LGBT Blogger Initiative: Saturday Morning Session

Today was the morning kickoff of the LGBT Bloggers & Citizen Journalist Initiative. This morning's session is at the Center for American Progress, which publishes one of my favoritest blogs Think Progress. The working breakfast began at 8:30 or 9am—entirely too early for most bloggers—but the the conference center was packed. Here are few snaps from the BlackBerry. Above is Mike Rogers outlining the goals of the morning session and asking the assorted bloggers to introduce themselves. Many of the people behind the blogs you read were in attendance, such as Rev. Irene Monroe in the foreground, Michael Crawford, Lane Hudson, Ron Buckmire aka the Mad Professah, who was heavily involved with black gays and Proposition 8. The always fabulous Pam Spaulding from Pam's House Blend was also in the house. On Friday afternoon, Pam and I strategized and shared ideas for two hours over lunch at Annie's on 17th Street. PHB contributor Autumn Sandeen, the trans advocate who was recently very helpful in sharing information on murder of a young black trans woman in Syracuse, was also in the house.

There were two panels. The first was lead by Open Left's Matt Stoller who offered some tips on branding blogs, networking and coalition building. The second panel was devoted to Proposition 8 and the lessons learned from the blogosphere's approach and the No on 8 campaign. Let's just say it was a very lively discussion. We touched upon much of the same strategic and tactical mistakes that have been discussed here for weeks, but, it's very refreshing to hear many others admit the obvious.

Oh and finally this is the second day in a row my name tag has been butchered. This one is a little too embarrassing to wear. 

Comments

[GnPG]

looks a little white washed... hope there were some other minority blogs represented

[Danny Rivera]

I disagree. Sure it is a majority white but there are a number of minorities there. You see Irene Monroe right there in the front, plus Rod is there obviously, and he listed all the others, such as Pam who is very prominent, Michael Crawford is there and he is black and the black gay professor from LA...All the top black gay political bloggers are there.

[ff]

sorry, but I got a laugh out of the name tag. at least the last letter was an M and not an N

:)

[Anderson]

that name tag is a hoot, lol

rod let me say a THANK YOU and a CONGRATULATIONS. you are seriously representing for the brothas. an incredible blog, writing for the advocate about OUR stories, being quoted in the WALL STREET JOURNAL and attending this blogger conference. i'm proud you are repping black gay men and trying to do the damn thing

[FQ]

Rod, I'm agreeing with Danny. Congratulations, you are doing big things and such a player. We are lucky you are on our team, lol.

[ReggieH]

It's like seeing my blogroll come to life!:) Congrats Ron!

[Q]

Rod, are you going to give us a summary of the Prop 8 discussion. I would really like to hear some of the dialogue and who admitted what. I also have to wonder aloud why Mike Towle isn't there.

[ALLEGRO]

Hmmm....that name butchering is sounding rather SUGGESTIVE...lol