Coming Together… Building Safe Space

For IMMEDIATE Release:

JASMYN, Inc. Second Annual Diversity Breakfast

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., October 10, 2008 – The Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN, Inc.) recognized companies promoting diversity, equality, and safe spaces for area youth.

Friday, October 10, 2008 marked JASMYN’s second annual Coming Out Day breakfast. Coming Together… Building Safe Spaces recognized both local and national corporations and organizations who support the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community, and safe spaces for youth.

National Coming Out Day is an annual commemoration of the gay and lesbian march for rights in Washington, D.C., October 11, 1987.  Breakfast sponsors included Merrill Lynch, Wachovia, and the University of North Florida LGBT Resource Center.

Keynote speaker Deputy Executive Director of External Relations Russell Roybal from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) spoke of creating safe spaces that are accepting of LGBT youth and strong straight allies.

“I’ve enjoyed the unwavering support of my family,” Roybal said. “I know that not everyone can live their life with the crucial support and the acceptance of a loving family. When our families reject us, or simply need ‘more time’ to embrace us, the acclamation and warm acceptance that we can find at places like JASMYN becomes even more important to our sense of well-being.”

Former JASMYN youth Jardyn Lake recounted her first experiences interacting at JASMYN and how a small safe space had made her become a better person. Quoting hip-hop artist Mos Def she explained that JASMYN was her “beautiful light in darkness”.

“Just imagine this small safe space where all young people are accepted for who they are,” Lake said. “Imagine what it would be like if we could create that small safe space for everybody in the city of Jacksonville.”

More than 130 people from various corporations and organizations celebrated diversity in Jacksonville including Jacksonville Jaguars owner Delores Barr Weaver and former mayor of Jacksonville and current UNF President John Delaney.

Diamond Award Winners:                                                     Platinum Award Winners: 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida                                              Merrill Lynch               
Wayne & Delores Barr Weaver                                                Wachovia

Gold Award Winners:                                                            Silver Award Winners: 

CSX                                                                                        Baptist Health
Mayo Clinic                                                                              Regions Bank
Planned Parenthood
University of North Florida

Contact: Cindy Watson or Natalie Nguyen                                                      Phone: (904) 389-3857 ext. 205 or 207