"Mission: Incomplete" Rally - Washington D.C. Friday Dec 10th

A coalition of 18 groups advocating for repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy will converge upon the U.S. Senate this Friday. They are demanding lawmakers stay in session until they reach compromise on the Defense Authorization Bill which includes repeal of DADT.

Join the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network at the Senate THIS Friday, December 10th, at noon, for the "Mission: Incomplete" Rally.

WHEN:
Friday, December 10th
12 p.m.

WHERE:
Constitution Ave. & Delaware Ave. at Upper Senate Park
(Near U.S. Capitol)
Washington, DC

Closest Metro: Union Station (Red Line). Nearby: Capitol South (Blue/Orange), Judiciary Square (Red).

Veterans Lobby Day on Capitol Hill

Today hundreds of LGBT veterans and allies will descend on Capitol Hill to demand a repeal of the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which bars openly gay servicemembers. A full schedule of events can be seen at Veterans Lobby Day.

There is also a "virtual lobby day" action and no matter where you are you can engage in two minute activism to show your support for repeal. LGBT POV is encouraging us to call our members of congress and demand repeal now.

Call the Congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121, tell them where you live, and ask them to connect you to your representative’s office.

Tell the staffer who picks up: Hi, this is [YOUR NAME] from [YOUR CITY] and I’m calling to support the Veteran’s Lobby Day that’s happening today. I urge Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.



Also be sure to read up on the latest story of veterans from the front lines speaking up against the policy and join Howard Dean by signing the petition for repeal.

DADT Protest Rally in Washington D.C. on May 2nd

Newly formed activist group GetEQUAL will be holding a rally to protest the military's anti-LGBT Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. President Obama had promised to repeal the policy this year in his State of the Union address, but it appears the administration is backing down on that commitment to the gay community and the military.



Sunday May 2nd, 2010
Lafayette Park in Washington D.C. at 12:00 PM

Washington D.C. Rally for DADT Repeal Tomorrow

LGBT activists are headed to the nations capital to rally and lobby for an immediate repeal of the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy which bars gay, lesbian, and bisexual servicemembers from serving openly. Among the protesters will be esteemed comedian and straight ally Kathy Griffin.

Thursday, March 18th
NOON
Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC (on Pennsylvania Ave NW between 13th and 14th streets)

Queer D.C. Will Set Guinness World Record

Washington D.C. has officially kicked off same-sex marriage recognition this week but more history is to be made in the upcoming days as a mega wedding of same-sex couples seeks to create a world record. Billed as the "Our Time Has Come" celebration on March 20th hundreds of same-sex couples will tie the knot in a mass ceremony that will qualify for the Guinness Book of World Records.

To learn more or to register click here.

Boys of Real World D.C. Join NO H8!

Real World D.C. an MTV show where eight roommates live and work together in gay-friendly Dupont Circle is highlighting queer visibility this season. Two of the housemates are openly bisexual and unashamed. They have been sharing their perspective and opening hearts and minds to this orientation.

Housemates Mike Manning, Andrew Woods and Josh Colon all posed for the photographer Bouska's NO H8 campaign.

With millions of young viewers, the housemates stance is important and inspiring and they should be thanked for their advocacy.

Thank Mike, Andrew, and Josh via Twitter.

Washington D.C. Legalizes Gay Marriage!

The Washington D.C. city council has finalized a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 11-2. The two councilmembers who opposed the measure were Marion Barry, and Yvette Alexander.

The bill now goes to Mayor Adrian Fenty who has promised to sign the bill into law. Following that congress has 30 days to veto the bill, but the Democratic majority is likely not to interfere with the districts ruling.

Washington D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Vermont in affirming their LGBT residents right to marriage.

D.C. Marriage Equality Rally Tonight!

The Human Rights Campaign has scheduled a rally tonight in support of the expected final passage of the marriage equality bill tomorrow. The Mayor of the capital has promised to sign the legislation, and congress has 30 days to decide whether to veto the bill.

Even though a win looks very likely, it is critical to come out and show support for the measure.

Monday, December 14
7 pm
The Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th ST, NW Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. Marriage Rally Dec 14th

The Campaign for All DC Families and DC Clergy United will co-host a rally in support of marriage equality in Washington D.C. to advocate for the final passage of the marriage bill. The bill is scheduled to be voted on in mid December and is expected to pass by a wide margin.

Monday, December 14
7:00 pm
Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th Street N.W.

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.

Rainbow Sash Movement Events for Justice on Behalf of LGBT Catholics

The Rainbow Sash movement is an organization committed to engaging in dialogue about human sexuality and the dignity of LGBT people within the Catholic Church. The group will be participating in the National March for Equality in Washington D.C. Oct 10-11th and has a series of events to push their agenda forward.

Events Sat Oct 10th Morning/Afternoon

Event at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral
1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW,
Washington, D.C.

11:00 AM Ecunmenical prayer service outside of the Cathedral.

12:15 PM Gather within the Cathedral to pray for the National Equality March and to wear a rainbow sash in solidarity with LGBT Catholics.

Events Sat Oct 10th Evening/Night:

Vigil of Light 8-9pm in front of the White House to remember those who have passed away due to HIV/AIDS. The vigil is also to remind the administration not to forget the LGBT community and those with HIV/AIDS in the current health care debate.

Events Sunday Oct 11th:

March will kick off at 12 Noon. Marching Gathering space TBA

For further information or to get involved please email us at contact@RainbowSashMovement.com.

National Equality March October 10-11th 2009

On October 10-11, 2009, the LGBT community and allies will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people.

The demand is simple, full equal protection under the law:

* Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) so that every marriage in every state has the same federal rights.

* Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell so that LGBT persons may serve in the military openly and with the same rights as their straight counterparts.

* An end to workplace discrimination for everyone with an Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that protects everyone.

* The right to adopt children and raise families like any other parents.

* Hate Crimes legislation that includes LGBT people and protects us like any other targeted group.

* Immigration reform that recognizes same-sex couples and ends the needless separation of families.

* A comprehensive anti-bullying policy in our schools via the Safe Schools Improvement Act.



http://www.nationalequalitymarch.com

Sign Up to Support Marriage Equality in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. took a historic step this summer in recognizing out of state same-sex marriages. Activists are now looking to make the next move towards a real possibility of legal marriage recognition of unions performed within the districts borders.

Pledge your support for LGBT equal marriage and assist in making that effort become a reality.

Boycott DNC LGBT Fundraiser

Vice-president Joe Biden will be hosting a DNC LGBT fundraiser next week at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC. An individual plate is 1,000 dollars and up and many people have already pulled out due to the administrations lack of action on LGBT issues, and their anti-gay defense of DOMA and DADT.

Among those who have already pulled out are HRC’s National Field Director Marty Rouse, Empire State Pride Agenda’s Alan Van Capelle, Former top Clinton aide David Mixner, Former top Clinton aide Richard Socarides and Towleroad’s Andy Towle and Corey Johnson (AKA William).

The three openly LGBT members of congress are attending the event and have yet to make any statements against the Department of Justices anti-gay defense of DOMA.

Contact our LGBT representatives and let them know that if they attend this event they are abandoning the LGBT community for their own interests.

Rep. Barney Frank:
2252 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
tel: (202) 225-5931
fax: (202) 225-0182

Rep. Tammy Baldwin
2446 Rayburn Building
Washington DC 20515
(202) 225-6942 Fax
(202) 225-2906
Email Form

Rep. Jared Polis
Washington, DC Office
501 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
p. 202.225.2161
f. 202.226.7840

National Equality March Oct 10-11 2009

DC vigil for Durval Martins Tomorrow

For those in the DC area, DC’s GLBT Anti-Violence Task Force GLOV will hold a candlelight vigil and march through Logan Circle on the evening of May 19, 2009 to honor the life of Durval Martins and raise awareness of biased crimes against members of our GLBT community.

On Tuesday, December 16, 2008, Durval Martins was shot and killed while walking home at the intersection of 11th and Q streets, NW in D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood. Local community leaders will be in attendance to raise awareness, enlist community support in finding those responsible and condemn hate-biased violence. Please join us.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (estimated)

WHERE: Introductory remarks at Reeve Center Courtyard (Corner of 14th and U streets, NW). Procession will head South on 14th street, East on Q street, end at 11th and Q streets, NW and end with a moment of silence at corner of 11th and Q streets, NW (the site of Durval Martins’ murder).

WHAT TO WEAR: Attendees are encouraged to show solidarity by wearing white.

Crossposted via HRCbackstory

D.C. Freedom to Serve Rally and Lobby Day!

Join Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to build momentum for repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and show solidarity for all our service members.

When: Friday, March 13, 2009, noon
Where: Grounds of the U.S. Capitol, Washington DC


RSVP for the Freedom to Serve rally by clicking here or contact Benjamin Mishkin, at bmishkin@sldn.org. To RSVP for Lobby Day, click here or contact Jeremy Wilson-Simerman, Policy Advocate, at jwilson@sldn.org.

2009 Log Cabin Republicans National Convention

Register Now for the 2009 Log Cabin Republicans National Convention & Liberty Education Forum National Symposium.

The Westin Washington, DC City Center
1400 M St., NW
Washington, DC 20005

202-429-1700

4/16/2009 5:00 pm
to 4/19/2009 12:00 pm (Eastern Time)

Log Cabin Republicans
1901 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 902 Washington, DC 20006

Seven Weeks to Equality

"We call on all supporters of equality to sustain and intensify the nationwide campaign of mass protests and non-violent civil disobedience, for seven weeks, starting on November 27, 2008, the thirtieth anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, and to then gather together in mass, from all corners of our country, in Washington, DC on the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2009, to honor the inauguration of our President, Barack Obama."

Sign the Seven Weeks to Equality petition.

Lets Make Marriage History in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and home to many senators and congressional members who espouse anti-queer views. However, the District of Columbia is heavily democratic and now it looks like marriage equality may be in the locales near future.

According to the Washington Blade:

"If Democrats expand their majority in Congress and California voters uphold same-sex marriage, a gay marriage bill is likely to be approved by the D.C. City Council as early as April 2009, according to activists and City Hall insiders.

With Mayor Adrian Fenty and at least 10 of the Council’s 13 members committed to passing a same-sex marriage bill, local activists and city officials have long said the only factor holding back such a bill has been the fear that Congress would invoke its powers to overturn it."

Right now we need to work very hard to ensure the election of democrats to both houses, we must win the battle against proposition 8 in California.

We also can start preparing for the fight in D.C. although legislation is not yet on the table we must contact the three council members who are still up in the air as to their vote on same-sex marriage. These members are not anti-gay and are debating whether to vote for marriage, so please politely urge them that when the bill comes up for a vote that they should vote in favor of equality.

Below are the 3 council members who we need to urge to vote in favor of marriage equality in Washington D.C.

E-Contact for council member Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7)

Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) mbarry@dccouncil.us

Councilmember Carol Schwartz (R) At-Large carol.schwartz@dc.gov