June 2003

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

What an exciting time to live in Massachusetts! Civil marriage is finally a reality for all couples in the Commonwealth, regardless of sexual orientation. The Western Massachusetts Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Political Alliance is a part of a state-wide coalition that is working to secure our equal rights under the law and to block a Constitutional amendment that would strip those rights away. We've organized panel discussions, rallies, and voter registration efforts. Last month, we held a community event in Northampton that covered the nuts and bolts of same-sex marriage. And we've compiled a far-reaching email list that promptly informs our community about breaking developments and action alerts.

Maybe you, like us, have attended the weddings of friends and loved ones. While this is indeed a time for joyous celebration, the fight to preserve our marriage rights is far from over. Two lawsuits were recently initiated to strike down the discriminatory 1913 law that prevents the marriages of same-sex couples from outside Massachusetts. And the Massachusetts Legislature is gearing up for another Constitutional Convention that would bring an anti-marriage amendment one step closer to reality. Our opposition has not stopped fighting to strip us of our rights, and we must not relax our vigilance.

Beyond same-sex marriage, many other pressing issues require the time and efforts of the Political Alliance. We must make candidate endorsements that will inform our community about which legislators are most committed to our rights. We must work to restore funding for the Safe Schools Program for LGBT students in Massachusetts. We must work to ensure that transgender people -- and others who challenge gender stereotypes -- are provided with basic civil rights that allow them to live and work free of discrimination. We must advocate for stronger hate crime legislation and for public awareness of the protections that do exist. We must ensure that all GLBT individuals and allies in the Commonwealth have contacted their state and local representatives to make their voices heard. We must build coalitions with other progressive political groups in Western Massachusetts. Yes, we DO have an agenda -- a progressive social justice agenda -- and the Political Alliance is organized and committed to its realization.

The Political Alliance is a grassroots organization, and we need your help in order to continue our work towards equality for all LGBT individuals. Your financial contribution will enable us to work on a number of projects to strengthen our organization, build coalitions, and make our voices heard more clearly by our elected officials in Boston and Washington, D.C. We encourage you to consider making a donation in the names of a recently married same-sex couple, or simply donate on behalf of all of those whose rights are not yet fully secure under the law.

The easiest way to donate is by visiting our website, and using our donation form feature. If you would prefer to send a check, our mailing address is The LGBT Political Alliance of Western Mass, P.O. Box 1244, Northampton, MA 01060.

Finally, please consider lending a hand to the Political Alliance's efforts. We hold monthly meetings in Amherst and are actively seeking people to help us with candidate endorsements, grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and community education. We are particularly invite the involvement of youth, people of color, transgender people, older people, heterosexual allies, and others who can help us better address the needs of our communities.

The Political Alliance needs your participation and financial support to effectively meet the challenges and opportunities we will face this year in making Massachusetts a more equitable and safe place for all!

Sincerely,

Tim Blake
Pat Griffin
Co-Chairs

P.O. Box 1244 Northampton, MA 01060

info@wmassalliance.org

Last updated June 27, 2004

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