P R E S S R E L E A S E

Contact:
Catherine R. Laporte - 516 593-5045 /
catzentertainment(at)gmail.com
Melissa Wingo - mercerlgbtf(at)hotmail.com

For Immediate Release

*amberRose Marie joins LGBTF Club in Silence OUTLoud at MCCC for National Day of Silence on Jersey Campus*

April 14, 2010 --West Windsor, NJ -- On Friday, April 16th across the country the 2010, National Day of Silence brings along observance, solidarity, education and silence when students in middle school through college plan to underscore through an organized peaceful events, a vow of silence and pledge to stand-up to be counted against harassment in schools, name calling of LGBT youth, and bullying of all students.

In New Jersey, a National Day of Silence Rally from 2 - 3:30 pm in West Windsor on the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) campus, takes place coinciding with MCCC Pride Week when Billboard pop/dance hit-maker amberRose Marie joins the LGBTF (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Friends) Club and their supporters in the center of the MCCC West Windsor Campus Quad (outdoors). amberRose Marie on Catz Entertainment, whose songs Destiny and Wanna Be A DJ remained on the Billboard charts for 30 weeks, performs the National Anthem and song, Put A Little Love In Your Heart made famous in 1969 by Jackie DeShannon, when the song could be heard in the jukebox at the now famous Stonewall in New York City.

After special words from representatives from Out in Jersey and Gay rights activist/model Will Love, amberRose Marie will initiate the silence and lead a procession of students and supporters, wearing National Day of Silence T-shirts, and bandages across their mouths made earlier in the day. The group will also hand out information which explains the reason for the silence. The silence will be broken for the Mercer Theater programs" high-energy production of the Broadway play, RENT at the MCCC Kelsey Theater which kicks off at 8 pm.

The National Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), is a national student-led day of action when concerned students, from middle school thru college, take some form of a vow of silence to bring attention to the name-calling, bullying and harassment -- in effect, the silencing -- experienced by LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) students and their allies.

Says amberRose Marie, "I am very proud to support the Mercer County Community College LGBTF Club and the peaceful Rally they have planned. The LGBTF students experienced recent unfairness on campus, by persons who simply did not have respect for them, or sensitivity. In living our daily lives, we must stand up to support our young people in being free to be the best that they can be, and give them support to have the confidence and freedom to be who they are. LGBT students fight everyday for their self respect and fair treatment in our schools.

LGBT students have the equal right to be respected so that they can concentrate on learning without fear of their personal safety." amberRose Marie continues, "I too, was bullied while in school on Long Island, New York and ended up in the hospital as a result. My attackers were verbal and physical simply because they didn"t like the way I looked, or what my interest were. This happens far more than we care to admit. Luckily for me, I had my music, and a fantastic support system of family and friends.

As we know, not all students who are bullied and discriminated against, end up with the life I now have as a new recording artist. The Day of Silence not only shows support for LGBT students and their friends, but also serves to educate others." amberRose Marie video in support of National Day of Silence and The LGBTF Club event follows: . LGBTF Club Public Relations Officer Melissa Wingo says, "Our group has been through a lot lately because of a kiss-in demonstration we held at the college. It's so wonderful to have the support of an artist like amberRose Marie who believes in the message of the Day of Silence and isn't afraid to speak up for her LGBT fans."

Professor Alex DeFazio, LGBTF Club Adviser adds, "Since our group has been through so much, the Day of Silence is an opportunity for us to reflect on our mission as a group and unite not just our members, but the students of the college as a whole." Ms. Wingo continues, "The LGBTF (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Friends), formerly the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), gives voice to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students at Mercer County Community College as well as their families and friends. Through core objectives " advocacy, celebration, and support " the Club seeks to foster understanding and empower the LGBT students of Mercer County Community College in both their academic and personal lives further contributing to the success of the Mercer student body as a whole."

Catherine R. Laporte of Catz Entertainment adds, "We support and commend Mercer County Community College and The LGBTF Club for their leadership in helping to create safe spaces on their campus, and for mobilizing the community to educate them about the National Day of Silence.

Bullying, harrassment and violence have no, place in our spaces of learning and the time to speak out is now. National Day of Silence is a great example of how everyone can do their part to increase a better understanding and respect of our fellow citizens. Brian M. Hughes, Mercer County Executive and Shing-Fu Hsueh, Mayor of West Windsor Township agree when they proclaim Friday, April 16th, 2010 Mercer County Community College LGBTF Club, National Day of Silence Rally Day in Mercer County and West Windsor Township respectively".

Out In Jersey magazine brings on a heartfelt cover in the Apr/May issue and Gay-rights activist Will Love, who is also on the cover shares, "As an individual who was persecuted all throughout my school years, I know first-hand the detrimental affects that bullying can have. As a model, writer, and regional coordinator for the Day of Silence campaign, I am working my hardest to not only spread the word, but more importantly, to educate the masses. If we want to see change, we have to be the change " at the grassroots level!"

Established in 1966, with a policy of fairness and equal rights for all, Mercer County Community College (MCCC) is a publicly supported comprehensive educational institution that provides opportunities for higher education. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972, and a newly expanded James Kerney Campus is located in downtown Trenton, New Jersey. MCCC offers 65 associate degree programs and numerous credit and noncredit certificate programs.

The National Day of Silence Rally, is free and the public is invited to attend. Visitors should bring photo ID and enter campus from Old Trenton Road, make a left and continue until you reach a stop sign. Make a right at the stop sign, and park at the building marked "Fine Arts/Security". After checking in with security, please move your vehicle to the faculty/staff parking lot next door to the Security Office. You will be buzzed into the lot for entry onto the campus area for The National Day of Silence Rally. MCCC - West Windsor Campus is located at 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550.

For more info contact, The Mercer LGBTF Club - National Day of Silence Rally on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/y938ds9 and www.mccc.edu for directions. For amberRose Marie music www.amberRoseMarie.com or www.myspace.com/catzentertainment.

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