Black recalled being raised in a Mormon home and hearing Milk’s story around the time his family moved to California. “It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and then maybe even I could even fall in love and one day get married,” said the first-time nominee and writer on HBO’s Big Love.

“I want to thank my mom, who has always loved me for who I am . . . ,” he said. “But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches, by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures who have value. And that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you.”

Read Lance’s NPR Interview:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97245530

To book Dustin Lance Black for an appearance or speaking engagement, contact CAA Speakers.

There has never been a time when a more diverse range of generations have co-existed in the workplace.  Regardless of what you call them, there are four unique demographic groups that create today’s workforce:

1. Millennial Generation, Generation 2001, Net Generation, Generation Y born between 1980 and 1999
2. Baby Busters, Generation X born between 1965 and 1980
3. Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964
4. Mature Citizens born between 1909 and 1945

Leaders who understand how to integrate the unique talents, skill sets and resources offered by each of these generations win at building the most successful companies in the world.   Fast Company has published several intriguing articles about the machine that got Obama elected president.  The most recent one about Chris Hughes, the 25-year old “Kid” who helped create Facebook and the on-line community that was the backbone of Obama’s campaign, demonstrates the power of embracing new generations to transform business as usual.   Whether you are looking for a keynote speaker, coach or business consultant on generational issues, here are some thought leaders on the topic:

Cheryl Cran, a “Gen X / Zoomer cusper” with three “Gen Y” children is a well-known consultant on trends in the workplace.  Her firm, Synthesis at Work, is a generational leadership consulting and training company with high-profile clients across the nation.  Her research on generations led her to write the popular business book The Control Freak Revolution– Make Your Most Maddening Behaviors Work For Your Company And To Your Advantage.  As a keynote speaker, Cheryl delivers a great message with Lead Gen X, Y and the Zoomers in Turbulent Times.  This program is based on Cheryl’s soon to be released book, “Who Is REALLY in Control? 101 Ways to Make Generation X, Y and Z Happy at Work.”

J.T. O’Donnell offers a Multi-generational Team Development program.  She feels that workplace friction between different generations is nothing new, but the current economic crisis has divided the groups even more, as older workers panic about the loss of their savings, and younger workers become frustrated about “the mess” that previous generations have created.  Older workers are postponing their retirement, trying to recoup t heir financial losses, while younger workers resent the Boomers for the added competition in a rapidly shrinking job market.  Technology has contributed to the rift, as younger demographics are often more savvy regarding the latest communications tools, such as texting and online networking sites.  J.T. guides workers of all ages, encouraging them recognize the valuable experience, knowledge and insight that each coworker brings to the company.

Misti L. Burmeister is the CEO and Founder of Inspirion Inc., a company formed to create partnership in the world through increased communication between generations.  Misti is a recognized authority, best-selling Author of “from Boomers to Bloggers” and a dynamic keynote speaker on the topic of inter-generational communication. As the CEO of Inspirion Inc., a Fairfax VA consulting company, she is dedicated to increasing an organization’s profits and productivity across its multi-generational workforce. Her unique presentation style captures audience of all backgrounds style and encourages free and open communication that effectively breaks down communication barriers.  Corporations, Government Agencies, Associations, High Schools, and Colleges/Universities can all benefit from her thought provoking programs on this topic.

Christine Epps is a passionate Generation Y business executive and retail consultant who believes that “Generation Y + Baby Boomers = America’s New Work Force”.  Christine believes that the baby boomer/ Generation Y relationship could flourish if both learn to eliminate feelings of threat. In an article she wrote for the Consultant Journal, Christine hones in on the fact that Generation Y could use guidance, and baby boomers are perfect for providing sound advice. “My generation is highly motivated and educated. We may not know all the answers, but we do know what avenues give us those answers.”  Christine is quick to point out that “since both generations have to work during the recession, both are going to have to learn to play nice”.

Cindy Ventice, author of Make Their Day, Employee Recognition that Works and founder of Potential Unlimited, helps organizations improve performance by improving work relationships.  Cindy’s book will be re-released in May of 2009 and she offers new research on generational preferences on employee recognition. In difficult economic times it becomes even more crucial that we maintain employee morale.  Through her consulting and speaking programs, Cindy provides valuable insight on recognition ROI, effective elements of recognition, inherent recognition, manager-driven recognition, and strategies and ideas for meaningful recognition.

This is clearly a hot topic and a great time to reach out to these experts.  They can help you tap into the power and creativity of your multi-generational workforce and not only survive but prosper in these difficult economic times.