April 16th is the National Day of Silence, a day meant to raise awareness of the burdens that LGBT citizens young and old face in the US. While it is important, and necessary, to draw attention to the plight of LGBT citizens, without action this plight will not change. Therefore I'm asking you to please call your state Senators and local Representative on April 16th asking that we move forward with legislation that impacts the daily lives, safety and security of LGBT families across the country.
I ask that you call on the 16th, not before or after, so that we can make our presence known as a whole. This way we can remind Congress they can give LGBT citizens and families a brighter future.
The legislation I would like to you call and ask your senator and representative to support is the following:
- The Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009 (ENDA) - ENDA would prevent an employer from firing someone on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Ask your elected official to support a transgender inclusive ENDA, so that all LGBT families won't have to be afraid of being fired simply for being LGBT. ENDA is Senate Bill S. 1584 and House Bill H.R.3017
- Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 - This bill would repeal the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy that requires that the military fire any LGBT service member if their sexual orientation is revealed. It is Senate Bill S. 3065 and House Bill H.R. 1283.
- Uniting American Families Act of 2009 - This legislation would allow LGBT partners of citizens to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens. This is Senate Bill S. 424 and House Bill H.R. 1024.
I'm only asking you to call about these three issues as I believe these are the LGBT issues most likely to come before this Congress. They the most important issues that we can lobby for at the current point in time. They are by no means the only bills that would benefit and protect LGBT citizens, but these are the ones we have the best chance of passing in this Congress and would change the lives of thousands of people if passed. Please take the time to call in support of these issues.
I will send out reminders on the 16th to anyone signed up on this Facebook Event. The event is open to anyone, so please sign up and invite any friends you can. The more people you can invite the bigger the impact will be.
You can find your Senators and Representatives atwww.Senate.gov (top right corner) and www.House.gov (top left corner).