programs serving thousands of individuals from all segments of our community. The Center has gone from struggling financially to becoming financially secure, from being supported by a small group of donors to support from individuals, foundations, and our largest corporations. The Board of Affirmations is proud of the progress the center has made, and none of this could have been achieved without the extraordinary efforts of Leslie Thompson.
Affirmations is committed to serving all lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered people in this community, including African-American, caucasian, Latino, Asian, and people of various nationalities and backgrounds. We are opposed to racism, and strive to be inclusive and embracing of all. We understand that racism exists in our country and in our community. The staff and board of Affirmations have dedicated themselves to overcoming these barriers. This work is not complete, and we will continue to work toward removing any barriers to full participation of everyone in the programs and work of Affirmations.
The work of Affirmations is important to our community. We serve people who need help and support, youth who need guidance, people who are looking for a warm and supportive environment to grow, learn and have fun. We fervently hope that the current controversy will not diminish or inhibit this important work.
Ken Rosen
President,
Affirmations Board of Directors
Nancy Katz
Vice President
Affirmations Board of Directors
