A Thanksgiving Message to Pro-Equality Democrats

This Thanksgiving send a message of thanks to Democrats who have led the fight for LGBT equality in congress. The message of thanks through the Stonewall Democrats form goes to Representatives: Conyers, Frank, Murphy, Baldwin, Nadler, Sanchez, Honda, Stark, Christensen and Senators: Merkley, Leahy, and Whitehouse. They are the movers and shakers behind legislation such as the Matthew Shepard Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Respect of Marriage Act, the Uniting American Families Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Reuniting Families Act, and the Every Child Deserves A Family Act.

Fill out the form to send them a Thanksgiving card of appreciation!

Demand LGBT Inclusive Health Care Reform

Please sign this petition by the Stonewall Democrats to our party leaders - Speaker Pelosi, DCCC Chair Rep. Van Hollen, Sen. Reid and DSCC Chair Sen. Menendez - demanding comprehensive and LGBT-inclusive health care reform.

Private studies have shown that there exist disparities in health, health care access, and health care outcomes between the general population and LGBT people and families. Employment discrimination and lack of government recognition of same-sex relationships both contribute to these disparities.

The health care reform bill must include LGBT-inclusive policies, and in particular, data collection about the relationship between sexual orientation and gender identity and health care access.

Stonewall Dems Fundraise for Congressman Patrick Murphy

The Stonewall Democrats, a national LGBT organization associated with the Democratic National Committee is fund-raising on behalf of our 'fierce advocate' when it comes to the Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal.

Congressman Patrick Murphy is the lead sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, and as a veteran of the military, he has been using his position to speak up for change.

Send a letter of thanks to the congressman, and pledge to support his re-election efforts.

The Employee Free Choice Act

LGBT advocates have not been outspoken on The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), a piece of legislation that would compliment the Employment Non Discrimination Act in providing protections for all workers and much needed ones for LGBT employees.

The Employee Free Choice Act would make it easier for employees to unite and form coalitions and unions to fight unfair labor practices, and to advocate for living wages, health benefits, and job security.

How will this legislation help the LGBT community:

• Increased union representation will lead to a higher standard of living for all Americans especially people who make significantly less income (transgender people and queer people of color).

• There are no federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation/gender identity but often unions as a collective will have such a policy in place to help remedy the situation.

• EFCA will help LGBT people bargain for more benefits including, inclusive language for LGBT families in the Family Medical Leave Act, offering domestic partner health benefits, removing transgender health exclusions, passing of pension benefits to same-sex spouse or their children.

Take action, and learn more at Shared Agenda.

Brief the White House on Issues of Equality!

Stonewall Democrats is working with the Obama Administration to address a wide-range of pro-equality issues such as employment protections, hate crimes enforcement, military readiness and family policy. What are your priorities for the White House? Click Here and share them now.

Help Nominate A Strong Health & Human Services Secretary

Most candidates President Obama is reportedly considering as his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services are progressive leaders who will keep in mind the LGBT community's health-related needs, including respect for our families and inclusive data collection.

However, at least one of the candidates rumored to be in the running has been less than helpful to our community, so we need your help.

Please sign our petition urging President Obama to make sure an equality-minded progressive is in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services. This information will be shared with the White House.

The petition can be found via Stonewall Democrats.

Help Pro-Equality Candidate Win Senate Seat in Georgia!

Help elect pro-equality Democrat Jim Martin in the Tuesday, December 2nd run-off election in Georgia. Incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss has a 0% rating on issues important to us, even voting for a same-sex adoption ban!

Jim Martin on LGBT issues:

-Expand federal hate crimes laws to include LGBT citizens.

-Expand federal workplace equality laws.

-Increase funding for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and education.

-Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell

-Supports Civil Unions

-Protect adoption rights for same-sex couples.

-Opposes discriminatory federal marriage amendment.

http://martinforsenate.com/

NY Dem Senate Candidate Now Favors Marriage Equality

Joe Mesi (D) is running for the state senate seat in New York. He previously announced he was opposed to same-sex marriage but now has gone 180 on his position and announced he supports equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples.

This is a significant development within New York politics. The house has approved a gay marriage bill and Governor Patterson is eager to sign it. The current barrier to passing this legislation is the republican dominated senate. The GOP currently has a 31-29 slim majority. With many seats up for grabs and the majority leader Joseph Bruno (R) retiring, this could pave the way for a democratically controlled senate.

If the democrats pick up the senate this November we could very likely see a marriage bill come before the house. While not all New York state democratic senate members support marriage equality, the N.Y. democratic platform does support same-sex marriage.

If Joe Mesi gets elected it will enhance our chances of winning true marriage equality in the state.

Endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats and supported by gay philanthropists, please be sure to drop a thank you email to Joe Mesi for support marriage equality.

2001 Niagara Fall Blvd
Amherst, NY 14228
phone: 716-625-9013