Category: Press Releases

Blind LGBT Pride International Observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Call to Advocacy, Unity, and Accountability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rights and dignity of all people as the organization commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day of reflection, BPI acknowledges the ongoing critical need for advocacy—work that remains as essential now as it was 25 years ago when the organization, then known as BFLAG, was founded.

Marking its 25th anniversary, BPI celebrates a significant milestone in its journey to dismantle barriers and confront injustices affecting the blind and LGBTQIA+ communities. However, this milestone coincides with a moment of political and social challenge. On a day honoring Dr. King’s fight for equality, the nation witnesses the inauguration of a twice-impeached former president facing 34 felony charges, a figure who incited a violent attack on democracy.

“While we will not say, ‘Not my president,’ we resolutely commit to holding this administration accountable—to the Constitution, to the ideals of democracy, and to the protection of human rights for all,” said Anthony Corona, Vice President of Blind LGBT Pride International.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, BPI calls on its members and the broader LGBTQIA+ community to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable among them, including transgender individuals, youth, and others facing heightened discrimination and violence. At the same time, the organization honors the trailblazers who paved the way for today’s LGBTQIA+ Americans to live openly, proudly, and authentically.

Dr. King’s words—“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”—continue to guide BPI’s mission to champion equality and advocate for a world where every individual can thrive without fear of prejudice or exclusion.

“We don’t want the importance of observing the work and celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to be overshadowed by this inauguration and all the fear it brings to members of our community and the disabled community at large,” Corona added.

BPI encourages all members of the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities to honor Dr. King’s legacy by extending support to one another—standing behind, beside, and in front of those who need it most. Together, the organization vows to carry the torch of progress and ensure the light of justice shines brightly for generations to come.

 

Media Contact:

Anthony Corona (He/Him)

Vice President, Blind LGBT Pride International

Email: media@blindlgbtpride.org

For more information and to support BPI’s mission, visit bpi.gay.

Blind LGBT Pride International Ends Affiliation with American Council of the Blind

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) announced today that it has officially ended its affiliation with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), effective January 1, 2025. This decision reflects BPI’s unwavering commitment to championing human rights and advancing principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).

BPI has thrived during its affiliation with ACB, growing into a dynamic and self-sustaining organization. However, significant differences regarding DEIA priorities and ACB’s stance on critical human rights issues have led BPI to pursue independence.
“While we will always advocate for blind and low-vision individuals, the narrow approach taken by the American Council of the Blind compelled us to seek a path that aligns with our core mission,” said Anthony Corona, Vice President of BPI. “This independence empowers BPI to establish strategic partnerships within the LGBTQIA+ and blind and visually impaired (BVI) communities, both in the United States and around the world.”

Despite the separation, BPI remains committed to serving as a resource and subject-matter expert for ACB and other organizations when called upon. The organization will continue to offer safe spaces for communication, networking, referrals, and social connections, while expanding its advocacy efforts to create a more inclusive future.

In 2025, BPI will celebrate 25 years as the only global organization dedicated to supporting the unique intersectionality of LGBTQIA+ and BVI communities. This milestone offers an opportunity to honor past achievements and reaffirm its mission to foster inclusivity, equity, and belonging.

For more information about Blind LGBT Pride International, please visit
www.bpi.gay.

Media Contact:
Anthony Corona
He/Him
Vice President, Blind LGBT Pride International
media@Blindlgbtpride.org

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) Affirms Commitment to Human Rights by Opting Out of Jacksonville Convention

For Immediate Release:

Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) Affirms Commitment to Human Rights by Opting Out of Jacksonville Convention

The American Council of the Blind (ACB), the parent organization of BPI, will hold their annual conference and convention in Jacksonville, FL, in July 2024. Amid Florida’s divisive and hostile political climate towards marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, BPI initially sought to collaborate with ACB to ensure a safe and inclusive convention experience. This effort included a human rights speaking demonstration at Jacksonville’s City Hall Park on July 8th, developed in conjunction with the Jacksonville Mayor’s office, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer, and the Sheriff’s Department, to showcase Jacksonville’s commitment to human rights for all.

However, following actions taken by the ACB Board of Directors on January 30th, 2024, which retracted endorsement and support for the planned demonstration, BPI found it fundamentally critical to reassess its participation. The Board’s decisions signaled a departure from standing with marginalized members and advocating for collective human rights.

“In choosing to opt out of the Jacksonville convention, we assert our dedication to protecting and uplifting the rights of our transgender siblings, pregnant individuals, people of color, and everyone impacted by Florida’s unjust legislation,” stated Tristan Snyder, co-chair of BPI’s Advocacy committee.

After thorough discussion and reflection, BPI chooses to prioritize the well-being and rights of all marginalized communities by repealing our participation in this year’s ACB convention. This decision stems from a position of strength and a deep commitment to our core values.

“We encourage our community and allies to join us in this decision to stand in solidarity for human rights, demonstrating through our actions that we demand safe and inclusive environments for all.”

“BPI has been a proud affiliate and supportive partner of the American Council of the Blind since 2000,” says BPI President Leah Gardner.
“However, the recent actions of the ACB Board convey a message that the safety and dignity of all attendees do not hold as much importance as its relationships with grant and corporate sponsors. It is with a heavy heart that BPI must withdraw all programming and participation from ACB’s annual conference and convention. We will select a delegate to vote virtually at the conference and convention as the democratic process remains the best way to secure human rights. While we are deeply disappointed by the recent decisions of the ACB Board, we remain hopeful for a future where the dignity and safety of all convention attendees is paramount.”

For more information about Blind Lgbt Pride, please visit:
bpi.gay.

International LGBT organization urges Senate to reject Jeff Sessions nomination for Attorney General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International LGBT organization urges Senate to reject Jeff Sessions nomination for Attorney General

Contact: Gabriel Lopez
Company: Blind LGBT Pride International
Phone: (786) 547-5465
Email: info@blind-lgbt-pride.org
URL: http://blindlgbtpride.org

Austin, Tx – Blind LGBT Pride International (BPI) the only Civil Rights and Advocacy organization representing LGBT individuals who are blind and vision impaired, today announced its opposition to the nomination of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions as the next U.S. attorney general.

“We believe that any president should have broad latitude in appointments. However, given the extraordinary role the attorney general has over so many issues fundamentally impacting the lives of our community, Sessions’ egregious track record on those issues makes it impossible for us to support this nomination,” stated BPI President Will Burley.

“Throughout his career, he has been a staunch opponent of progress for historically disenfranchised groups, whether it’s African-Americans, people with disabilities, Latinos, LGBT Americans, or women” remarked Burley. Sessions record is replete with actions and stated positions which we find in complete opposition to the freedoms and well being of people with disabilities who are LGBT, including: in May of 2000, his taking to the Senate floor in opposition to the reauthorization of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the Federal law which mandates the integration of children with disabilities into public schools; citing the law as the reason that U.S. public schools were failing, referring to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 which contains provisions relevant to the voting rights of people with disabilities, as a “piece of intrusive legislation”; opposing both the 2006 and 2013 bipartisan immigration reform bills and calling for an end to birthright citizenship; his opposition to the renewal of the Violence Against Women Act, in 2000 and 2009; voting against measures expanding hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation; He dubbed the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage an “effort to secularize, by force and intimidation”, , and referring to Civil rights organizations as “Communist-inspired” and “un-American.” “The list goes on and on”,commented Burley.

“It is exceedingly disappointing, to say the least, that the newly elected President has chosen someone who is at best indifferent, and at worst actively antagonistic toward an overwhelming portion of the country’s population. For such a crucial post, We urge the Senate to soundly reject his nomination,” concluded Burley.

For more information regarding Blind LGBT Pride International’s stance on the nomination of Sen. Jeff sessions, please contact the Legislative and Advocacy chair, Don Brown by email at advocacy@blind-lgbt-pride.org.

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Blind LGBT pride International, a 501c(3) organization founded in 1996 has a goal to offer advocacy, education, programs, alliances and support for those who are either blind or vision impaired and who happen to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or allies. For more information, please visit http://blindlgbtpride.org.