Today, April 29, is LGBT Equality & Justice Day in Albany. More than 1200 LGBT and straight New Yorkers from all across the state are in Albany today to lobby their state representatives on marriage equality, gender expression non-discrimination legislation and anti-bullying measures for New York State schools. It's the first time New Yorkers have come together from across the state to lobby on LGBT issues since last year’s historic vote in the Assembly on the marriage bill.

If you couldn't be in Albany today, show your support during this important day by taking a moment to send a letter to your State Senator and Assemblymember--you can do it in as little as three clicks of a mouse. It's essential that your state representatives hear from you on these issues. You can see where your legislators stand on each of these issues by checking out our legislative scorecard.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Since I was not able to attend today's LGBT lobby day, I am writing to ask you to support and vote for three pieces of legislation that are very important to me.

Please pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, which would make it illegal to fire someone from their job or deny housing or credit on the basis of gender expression/identity. This kind of discrimination has no place in New York.

Also, the Assembly passed the marriage equality bill last year, and this year overwhelmingly passed the Dignity for All Students Act for the seventh year in a row. I am thankful for the Assembly's support on these issues, and now it's time for the State Senate to act on these bills. Vote to provide same-sex couples access to the rights and protections of marriage. All New York families deserve to be treated equally under the law. Also, give schools the resources to stop harassment based on sexual orientation and gender expression, among others.

I will be checking back later to see you how you have acted on these issues.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 28, 2008