06/06/2011, by Melanie Nathan
San Francisco- On Sunday, June 26, swimmers from throughout the country will swim 1.2 miles in the San Francisco Bay to raise critical awareness and funds for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in California. The event, benefiting Equality California, will challenge experienced swimmers to a course from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf. Kayaks and motorized support crafts will fill the course to ensure swimmers’ safety.
Sunday, June 26, 2011, boat departs for Alcatraz at 9 a.m., swim starts at 10 a.m.
Starting Line: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay
Finish Line: Aquatic Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
“Issues of LGBT equality hit particularly close to home, as I have friends who are LGBT, some of who have been afraid to come out of the closet,” said 10-time Olympic medal swimmer Gary Hall Jr., who will participate in this year’s Swim for Equality. “I see the work that Equality California is doing as so important to the welfare of my friends and all LGBT people.”
After the swim, participants, team members, sponsors and volunteers will be recognized for all their hard work on stage at the San Francisco Pride Celebration. The event is generously sponsored by State Farm Insurance, Outsports.com, Blue Angel Vodka, Compete Sports Media, LASC swimwear, Swim Art, and Bill and Josh Cunningham-Corso.
To learn more about the Swim for Equality, please visit http://www.eqca.org/swim
Equality California (EQCA) is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has passed close to 70 pieces of legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment. http://www.eqca.org
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