Join Courage Campaign "Conference Call" Tonight for Next Move on Marriage Equality

On Thursday, November 6, from 5-6 p.m. PT the Courage Campaign will host State Senator-elect Mark Leno, a leader in the fight for marriage equality and a progressive champion in the Legislature, and Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles City Council President as well as Barack Obama's California campaign co-chair for a unique discussion on where we
go from here, post-election.

During this "Courage Campaign Conversation," there will be an opportunity for participants to ask Eric Garcetti and
Mark Leno a question. Or, if you would like to increase the chances of your question being asked by the moderator, please submit your question in the form field below.

Space is limited, so please fill out the form below to RSVP ASAP. We will contact you via email immediately with the phone number and call-in information.

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/LenoGarcettiCall

Thou Shalt Not Lie: Mormon Church Refuses Petition!

10/30 Update: Nearly 17,000 people signed the letter demanding the Mormon church stop funding proposition 8. The Courage Campaign went to deliver our signatures on Tuesday but were rejected by the Los Angeles Mormon Church as seen by the video below. The campaign is now headed to Salt Lake City, Utah to deliver the signatures to the Mormon Church headquarters.

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10/27: It's time for Californians to fight back against the dishonest attacks of the "Yes on 8" campaign funded by the Mormon Church. On Tuesday, the Courage Campaign will deliver a letter to President-Prophet Thomas Monson at the Los Angeles Mormon Temple, demanding that his church stop funding the blatant lies of the "Yes on 8" campaign.



We need to stop the Mormon Church from pushing their marriage views on Californians through the ballot box. Please sign this letter now to President-Prophet Thomas Monson demanding that his church cease funding the "Yes on 8" campaign:

Tell the President to End the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy and not to Fire Lt. Dan Choi

Lt. Dan Choi, from Orange County, California, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and an Iraq War veteran. Last March he went on Rachel Maddow's show and spoke three truthful words: "I am gay."

As a result Lt. Choi received a letter from the Army on April 23 discharging him for violating the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. He told Rachel Maddow the letter was "a slap in the face" to himself and the soldiers he as commanded and served with over the past decade.

Lt. Choi is fighting to stay in the military and ensure that no other soldier is ever again discharged as a result of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile are joining his effort to secure equality in our armed forces.

President Obama did not create this policy. But he now has the opportunity to keep his promise and allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly in the military. It's the right thing to do -- for justice and for national security.

140,860 people (as of Tuesday, May 26) have signed the following petition to President Obama from the Courage Campaign and CREDO Mobile. Please add your name now:

"Make It Work" With the Courage Campaign

"Make It Work" is a new set of events by the Courage Campaign to win back marriage equality in the state of California. More than 20 “Make it Work!” events are scheduled between June 18-28.



For a listing of events or to join an equality team check out the "Make It Work" page.

"Please Don't Divorce Us" Campaign

The Courage Campaign, a progressive organization that has been very active in fighting proposition 8 has begun the "Please Don't Divorce Us" campaign. The campaign is in response to the anti-equality folks who want to nullify the existing 18,000 same-sex marriages performed in California prior to the right to get married being taken away.

The effort is to put a face to the marriage equality movement and to show Kenneth Starr arguing to nullify the marriages and those on the anti-equality side that their efforts are affecting real families.

To get your picture added just take a picture holding a piece of paper that says "Please don't divorce us," "Please don't divorce my moms,""Please don't divorce my friends, Dawn and Audrey," "Please don't divorce Californians" or whatever you want after "Please don't divorce..." and send it to: pleasedontdivorce@couragecampaign.org

Pledge to Boycott Manchester Hotels

The campaign to boycott Manchester hotels due to their owner Doug Manchester $125,000 donation to ban marriage equality in California has entered year two. The campaign has been wildly successful, resulting in hotel losses of over 7 million dollars, and international attention. The Courage Campaign and Equality California have recently joined in the efforts to continue the boycott until Doug Manchester apologizes and works out an agreement with pro-equality forces.

Take the pledge and join the boycott

Courage Campaign's - Repeal Prop 8 Petition!

"The birth of a new Marriage Equality Movement -- the civil rights movement of the 21st Century -- is unfolding before our eyes.

Movements are visceral and popular, often borne of outrage and anger. What we are witnessing on the streets and online is a community of people who have come together to say: "These are our lives. This is our time. This is unacceptable." Organized from the bottom-up by thousands of ordinary people just like you, this people-powered phenomenon is exponentially growing by the minute, online and offline.

This is our moment to stand strong together -- gay and straight -- and say that we refuse to accept a California where discrimination is enshrined in our state constitution. Please show your support by pledging to support our campaign to repeal Prop 8 and restore marriage equality to California.

Please sign the pledge to repeal Prop 8 -- then forward this link to your friends"

URGENT: Ask President Clinton to Respect the Manchester Hyatt Boycott

President Clinton is scheduled to give a paid speech this Sunday at the Manchester Hyatt in San Diego to the annual convention of the International Franchise Association. Doing so will violate a union boycott and labor dispute -- the workers at the hotel lack job security and the housekeepers face onerous workloads.

But that's not all. President Clinton will also be offending supporters of marriage equality. Doug Manchester, the owner of the hotel, contributed $125,000 in early seed money to the Proposition 8 campaign.

We can't let this happen. President Clinton has the power to move his speech away from the Manchester Hyatt. And you have the power to convince him before it's too late. Please sign this petition to President Clinton immediately and the Courage Campaign and UNITE HERE will do everything in our power to get your signatures to him ASAP:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/dotherightthing

Tell Speaker Pelosi to Make Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal a Priority

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (HR 1283) which would allow gay, lesbian, and bisexual servicemembers to serve openly has the backing of the majority of citizens and Democrats in power. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has the power to make this issue of ending discrimination in our military a priority.

Join SLDN and the Courage Campaign in urging Speaker Pelosi to act to end DADT.

Watch "Fidelity" and Sign a Letter to California Supreme Court

The Courage Campaign is asking us to tell the Supreme Court to invalidate Prop 8, reject Ken Starr's case, and let loving, committed couples marry.

DEADLINE: Valentine's Day.



Sign the letter to the California Supreme Court.

National Equality March Listing of Events 10/9-10/11

A listing of events has been created for the National Equality March to be held Oct 9th-11th. Below is a list of events scheduled in the Washington D.C. area.

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Organization and Community
Briefing Meetings throughout the weekend
Times and Locations – TBA

Operation Shine Washington D.C.
Sponsor: Sasha Bruce Youthwork; including Wanda Alston House; and SMYAL,
Time: 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Details: TBA

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

8AM-Noon Events
GLAAD Media-Training Workshops
Time: 10-11:30am, 2-3:30pm
Details TBA

HRC education event. Welcome and Action Center
Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: HRC’s Building 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W.

Impact Youth Events.
Sponsor: The Trevor Project for ages 13-25
Time: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: MCC, 474 Ridge Street, N.W.

Lobbying Tactics to Repeal DADT, LGBT veterans history teach-in.
Time: 10 am to 1:00 pm
Location: HRC Building
1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW

Ecumenical Prayer Service,
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave N.W.

Noon – 6pm Events
Courage Campaign Training
Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location and further details TBA

Peaceful Demonstration
Sponsor: Youth Lead / All ages welcome
12:30 pm to 12:35 pm,
Location: Undisclosed

Youth Workshops
Sponsor: SMYAL
Time: 1:30 pm to 6 pm Ages 13-21
Location: MCC, 474 Ridge Street, N.W.

Speak Out Event
Sponsor: Youth Lead / All ages welcome
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: Union Station Plaza

Wreath Laying
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknowns. View Map
This will be a 15 minute ceremony conducted by Lt. Dan Choi, Knightsout.org and other former servicemembers discharged by DADT.

Leonard Matlovich Memorial Service
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Congressional Cemetery

Workshop and Training on Communities of Faith and GLBT Justice Campaigns
Sponsor: MCC
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Foundry United Methodist Church, 16th and P Streets, NW

Milk & Cookies For Families
Time: 3:00-6:00 pm
Location: Madison Hotel Ballroom, 1177 15th Street, N.W.

Equality To End AIDS October 10 HIV/AIDS Rally and Vigil
Time: 5:30-8:30 pm
Location: The Ellipse (by the White House) 17th Street NW & Constitution Avenue N.W.

6pm – 8pm Events
Queer Simchat Torah Celebration
Time: 6:30-9:30 pm
Location: 16th & Q Street NW

Matthew Shepard Foundation Fundraiser
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Renaissance M Street Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Ave., NW

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Servicemembers Cadence Run around War Memorials
Time: 8:00-9:00 am
Location: Starts at WW2 Memorial, 17th St., near Constitution Ave. NW

National Equality March
Time: Noon (12:00 p.m. EST) approximate time
Location: Parade route TBA

National Equality March Rally
Time: Approximately 2:00 p.m.
Location: West Lawn of Capitol Building

Crossposted via Good As You.

"Changing The Conversation" Invitation for Rick Warren to Debate on Prop 8!

While President-elect Obama has chosen to ignore the troubling beliefs of the man who will spiritually usher in his presidency, Californians can not ignore Rick Warren.

We can not ignore Rick Warren's fervent support for Proposition 8 or his mobilization of thousands of Saddleback Church evangelical Christians to enshrine discrimination into our state constitution.

That's why we're asking you to give Pastor Warren a new invitation -- a Courage Campaign invitation to a public debate on same-sex marriage with Reverend Eric Lee, President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) of Greater Los Angeles.

The deadline for the petition has been extended, please sign now!

Pay It Forward: Thank Dustin Lance Black, Sean Penn and Cleve Jones

The Courage Campaign is urging us to send a thank you letter to Dustin Lance Black, Sean Penn, and Cleve Jones for making the movie MILK possible, and for their commitment to LGBT rights and equality. Their acceptance speeches at the oscars and their inclusion of gay rights in their speech is heartfelt and has been heard by millions.

Click here to fill out the letter

Say No to Moveon.org

Where was Moveon.org during the proposition 8 battle, where have they been on any efforts to fight discrimination against LGBT people? The so called "progressive" organization has been silent and refuses to represent our community.

We have had several action alerts urging Moveon to take a stand for marriage equality, to support LGBT issues. They have remained silent, likely due to their attempt to broaden their base.

If moveon doesn't care about queers, why should queers donate a penny to Moveon? There are tons of true progressive organizations, such as the Courage Campaign and the ACLU who do fight for our rights.

Let Moveon know that their refusal to support LGBT rights, translates into a loss of a powerful constituency.
Moveon.org E-Contact Form

Textbooks4Change - Buy Textbooks and Fund EQUALITY!

Textbooks4Change is a student-led organization enabling students to raise money for marriage equality in California. How does it work? Students click through a link at the Textbooks4Change website to buy textbooks on Textbooks.com and Barnes and Noble, and approximately 6% of their purchase goes towards repealing Prop 8. All of the money raised goes to the Courage Campaign's Marriage Equality Hub, a leader in California's battle for marriage equality.



http://www.textbooks4change.com/

Keep Your Promise, President Obama

A new petition by the Courage Campaign is calling upon Obama to allow the federal government to provide the same health benefits to same-sex spouses and partners of federal employees that other federal employee spouses receive.

Join them in urging Obama to keep his promise for LGBT equality, sign the petition.

Trans for Obama Day

I had no clue, but glad I didn't miss this. Today is officially "Trans for Obama" day where the trans community and allies are getting together to financially support Barack Obama/Joe Biden for the Presidential ticket.

"While transgender workplace diversity issues are not inherently tied to any political ideology, it is clear that Barack Obama is supportive of transgender workplace rights and that John McCain is not supportive of transgender workplace rights. The transgender community and its allies have a voice and political influence, and today the blogging community is working on exercising these with "Trans for Obama" blog day. We are asking people to donate $5 or more to Barack Obama's campaign for president via a fund set up for transgender people and their allies at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/trans?refcode=therometer

I ask you to donate also to show that the transgender community is alive and well, and that there are many of us out there who are willing to stand up and be counted. It is easy to read this and do nothing, feeling that nothing will make a difference. I know that what I am asking takes courage and willingness to go beyond the feelings of helplessness that have been drummed into us by our national leaders. Please join me in standing up and being counted."

H/T Trans Work Place for the story.

Barack Obama's Declaration of PRIDE

“I am proud to join with our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered brothers and sisters in celebrating the accomplishments, the lives, and the families of all LGBT people during this Pride season. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core this issue is about who we are as Americans.

It’s time to live up to our founding promise of equality by treating all our citizens with dignity and respect. Let’s enact federal civil rights legislation to outlaw hate crimes and protect workers against discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Let’s repeal 'don't ask, don't tell' and demonstrate that the most effective and professional military in the world is open to all Americans who are ready and willing to serve our country. Let’s treat the relationships and the families of LGBT Americans with full equality under the law.

We are ready to accomplish these goals because of the courage and persistence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people who are working every day to achieve equal rights -- the gay couple who demands equal treatment in our family laws as they raise their children, the lesbian soldier who wants nothing more than to serve her country openly and honestly, the transgendered workers who ask for the simple dignity of being judged by the quality of their work. Generations of LGBT Americans, at once ordinary and extraordinary, have made possible this moment in our history. With leadership and hard work we can fulfill the promise of equality for all.

The Obama for America campaign is proud to be actively participating in over 60 local and state wide Pride events over the summer. To find the events nearest you please visit Basic Rights Oregon; join us around the country as we show our Pride and support for Barack Obama!"

H/T to God is a Dyke for the story.