Dear friend,

If you're like me, you spent yesterday evening glued to cable TV and refreshing news sites to see what was going to happen in Maine, Washington, and Kalamazoo.

Unfortunately, it appears as if a majority of Maine voters voted to strip existing rights of LGBT people--but there was good news from yesterday. Discrimination is now outlawed based on sexual orientation and gender identity in Kalamazoo, Michigan and it looks as if Washington voters will retain the domestic partner benefits granted by the legislature earlier this year. And, more than 50 LGBT candidates won their elections across the country.

What the victories--and defeat--from yesterday say to me is that we must keep fighting. Our opponents have endless amounts of cash to fight us every step of the way, but we can't give up. We need your help to make sure we have the resources necessary to achieve legislative gains in the upcoming session in Charleston.

Please consider donating to Fairness WV today. Anything you can give - $10, $25, or $50 - can help us reach achieve our goals.

It's hard to see one's rights voted on by the majority - but it'd be even harder if we just went along for the ride. With your help, we can make sure our voices are heard from Beckley to Bridgeport, from Parkersburg to Petersburg. Yesterday in Maine, 257,000 people voted in favor of equality. Those 257,000 voices will not be silent, and neither can we.

If you can, please make a donation today to help support our work to create a state that respects all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Last night was a roller coaster. Far from discouraging me, it only renewed by belief that we need to change the heart and minds of West Virginians and people across the country. Thanks for all you've done so far - and for what you'll help us accomplish in the future.

Sincerely,

Stephen Skinner
President, Fairness WV

P.S. If you can't contribute, but want to help - considering using our tell-a-friend tool to spread the word about our work.