FOR WOMEN - WOMEN/LESBIAN NEWS

For Immediate Release				 	Contact: Cheryl
Pearson-Fields
June 25, 2003			 			 (202) 332-5536

Participants Needed for Groundbreaking Study of African-American Lesbian
Health

WASHINGTON, DC - The Mautner Project is seeking Black lesbian and bisexual
women age 18 and older to participate in the first comprehensive national
survey of African-American lesbian health. Led by Mautner Project Health
Promotion and Research Director, Cheryl Pearson-Fields, the groundbreaking
"Spirit Study" is designed, implemented, and evaluated by African-American
lesbians and draws on partnerships with national and community-based
organizations serving Black women who partner with women.

"As members of two medically underserved populations, African-American
lesbians may face double jeopardy in terms of mortality and morbidity from
cancer and other diseases," says Fields. "But because Black women who
partner with women have not been well represented in health studies, very
little is known about our health status and health needs. Our hope is that
the Spirit Study will help bridge the information gap preventing Black
lesbians from receiving the health services they need and deserve."

Spirit Study outreach is being conducted throughout the country through
community partners, including African-American and LGBT publications,
newsletters, social groups, sports teams, churches, and internet sites, as
well as community health centers, Pride events, and projects.  

Among the organizations partnering on the Spirit Study are the Zuna
Institute, United Lesbians of African Heritage (ULOAH), Unity Fellowship
Church, Women in the Life, National Black Lesbian and Gay Lesbian Leadership
Forum, Sophisticated Lady Productions, and Venus Magazine. The study is
being guided by a Scientific Advisory Committee made up of noted
African-American lesbian and allied health researchers, clinicians, and
educators, including Former Assistant Surgeon General Dr. Marilyn Gaston,
MD; Lucille Adams-Campbell, MD, Director Howard University Cancer Center;
Alicia Matthews, PhD, Director, Psychosocial Oncology Program, University of
Chicago; Lisa Bowleg, PhD, Assistant Professor Department of Psychology
University of Rhode Island; Nicole Cozier Boyd, MBA/MS, Public Education
Director Ovarian Cancer National Alliance; and Joyce Hunter, DSW, Director
of Community Liaison Programs, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral
Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute.

This innovative research project is partially supported by a grant from the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is funding the breast health
segment of the study. "It is one of the Komen Foundation's highest
priorities to empower all women in the fight against cancer by providing
them with the resources and information they need to make educated decisions
about their health," says Komen's Director of Public Policy, Diane Balma.

Founded in 1990, the Mautner Project is the national lesbian health
organization. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of women
who partner with women and their families through direct services,
education, research, and advocacy.

The Spirit Study is completely confidential. Participants may complete the
survey at their convenience online at www.spiritstudy.org or can request
copies by phone/TTY (202-332-5536), email (mautner@mautnerproject.org), or
postal mail (Spirit Study, 1707 L Street NW, Suite 230, Washington, DC
20036). The Mautner Project includes a postage-paid return envelope with
every survey requested.

For more information about participating in the Spirit Study or if your
organization is interested in joining as a community partner, please call
202-332-5536 or email cfields@mautnerproject.org.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	
June 24, 2003			              
For more information contact
Deborah Bonsack 
202.265.1926
dbonsack@uncommonlegacy.org

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin honored as Uncommon Woman of the Year

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) accepted the 2003
Uncommon Woman of the Year Award from Legacy Chair Kimberly Hill Hoover at
the 9th Annual Celebration of Women event in Washington, DC.

[Editors Note:  Color, digital photographs of Baldwin, Bonsack, Hoover and
Schmid, and the evening's program also are available upon request.]

U.S. Representative Baldwin and a hundred of Legacy's supporters filled the
prestigious Washington Club on Wednesday evening, June 18th and nibbled
delicacies, sipped libations and relaxed to the soothing classic harpist
poised in the corner of the elegant crystal ballroom.  Not to be too
relaxed, the mood was stirred-up by three strolling divas-in-drag who
peddled raffle tickets for more than 20 prizes given away during the
evening.

Baldwin inspired her audience, comparing An Uncommon Legacy Foundation to
"the power of the waters that over time eroded the rocks and carved out the
Grand Canyon." She shared her positive and encouraging view on the future
quality of life for the gay and lesbian population and motivated everyone to
keep working toward the goals of equality.  Baldwin joins the ranks of
Tipper Gore, Elizabeth Birch, Rita May Brown and others in receiving the
Uncommon Woman of the Year award.

Carl Schmid, former President of the Northern Virginia Log Cabin Republicans
and local advocate and LGBT leader received the Uncommon Man of the Year
Award.  Legacy Executive Director, Deborah Bonsack provided details of the
Foundations work over the last year including the sponsorship of the Rainbow
Ride across America for equal marriage rights and co-sponsorship of the
Project to Eliminate Homophobia in Sports with the Women's Sports
Foundation.

The audience applauded the organization's history in granting over $800,000
in grants and scholarships, and the plans to reach one million dollars in
donations.

An Uncommon Legacy Foundation is a charity that enhances the strength,
visibility and vitality of the lesbian community by providing academic
scholarships to out lesbian students and grants to organizations that serve
the lesbian community.  In 2004, the Foundation will mark the 10th
Anniversary of the Uncommon Woman of the Year awards; plans are underway for
a celebration worthy of the achievements and status of the 10 award
recipients.

For additional information, contact An Uncommon Legacy Foundation at 202 265
1926 or www.UncommonLegacy.org.


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