next i would like to introduce our wonderful, final, distinguished speaker, rae kerry, who is the executive director of the national gay and lesbian task force. rea took over in 2008 and has provided some truly visionary leadership for the organization. during her tenure, the task force has accomplished many things that are far too many things to list. i too -- one of the biographies i read of the three of you, i had had to pick and choose. but one of them i thought was particularly note worthy was the passage of the lgbt inclusive federal hate crime prevention act, which was a huge victory. also -- yes. defeating many anti-lgbt ballot measures across the country. and playing a vital role in getting the united states census for the first time to count same-sex couples in the 2010 census, which is pretty massive. we are -- in addition to online leadership academy and many other innovations. i know she has to leave soon, so i want to make sure we get her up here. so please welcome rea carey. >> i -- you know, in true women's fashion, i won't rush through, but i do have to pick up my daughter