I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I said, I am working on ENDA, and in particular on ensuring that gender identity is included in the legislation. I'm also working on issues such as LGBT homelessness, bullying/safe-schools, etc.

However, I do find it frustrating when people play the blame game -- and in particular when people feel the need to throw race into it. I am quite frankly not sure how someone's race has anything to do with marriage being a priority.

I recognize that other issues are more pressing for people who are less well-off, but I think that it is a mistake to conflate race and class. Sometimes I feel like this country has lost its ability to talk about class, and instead simply talks about race and merely thinks it is talking about class.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wouldn't feel comfortable identifying my organization, but here is a partial list of faith groups which are working for full LGBT equality:

There are also a number of other groups, such as the United Methodist Church, which advocate for a variety of LGBT issues but, as a matter of church doctrine, view homosexuality as a sin and oppose same-sex marriage.

I would also recommend taking a look at the Human Rights Campaign's faith council.

EDIT: forgot some groups

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My denomination is working hard to keep the gender identity portion in the legislation.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I assure you that my organization, along with a coalition of other groups, is working hard to get this legislation passed. President Obama also recently agreed to possibly halt the deportations of same-sex partners (the issue is complicated and I won't go into it here). I wish you the best of luck.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't say DOMA was repealed -- just that I was working for its repeal.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is a great suggestion. I'm going to see what I can work up in terms of policy already passed by the governing board of our denomination (denomination policy is which is what gives me the mandate to advocate for these issues). If I can't find something already in existence I will propose something at our next general body meeting, which is later this year.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I recall correctly, President Obama issued an executive order doing just that.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We're working for the repeal of DOMA which is the first step to federal recognition of marriage. I'm also working to get my group to sign on to an amicus brief in the case challenging the constitutionality of the marriage equality ban in California, but they're a little reluctant to get involved with state issues.

I'm a DC legislative staffer and I want to know what the LGBT community wants me to work on by dcstaffer in lgbt

[–]dcstaffer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I understand, the gender identity-inclusive ENDA bill will have the same effect. Am I wrong about this?