Pioneer Passes Away from Cancer

Jeanne LaBerge recently succumbed to bone marrow disease and lymphoma at the age of 71 after a two-year battle in Radium Springs, NM. (Source: LC Magazine).

A long-time New Yorker and mentor of lesbian media, she was one of the first to join the projectionists union and had a profound effect on many people, teaching the craft of community journalism to those who followed in her footsteps.

"She will be greatly missed," says a friend.

In unrelated cancer news, Lydia Walz, recently passed away at her home in Brimfield, Massachusetts after battling Barrett's Esophagus that turned into an aggressive cancer.

"When we needed to get more stable jobs, she decided teaching social studies would be the best way to teach social responsibility," said her partner of nearly 30 years, Lizzie Brown. "For the last six years of her life Lydia devoted herself to teaching, imbuing her students with enthusiasm for a joyful vision of life."

Walz asked for a green burial and the team researched it and made it happen.

Suzanne Lawley of Tyrone, Pennsylvania and formerly of Ojai, CA, lost her long, brave, courageous battle with cancer also recently at age 62. She received her associate's degree in arts in 1967 and bachelor's in sociology in 1970 from California State College at Long Beach, according to research.

"She will always be remembered for her generosity, endless energy, intelligence, and her warm smile," reads an announcement.

In other community news, a student nondiscrimination act (SNDA) also known as HR 4530 has been introduced by Rep. Jared Polis (CO) in the House of Representatives. The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) lauded the piece of legislation which was filed in January.

"Hatred has no place in the classroom," said Polis in a press release.

The SNDA is closely modeled after the 1972 Title IX of the Education Amendments which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex and provides legal recourse to redress such discrimination, according to one website.

The Family Equality Council is urging citizens to help end the Florida adoption ban by participating in a phone campaign with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). Trainings will be held across the state that will provide participants information about the fight to change the hearts and minds of community opponents.

Workshops will be held March 20 and 21st in Naples and Fort Lauderdale. GLAAD will be providing training for adults ages 18 and up.

For more information, email sara.leckey@familyequality.org or call 617-502-8700 #223.