LGBTQ Working Group

 

 

The City of Charleston established its first LGBTQ working group in May 2019. This group will work directly with Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin to offer recommendations and help develop LGBTQ related policies and procedures in the City of Charleston. This group includes representation from the City of Charleston, Charleston Police Department, Charleston City Council, business professionals from diverse backgrounds and community members.

"Charleston is committed to being an inclusive community. We have a responsibility to advocate for and support all citizens and visitors of our city. Everyone deserves a seat at the table,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “The formation of the LGBTQ working group provides us with a unique opportunity to develop and implement forward thinking policies and programs to better serve ALL members of our community.”

Mission:

The Working Group recognizes all voices and perspectives must be considered to make lasting, equitable change and remains committed to maintaining a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment. Members shall make a concerted effort to think creatively about issues, consider the interconnected nature of social categorization [race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age, disability, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, income status, etc.], encourage cross-community, cross-sector and cross-issue collaboration and establish opportunities throughout the City for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Working Group will continually strive to ensure the LGBTQ+ community's voices are heard and ensure both the unique needs and experiences of the community are reflected in the recommendations provided to the Mayor.

Members

Akasha Karmichael
Amy Smith
Brad Marple
Caitlin Cook
Chris Gosses
Jessi Redden
Kay Albright
Kevin Madison
Sammy Magner
Linda Bodie
Tina Stinson

 

Meeting Info

Meeting dates / agendas are posted to: https://charlestonwv.civicclerk.com/web/home.aspx.

All meetings start at 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified.

 

 

Contact Information

Chris Gosses
Interim LGBTQ Working Group Chair
charlestonlgbtq@gmail.com

Tina Stinson
Liaison, City Executive's Office
304-348-8121
tina.stinson@cityofcharleston.org

Sgt. Jessi Redden
Liaison, CPD
304-348-6470 ext. 4911
jessi.redden@charlestonwvpolice.org

Caitlin Cook
City Council At-Large
caitlin.cook@cityofcharleston.org

 

Working Group Bylaws