I was the founding chair of Western States Center, starting in 1986 to serve with a stellar steering committee and board. The real story, however, is how that fledgling organization learned to challenge the Right Wing's initiatives against civil rights, especially with respect to the LGBT community. And CSTI stands out as one of the nation's best gatherings of progressives working to build community. I am everlastingly proud at having been a part of that story. 14