June 14, 2001
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to give my wholehearted support of BiNet USA. For many years the volunteers and membership of BiNet USA have done some of the finest grassroots work in the LGBT movement. They have been a consistent voice for a politics of inclusion during an era that prefers to parse out who deserves what rights and when. During the five years I have worked for COLAGE and participated in groups like the National Policy Roundtable and other leadership gatherings, I have witnessed the profound need for the representation of the large bisexual segment of the LGBT communities. BiNet USA is that voice.
I have been inspired and impressed by the work BiNet USA has done for the community and society at large over the years. They have leveraged scarce resources effectively and smartly. I am excited about the new mission, the organizational development, and capacity building that is taking place within BiNet USA. Their new vision and their track record add up to the ability to create tangible change at the national, state, and local levels.
As the executive director of COLAGE (Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere), I have very pressing demands on my time in the community as it is, and knowing that BiNet USA is doing such a fabulous job speaking up for all of our issues, has led me to support them wholeheartedly. As far as I am aware, I am the only openly bisexual executive director of a national organization working for LGBT rights. Leaders and colleagues in BiNet USA have given me much needed personal support over the years as I have struggled with isolation and sometimes painful ignorance. Additionally, I know that many of the families I work with face struggles around the invisibility of bisexuality both inside the community and in mainstream culture, as well as tremendous prejudice against bisexuality everywhere. BiNet USA is part of the answer to reducing that invisibility and prejudice.
As society's examination of the origins and changeability of sexuality orientation becomes "fashionable" in scientific and conservative institutions it is more important than ever for groups like BiNet USA to be involved in taking the discussion to a deeper level and shifting it away from a polarity model. It has become apparent, from recent press coverage around the "origin" of sexual orientation, that bisexuality is a huge missing piece of complexity in all of the back and forth around "conversion therapy" and similar issues. It is imperative that BiNet USA speaks this perspective, where nearly no one else is.
Once again, I am excited to give my whole hearted support for this much-needed organization. Having transitioned COLAGE from an all volunteer effort to one that is coordinated by staff, I know what a tremendous difference your support will make to BiNet USA, and therefore to the whole society, if you are able to give it at this critical time in their organizational development. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, 415-861-5437, ext 101.
Sincerely,
Felicia Park-Rogers
Executive Director, COLAGE