WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Woodhull Freedom Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2019 Vicki Sexual Freedom Awards, which honors will be presented at an awards luncheon that will take place during the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Summit in mid-August. This year, Woodhull will honor two extraordinary individuals for their life-long commitment to sexual freedom as a fundamental human right: Nadine Smith and Kate Kendell.
The Vicki Sexual Freedom Awards are named in honor of Victoria Woodhull (1838-1927), who was a leader of the women's suffrage movement, and ran for President of the United States in 1872—the first woman to do so. Woodhull was an advocate of "free love," by which she meant the freedom to marry, divorce and bear children without social restriction or government interference. The Woodhull Freedom Foundation is named for her.
A fierce advocate for LGBTQ equality, Kate Kendell's leadership has led to the transformation of the lives of millions of people. Kate’s passionate commitment to justice and human dignity lifted the National Center for Lesbian Rights from a small non-profit to the powerhouse it is today, credited with victories for families and children, for non-discrimination and a wide variety of intersectional issues that impact LGBTQ people.
Meanwhile, in Florida, a conservative state, Nadine Smith has been leading Equality Florida for more than three decades. Nadine, named one of the state’s “Most Powerful and Influential Women,” has secured more bipartisan legislative support than ever for issues of non-discrimination and family rights. One of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington, Nadine has served on national boards and Presidential committees.
“It is particularly fitting that on this 10th anniversary of Woodhull’s Sexual Freedom Summit, we are celebrating two legends, two extraordinary individuals whose tireless work on behalf of sexual freedom has changed the landscape of our world forever,” said Ricci Levy, CEO and founder of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation. "Kate Kendell and Nadine Smith have dedicated their lives to overcoming discrimination based on sexual or gender identity. I can't wait for everyone to celebrate their incredible accomplishments when we gather together at the Summit."
The 10th Annual Sexual Freedom Summit, a project of the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, will be held August 15-18 in Alexandria, Va. The Sexual Freedom Summit features human rights activists, sexuality educators and researchers, authors, and professionals from the legal and medical fields who come together to share information, experiences, tools, and strategies to use in the fight for human rights and sexual freedom.
For further information about the Sexual Freedom Summit or purchase tickets for the Awards Luncheon, visit www.sexualfreedomsummit.org or follow the conversation on social media with #SFS19.
Pictured, top to bottom: Nadine Smith, Kate Kendell
