SGN Page 11

Make this summer a productive one

Make this summer a productive one
Summer - time to relax with friends, take vacations, and advance equality. There are so many ways you can make a difference while youre enjoying yourself this summer. Read on to learn how you can work a bit of easy activism into your fun. PRIDE While youre celebrating the diversity and creativity of our community, wander away from the bandstand and check out the booths. At the Equal Rights Washington booth, sign a petition for marriage equality, join ERW, and learn about what we have planned in the coming months. Visit other booths, too, to learn about the myriad groups serving the LGBT community and how you can support them. March with ERW in the parade to show a strong force for equality. E-mail us at volunteer@equalrightswashington.org to find out where to meet up. And be sure to let our volunteer coordinator know how else youd like to get involved. VACATIONS Whether you lie in the sun on a crowded beach, hike through rainforests, or visit museums, be out whenever you can be. On most vacations, same-sex couples can safely make it clear that theyre traveling together (and not just friends) when checking into a hotel, talking with a travel agent, waiting to board a plane, or shopping for souvenirs. And when you return from your vacation, be truthful with co-workers, family members, and neighbors about your travel companion. Being out casually conveys a powerful message about our belief in others ability to accept us. VISITING FAMILY If you havent come out to your family, this is the time. As we face hostile attacks all over the country, its imperative that everyone understand that LGBT people are their daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. If youre nervous about coming out, get help from the resources on HRCs website (including helpful information for coming out in communities of color) at www.hrc.org. To read others stories and learn how they came out, visit www.outpath.com. If youre out to your family, start conversations about the struggle for marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. Tell them how important their support is and encourage them to write their state legislators, as well as their senators and representatives in Washington, D.C. Were facing battles at every level, and every heartfelt letter preferably handwritten makes a difference. For help talking with your family, refer to NGLTFs document Speak from the Heart at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/SpeakFromHeart.pdf. LOUNGING ON THE DECK Long days leave plenty of time to lie on the deck with a drink and a magazine. Take a notepad with you and jot quick letters to your state legislators, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and your representative. The letters dont have to be long brief, handwritten letters often have the greatest effect but they should make it clear that you support marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. If you lounge with a newspaper, take note of articles about LGBT issues. Write a brief letter to the editor presenting your opinion, providing additional information, or correcting facts. People read letters to the editor, and writing one is a great way to get your voice heard. Instructions for submitting a letter are usually on the opinion page. If youre hanging out with friends, talk about your hopes for equality and the difference it will make in so many lives. Share the history of our struggles. If youre not up on LGBT history, visit Beyond the Closet, Bailey-Coy, other independent bookstores, or the public library for books on the topic. Better yet, get to know an elder in our community and ask about the days of police raids in Pioneer Square bars and the triumphs and defeats the LGBT community has experienced through the years. PARTY! Gather your friends for food, drink, conversation, and the political scoop. Host a house party for ERW whether you have a house, apartment, condo, or houseboat. Or throw your party in a park, community center, or any place that seems fun. You set up the venue, invite the guests, and provide the refreshments. Well provide someone to give info on ERW and ask for donations. Its a great way to raise money for ERW, help your friends stay informed, and have a good time. E-mail volunteer@equalrightswashington.org to set one up. So kick back, enjoy your summer, and take advantage of every opportunity to be out, open, and vocal about LGBT equality. SIDEBAR Catch the action of Storm basketball and advance equality at the same time. Equal Rights Washington invites you to join us at the Seattle Storm v. Connecticut Sun game on Wednesday, June 22 for the Storm Pride Tipoff event. In addition to the game itself enjoy a pre-game reception with live music, cocktails, and more. Tickets are $22. To purchase tickets, or for more information, e-mail tickets@equalrightswashington.org.


	info@digitalteamworks.com