Andrew Sullivan, Staceyann Chin, and Skadden, Arps will be recognized for outstanding contributions to the fight for LGBT and HIV-positive immigration rights.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Zaheer Mustafa, Immigration Equality Communications Coordinator
office: 212.714.2904 /cell: 516.448.9559 email: Zmustafa@immigrationequality.org

New York, NY, May 20, 2008 - Influential journalist and blogger Andrew Sullivan, out lesbian poet and activist Staceyann Chin, and the prestigious law firm Skadden, Arps will be honored at Immigration Equality's Safe Haven Awards on May 21st at the Chelsea Art Museum in New York City.

Three hundred supporters of equal immigration rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and HIV-positive people will gather at the Safe Haven Awards to celebrate Immigration Equality's legislative advocacy and outstanding litigation work. Immigration Equality is a national organization that fights to end discrimination in U.S. immigration policy and win asylum for LGBT and HIV-positive people fleeing persecution in their home countries.

The Safe Haven Awards, now in their third year, are given to leaders that embody the spirit of the American dream and fight to make that dream possible for LGBT/HIV-positive people. Previous awardees include Venezuelan playwright and director Moisés Kaufman and Muslim author and activist Irshad Manji.

"The work of these honorees has increased media, public, and Congressional awareness of the issues faced by same-sex binational couples and asylum seekers," said Rachel B. Tiven, Immigration Equality's Executive Director. "Our 2008 honorees represent the true diversity of the LGBT immigration movement and highlight widespread effects of the current immigration policy."

Andrew Sullivan, a pioneering journalist and eloquent defender of LGBT equality, was born and raised in England. In 1991, he was made the youngest ever editor of the New Republic. The Daily Dish - his political blog, is read around the world and regularly referenced on major news networks including CNN and Fox News. He is being honored for his tremendous contribution towards lifting the HIV ban on immigration.

Staceyann Chin is an award-winning artist, out poet, and political activist originally from Jamaica. Staceyann's story of being raped and beaten in Jamaica because she is lesbian has been told on 60 Minutes and Oprah and in numerous publications, including the New York Times. She is being honored as a powerful voice for LGBT and human rights and a champion for people escaping persecution around the world.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is a stand-out member of Immigration Equality's pro bono program, which provides legal assistance for over 1,300 people annually. Skadden willingly takes on challenging asylum cases, providing the highest quality advocacy for clients who would otherwise be unrepresented. In 2007 alone, Skadden teams won five asylum cases - with many more pending. Skadden is being honored for devoted service that has helped build the field of LGBT asylum law.

All honorees will be in attendance to accept their awards. Press wishing to cover the Safe Haven Awards must contact Immigration Equality's Communications Coordinator before noon on May 21st.

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