I just copied this from David Mixner’s blog to share – to present his explanation of a half dozen groups fighting for important things – some groups you may not have heard of before, or had a chance to support. As I prepare for my local LGBT PAC’s annual fundraising dinner and work to earn money for three LGBT binational couple support groups by selling my book Torn Apart: United by Love, Divided by Law, published by Findhorn Press, I know that we are all tapped out. But if you can, send something – or at least share the information.
He says:
“Let’s be clear right up front: there are dozens and dozens of deserving organizations for your support and I will highlight many of them over the next year. However, the following organizations are in the middle of extremely important battles and early money and resources could be decisive for their efforts. So here are the six in alphabetical order.
1. American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER): What has the potential to be one of the most important cases for the LGBT community is floating around the Federal Courts: The final decision (which could be in the United States Supreme Court) to determine the fate of Proposition 8 in California. In addition, this case has served as an amazing educational tool around the nation and especially in the media. People are learning the righteousness of our arguments and the absurdity of our opponents’ stance. The legal team lead by David Bois and Ted Olsen deserves our total support. They are having a huge star studded event in New York on September 19 (Monday) with the reading of Dustin Lance Black’s “8.” Don’t miss this special evening and this one is worth flying into Manhattan.
2. Equality Maine (EQME): Love this pro-active approach in going back to the voters of Maine to achieve marriage equality. This organization over the years in Maine has proved effective and deserves our support. Right now they are in the middle of a petition drive to obtain a space on the 2012 ballot. They are attempting to raise $40,000 in the next week and they already have $24,000 of it. Send them a check.
3. Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD): Although regional in scope this New England legal rights organization has had national impact. Their work in challenging DOMA has been stellar as has their legal work on a number of fronts. They should not be wanting for any resources so they can continue with their important work.
4. Minnesotans United For All Families: Michele Bachmann’s friends have placed on the Minnesota ballot for 2012 a vote on putting into the state constitution an amendment that would forbid marriage equality. We have a reasonable chance of defeating this horrible measure and early money and support is especially crucial in this effort.
5. Transgender Legal Defense and Educational Fund (TLDEF): No one carries the burden of discrimination and violence against the LGBT community more than our brothers and sisters in the Transgender community. This really well-run and growing organization is in the forefront of taking cases to protect their rights. We only have to look at the reaction against Chaz Bono for Dancing with the Stars to understand the depth of anger that people direct to the “T” in LGBT.
6. National Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund (Victory Fund): This national organization most likely provides more bang for our buck than any other national organization. We have seen the power of having ‘our own’ in office with the New York marriage equality battle. In addition, this year we could elect our first LGBT United States senator with Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin. The Victory Fund is key to this effort. They will be having their annual New York City brunch on September 18 with Cheyenne Jackson.
To add to David’s story, I have four groups of my own that I donate to or raise money for – my local four-county PAC, BAYMEC (Bay Area Metropolitan Elections Committee, founded in 1984), Immigration Equality, Out4Immigration and Love Exiles Foundation. I cut my teeth on LGBT civil rights with BAYMEC and have worked with the other three groups since I became the American half of a lesbian binational couple in 2005.
Oh, and Chuck Wolfe, ED of Victory Fund is the speaker at our event September 24, 2011 in San Jose, California. So if you want to attend, please email me for details: judy@findhornpress.com
Remember, you can help a lot with even a small donation of money – or a donation of services or volunteer time. You can follow me on twitter @tornapartbook
Be well, all…
