08/27/2007
Former AIDS/LifeCycle Official Sues Over Anti-Straight Discrimination
Jeffrey Shapiro, former executive director of AIDS/LifeCycle, served from March to June, when he says he was fired and told that "everybody liked him as a person, but they needed somebody who better fit into the culture."
He's now suing the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation for discrimination against him because he is a heterosexual and "intentional infliction of emotional distress."
According to CBS, "He said that when he asked for a clarification, a LAGLC director told him 'things like this happen and that they made a mistake to think this could work.' Shapiro said he was given two weeks pay and money for unused vacation. He is asking for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and a permanent injunction preventing the two groups from engaging in further such alleged discrimination."
According to Shapiro, his work for the group, which produces a 545-mile cycling event, generated $3 million more than the previous year. Shapiro says he was "praised" for his efforts.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 10:59 AM EST by Andy in AIDS/HIV, California, News | Permalink
Like it?
Subscribe to FREE Towleroad daily headlines with our RSS feed!
RECENT STORIES:
Assuming that this is true then more power to him. Equality for all is equality for all, although I can't (or don't) want to believe that a gay group would be so stupid. but then there's GLADD.
Posted by: Cuts Both Ways | Aug 27, 2007 11:38:01 AM
If he was terminated because he's straight, I think he's right bringing the suit.
Posted by: JT | Aug 27, 2007 12:24:55 PM
The problem with bigots is that they always think it's about their 'comfort' and 'culture.' Make 'em pay!
Posted by: Zlexar | Aug 27, 2007 12:31:20 PM
Oh, please! "intentional infliction of emotional distress" Give me a fucking break! Who the hell do you think you are? Isaiah Washington? Grow up, bitch! And if you're willing to take money from people who have AIDS [meds, housing, meals, etc.]— which is exactly what the cost of fighting your parasitic suit will do, let alone a settlement — to soothe your fragile ego then you certainly were and are NOT "a fit."
I've given money to the ride and I don't want it going to.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Aug 27, 2007 12:41:15 PM
I've given money to the ride and I don't want it going to YOU.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Aug 27, 2007 12:42:33 PM
I've given money to the ride and I don't want it going to bigots.
Posted by: thin mint | Aug 27, 2007 3:46:18 PM
Thin Reason, cute but the money you allegedy gave doesn't go to the alleged "bigots," you moron. Nor will any money going to this bitch come from them. The victims in this will be those with HIV/AIDS.
Posted by: Michael Bedwell | Aug 27, 2007 5:26:40 PM
I'm gay, I cycle and I question the effectiveness and the ethics of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center. A lawsuit is way overdue. This is not supposed to be just a gay event. AIDS doesn't discriminate, and neither should the LA Gay and Lesbian Center.
Posted by: Ken P. | Aug 27, 2007 10:53:53 PM
I have prticipated in several of these rides. Each year it raises more money then the year before as more riders joing the ride to the tune of about $2 million increase each year. I doubt his specific work was the catalist for the increase. ALC3 raised about $4 million, ALC4 raised about $6 million, ALC 5 hit $8.5 million, so it is only natural that ALC6 would hit around $11 million.
Posted by: Dale M | Aug 28, 2007 1:11:10 PM