Hello and a happy 2017 to all.  My name’s Leslee Friedman, and I’m a Trademark Examiner.  I came on board at the PTO in May 2015, and discovered Lambda at Community Day shortly thereafter.  My personal goals for the organization this year are to further awareness of safe spaces within the agency, and combine with other affinity groups to strengthen our numbers and create a stronger environment overall.  And if I pull myself together enough to make good desserts for IFS, that would be the cherry on top of the cake.  Almost literally.

Leslee Friedman
Lambda PTO Vice President
leslee.friedman@uspto.gov

Hello my name is Lauren Pisha and I am a transgender woman.  I am a GS-13 patent examiner in Art Unit 2853, having a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a Master of Engineering in environmental engineering both from the University of Maryland.  I also have a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore, and am admitted to practice law in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  One of my proudest accomplishments was the design and supervising construction of a disabled-accessible ramp for my Eagle Scout project at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center in Rockville, Maryland.

From the Human Rights Campaign:

“28 years ago, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, we first observed National Coming Out Day as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. One out of every two Americans has someone close to them who is gay or lesbian. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10.

Coming out – whether it is as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or allied – STILL MATTERS. When people know someone who is LGBTQ, they are far more likely to support equality under the law. Beyond that, our stories can be powerful to each other.”

For More Information and Resources, go to hrc.im/ComingOutDay

If you go to one event this June, don’t miss Capital Pride. This year’s theme, “Make the Magic Happen” speaks to the power we have as a community to effect change that strengthens the LBGTA movement locally, regionally, and nationally.  The desire to be a part of this change is a spark that inspires us to avidly pursue equality at every level and work to preserve the victories that we have secured.

The parade on June 11th is expected to last three hours with the last contingent passing 14th and R at 7:30pm. Music and entertainment begins at the announcement stand and review stand at 3:30pm. Then there’s the festival on June 12 and many other events throughout June around the Capital City.

For more information, go to capitalpride.org

Honoring our LGBT Veterans, Inner Light Ministries will hold the 2nd Annual LGBT Memorial Day Celebration on the following dates:

Friday, May 27th 2016: In Remembrance Services
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20004
1PM to 4PM at the John Wilson Building Room G-9

Saturday, May 28 2016: Celebration Party
Inner Light Ministries Veterans Programs & Services
The Home of MS. Barbara Peoples
1252 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington DC 20001
4 PM, BYOB. Tickets $15, proceeds to benefit homeless vets
Call JoAnn, (240)305-5516 or Josette (240)492-8096

Sunday May 29 2016: Inner Light Ministries Memorial Day Service
The Anacostia Arts Center
1231 Good Hope Road SE, Washington DC 20020
10:45AM to 1PM Join us for Brunch following service at Art-Drenaline Restaurant