About Us
Board of Directors
- Eric Wilensky, Chair
- Eric Cheung
- Cletus Lyman
- Christopher Mallios
- Brian K. Sims
- Pearlette Toussant
- Robert Tuerk
- Matthew Rudolphi, Student Representative
- Ex-officio
- Lawrence Felzer, Past Chair
Board Meetings are held second Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8 PM. Please e-mail us, as meeting location is subject to change.
GALLOP (Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia) was formed in 1986 as the Philadelphia Attorneys for Human Rights (PAHR), an organization of gay and lesbian legal professionals serving the Philadelphia metropolitan area. GALLOP's purpose is to advocate for and promote the civil and human rights of gay men and lesbians; to improve access to gay and lesbian attorneys; and to improve and enhance business opportunities, advancement and employment of gay and lesbian attorneys. The business of GALLOP is conducted by a Board of Directors elected annually by the membership. The Board of Directors elects a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary from among its members, and includes a law school representative. The Board establishes committees to undertake the program work of GALLOP.
GALLOP is supported entirely by its members and other private contributors.
GALLOP is committed to:
Representation, Visibility and Advocacy Within the Legal Profession
In 1994, GALLOP secured a designated voting seat on the Executive Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division. In 1997, GALLOP successfully lobbied the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association to create a special committee on the Legal Rights of Lesbians and Gay Men. Our representatives have also met with leaders of the legal community to improve relations with the courts, justice system, law firms, law schools and political forums.
Amicus Support
GALLOP files amicus curiae briefs in significant cases, including the U.S. Supreme Court's review of the Colorado anti-gay initiative, Romer v. Evans.
Community Educational Forums
GALLOP has hosted annual forums during Philadelphia's PrideFest each May and after the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association's Lavender Law Conference in November on developments in the law.
Outreach to Other Lesbian and Gay Organizations
GALLOP is represented at, and has co-sponsored events with, the national and local Freedom to Marry coalitions, the Domestic Partnership Coalition, PrideFest, the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association, the Greater Philadelphia Professional Network, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Philadelphia's Center for Lesbian and Gay Law and Public Policy, the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Area Physicians for Human Rights, PACE and various student groups at area law schools.
Lawyer Referral Service
Since 1995, GALLOP has operated a free Lawyer Referral Service for gay and lesbian individuals who seek the services of an attorney sensitive to the needs of the community on a wide variety of issues, including employment discrimination, real estate purchases, wills and estates, custody disputes, bankruptcy and immigration. Dues-paid members of GALLOP may participate in the Lawyer Referral Service.
Social/Networking Functions
GALLOP regularly hosts social events, parties and picnics as a means to build coalitions, exchange ideas and network within the lesbian and gay legal community, as well as other gay and lesbian professional groups.