EV Commonwealth Dinner - A Successful Night!

On Saturday night, April 5th, 1,100 GLBT and allied Virginians descended upon Richmond to mingle, dine and celebrate another year's efforts to improve the lives of GLBT Virginians.

The theme of the dinner was "On The Road To Equality", which recognized that gaining equality and acceptance in Virginia is an ongoing process, following a road that's had some potholes and roadblocks. Despite some of these set backs, our goals will only be achieved by perserving and continuing down the road.

Govenor Tim Kaine stopped by early in the dinner hour to provide rousing words of encouragement to continue the journey down the road.

The keynote speaker was Daniel O'Donnell, an openly gay member of the New York State Assembly. O'Donnell spoke of the efforts in New York to gain marriage equality. The New York Marriage Equality Act passesd the Assembly in 2007 and is currently waiting action by the Senate. O'Donnell noted that achieving marriage equaility in the more progressive New York has been a challenge, requiring years of work and efforts to ellicit support from both Democrats and Republicans. O'Donnell was hopeful that New York may soon recognize marriage equaility.

Several Virginians were recognized for their service to the GLBT community.  Being part of a gathering of 1,100 people of our community and those truly supportive of our community made for an uplifiting and inspirational evening!