THE FIRST LADY OF MINNESOTA GWEN WALZ CONDUCTS A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE GAY CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT WITH RANDY FLORKE

Cold Spring, NY – Randy Florke’s “Personal History of the Gay Civil Rights Movement” will be moderated by Gwen Walz, the wife of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on January 15 at the historic landmark St. Mary in-the-Highlands Episcopal Church in Cold Spring, NY.

WHAT: Randy Florke will speak about the gay rights movement in a conversation with Gwen Walz, an advocate in her own right for equality, public education, and prison education. Walz and Florke met when they were both Congressional spouses. Florke is married to New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney.

WHO:  Randy Florke has worked throughout his adult life on behalf of equality. He travelled to Washington DC in March 2014 to hear the arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of United States v. Windsor, which led to his own nuptials to Sean Patrick Maloney, New York’s first openly gay congressman, representing NY-18, home of Cold Spring.

Gwen Walz, the first lady of Minnesota, who has also dedicated her life to public service will moderate the discussion. Formerly a high school teacher, Walz has advocated for equality, public education and prison education

WHEN: January 15, 2020 – Doors open at 6:30 pm; Starts promptly at 7pm (interviews may be arranged before)

WHERE: St. Mary in-the-Highlands Episcopal Church, 1 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY

Background: St. Mary in-the-Highlands Episcopal Church hosts long-time equality advocate Randy Florke for a conversation about his experiences in the gay civil rights movement. Florke has been involved in the fight for equality for much of his adult life. In March 2014, Florke traveled to Washington D.C. to hear oral arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of U.S. vs. Windsor, and the following year was married to Sean Patrick Maloney, the U.S. Congressman representing the 18th Congressional District of New York.

Walz and Florke met when they were both Congressional spouses.  Formerly a high school teacher, Walz has advocated for equality, public education and prison education.

This is the first time this lecture is being presented in a church. St. Mary’s demonstrates inclusive welcome, and radical hospitality for all. There is no charge to attend this event, but donations are encouraged to St. Mary’s Church to support the preservation of this historic landmark.

Contact: Laura Lee Holmbo, lauralee@llandcompany.com