PFLAG National Proudly Presents: Bringing the Message Home, 2011

Dear PFLAGers,   As you know, no voice is more powerful -- or persuasive -- than that of a PFLAG member. As parents, families, friends and allies of America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens, we know firsthand the impact that discriminatory laws have on our loved ones and ourselves. Our stories of the pain this prejudice inflicts upon our families are enormously important in moving fair legislation forward and in opposing anti-LGBT bills and resolutions in Congress.   For almost a decade, PFLAG National’s Bringing the Message Home campaign has empowered many of you to meet with countless lawmakers and their staff, helping pass important laws like the Shepard Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act and the legislative repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Now, with the release of our 2011 guide, we have included the most recent federal legislation introduced in the 112th Congress. Bringing the Message Home will empower and encourage you to begin or continue meeting with federal lawmakers about important issues impacting our LGBT loved ones. It features issue briefs, talking points, information to help you set up a lobby visit, and techniques for gaining the support of your Congress Members.   While the current House of Representatives poses a significant obstacle for pro-LGBT legislation to advance, we view this Congress as an important opportunity to continue education efforts vital to the ultimate passage of legislation like the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Every Child Deserves a Family Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, among the many other critical bills necessary to extend full equality to our LGBT loved ones and ourselves. In fact, there are over 100 new members of Congress who need education about LGBT lives and the lack of basic civil rights.   It is critically important that PFLAG families let lawmakers and the President know where they stand on important legislative and administrative priorities.   Remember: it is up to each of us, as members of the PFLAG family, to bring the message home thatdiscrimination, prejudice and second-class citizenship must end, and that full civil rights must be extended to our family and friends without delay.  To that end please take action today by downloading your copy of Bringing the Message Home . Research the issues, then schedule a lobby visit with your legislators. Over the next few months, you'll have two opportunities to meet with your federal legislators; once in August when they return to their home states, and in D.C. when you join us at the PFLAG National Lobby Day, part of the 2011 PFLAG National Convention, on November 3rd! Please don't pass up these opportunities to let key decision-makers know how they can help make your families stronger by moving equality forward!    Thank you for Bringing the Message Home!   PFLAG National's Policy Team

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