Take Action: North Carolina YMCA Discriminates Against Gay Family

The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is refusing to give a family membership to Mark Maxwell and his partner Timothy Young and their children. All other metropolitan YMCA's in the state do recognize gay families for their family membership rate.

The family in question was told that only couples legally married under North Carolina law or those who file joint tax returns are eligible. However, same-sex couples are not afforded these rights in North Carolina. The chief executive said that the policy will be reassessed shortly and that it is done so every four or five years.

Demand that the Northwest NC YMCA amend its policy to embrace gay/lesbian families.

President and CEO

Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO, x 6239 - c.hazelbaker@ymcanwnc.org

Membership

Sam Franklin, VP of Operations/Executive Director, (336) 838-2152 s.franklin@ymcanwnc.org

YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
Association Office
Winston Tower, 301 N. Main Street, Suite 1900
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336.777.8055
Fax: 336.777.6345
Email: info@ymcanwnc.org

Racist/Homophobic NC State Senator Refuses to Meet Constituents

North Carolina State Senator Jim Forrester (R-Gaston) has a history of anti-gay and anti-POC statements and actions. His first order of business for the past six years has been filing an amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

He has made anti-gay and anti-black remarks such as:

"Slick city lawyers and homosexual lobbies and African American lobbies are running Raleigh"

A local chapter of the LGBT advocacy group Parents and Friends of Lesbians & Gays(PFLAG) wanted to have a face to face meeting with the senator but he is rejecting that invitation.

"I doubt I will go to the meeting, but I appreciate the invitation anyhow," Forrester said. "I don't think it would be a constructive meeting. I think it would just increase animosity toward me, and I don't want that" (Pam's Houseblend).

Demand that Senator Forrester meet with his diverse constituency. He represents LGBT and African American populations and must do the job he was elected to do.

James Forrester
Email: James.Forrester@ncleg.net
District: 41
Counties Represented: Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln

NC Senate
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1129
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 715-3050