AROUND IOWA

CANDACE GINGRICH PRAISES VILSACK ON GAY RIGHTS

By Dana Boone, Register Staff Writer

Candace Gingrich, a leading national advocate for gay, lesbian and bisexual rights, applauded Gov. Tom Vilsack on Wednesday for his efforts to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

In a speech at Drake University, Gingrich told more than 50 people that progress is being made, but much work remains. Gingrich, half-sister of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, lectured as part of Pride Week, sponsored by the Bisexual, Gay & Lesbian Alliance.

Gingrich said she was thrust unwillingly into the political arena because of her brother's conservative politics. She now manages the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay lobbying group.

Gingrich said Vilsack set a good example by banning discrimination against state employees on the basis of sexual identity. She said Iowans who approve of the governor's controversial decision should let him know.

She also urged the audience to vote and become active in this year's presidential elections, and she urged "non-gay allies" to continue to push for equal-rights legislation

"We need your voices, too," she said. "A lot of times it's your voice that gets heard, instead of ours."

Gingrich said the upcoming Millennium March on Washington for Equality later this month is one way to publicize the struggle and show solidarity. She also denounced common stereotypes and misconceptions that linger about gays.

"There are still Americans, and a lot of gay people too, who think that we only look like the people they see on Will and Grace,'" she said.

Gingrich said Iowa has seen progress. She cited a new, privately financed scholarship program for gay high school students and recent action by the Davenport City Council in support of nondiscriminatory practices.

Gingrich also announced that the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund had given a $25,000 grant to the Young Women's Resource Center and the Youth Alliance, which helps gay and bisexual people.

Judy Davis, executive director of the Young Women's Resource Center, said the award will be used to assist homeless women and to establish Gay/Straight Alliances in area high schools.

Reporter Dana Boone can be reached at booned@news.dmreg.com or (515) 284-8537.

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