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Defenders LLC/Washington Celebrate 22nd Anniversary
🌈  DignityUSA Conference 2025  |  July 4–6, Dublin, OH  |  Register Now!
February 20, 2014
by
DignityUSA
<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>By Tom Yates</span></p>
<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>The Defenders LLC/Washington DC celebrated their </span>22nd<span style=line-height:1.6em> anniversary Mass with Dignity/Washington on January 19 2014. In celebration the Defenders thanked the Dignity/Washington community for their continuing support in fundraising service and community building. The Defenders gave out donations of $500 each to Dignity/Washington Brother Help Thyself and Damien Ministries.</span></p>
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<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>The 2013 Michael </span>Olivieri<span style=line-height:1.6em> Award was presented to member Patrick </span>Bittinger<span style=line-height:1.6em> for service to the Defenders both to the local chapter and the national organization.</span></p>
<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>The Defenders present the Michael </span>Olivieri<span style=line-height:1.6em> Award every two years. Nominees must have made a significant contribution to the goals purposes and ideal of the Defenders and have shown continued service to Dignity. Nominees must also be recognized and respected by their peers as someone who promotes the values of the Defenders.</span></p>
<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>Michael J. </span>Olivieri<span style=line-height:1.6em> was a member of Dignity/New York a gay activist and </span>leatherman<span style=line-height:1.6em> who organized the first Defenders Leather/Levi Club in New York City in 1981 under the sponsorship of the local Dignity chapter. Although at the time there were many other leather clubs Michael recognized the need for and the possibilities of a unique club that would integrate the spiritual social and sexual aspects of leather folks.</span></p>
<p><span style=line-height:1.6em>The gradual growth of Defenders from the first club into a network of clubs and their continued existence after 32 years is a testament to the validity of his idea. </span></p>
<p>In 2002 Mr. Bruce Zehnle a charter member of the original New York City club and partner of Michael Olivieri made a generous gift to Defenders USA to endow a permanent award in Michael's name. </p>
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