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Teri Russo to Recieve Staten Island’s Athena Award

Posted by: Natasia Rose on July 26, 2010.

: Image via Wikipedia

07/26/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Staten Island is a hotbed of controversy right now. There have been several bias attacks in the troubled NYC borough against both gay men and latinos. In the midst of this, there is some good news. Teri Russo, an LGBT civil rights activist, is being honored with the Athena award from the Coalition of Staten Island Women’s Association. The award is being given to Teri for her generosity of service and courage in pursuing equality within the community.
A native Staten Islander, Teri Russo was the first lesbian to serve as the Grand Marshall Staten Island Gay Pride Parade. She attended the first Lambda gay dance in Staten Island in January 1982. That dance has been heralded as the start of an organized gay community on Staten Island. She has served as Vice President of Lambda Associates of Staten Island and Dignity of Staten Island back in the 1980′s.

Teri is also the founder of the Downs Syndrome Foundation, Inc. and established the Down Syndrome Learning Center featuring a very aggressive and progressive approach to educating infants and children with Down Syndrome. She was the first out lesbian to adopt children in the state, Teri adopted four sons with Down Syndrome. Teri is still active at 70, and is currently establishing Teri’s House, a live in resident for children and young adults.

Fun Facts about Teri: She is also a former Nun and former Navy Nurse.

Everyone of all shapes, sizes, genders, colors and orientations are invited to celebrate with Teri. The cost is $50.00 a person, if you want to attend contact Jim Smith at Uncleunique@aol.com [Source]