As the Pride in the Pulpit coordinator, the reverend Dámaris E. Ortega organizes leaders of faith throughout the state of New York who advocate for equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers and their families. Pride in the Pulpit is a network of welcoming congregations and faith leaders representing over 20 denominations and faiths. Together we are fighting against attempts to deny the rights and spiritual identity of people of faith. Pride in the Pulpit provides tools to successfully advocate and build support for LGBT people of faith.
Prior to joining the Pride Agenda Dámaris directed an HIV prevention education program for Latina women in faith communities in New York City. Dámaris was a pastor in Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2000 when she moved to Arizona to specialized in Clinical Pastoral Education. She has also worked as a chaplain at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, DC and has 12 years of combined service as a chaplain in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves.
Dámaris has a Bachelor of Art in Multidisciplinary Studies with a Major in Modern Language from the University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras), and a Master of Divinity of the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, were she graduated Cum Laude. She is United Church of Church ordained minister. Dámaris has also experience as a musician playing the tenor saxophone in various bands including the University band, the 248th Army Band, and various church music groups.
She lives in Edison, New Jersey with her partner Rosario, their two dogs Phoebe and Chloë and cat Amaranta.