ASWGT - Key Persons

Gerrie Blum (Gillian) and Mitch Kessler (Adam) both have long histories as activists and community workers: he as a phone peer counselor; she as a lobbyist who campaigned successfully against corporal punishment in the schools and for the decriminalization of marijuana in New York State. In community activities, they were founding officers of the Metro New York Chapter of the National Leather Association, the NY Area Bisexual Network and the Bisexual Pride Discussion Group. Gerrie was also a member of the National Council of the NLA for a time and served on the Chapter Concerns Committee. They have been called to be guest speakers and presenters at a number of conventions and conferences. Their NLA chapter began the informal get-togethers that later became "munches" and Gerrie has been dubbed "the mother of the munch" in some parts of the country. Their television appearances include HBO's "Real Sex" (#6); "Inside Edition," "A Current Affair," "Evening Magazine," and both the "Joan Rivers," and "Geraldo" shows. Gerrie also had a featured role in the independent film, "Girlquake." Mitch's first career was as an actor (Equity), stage manager (SSD&C) and non-union technician. Gerrie had her own radio interview show on a suburban station, worked on the staff of a weekly newspaper, and appeared in community theater productions.