Coming Out Politically
Being open in your personal life is important for building closer relationships with family and friends. Being open politically is equally important and can help change the world for the young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people who will follow us.
Talking about GLBT issues to candidates and lawmakers helps make our country a safer and fairer place for everyone. It also increases the prominence of GLBT issues in mainstream political debate.
Being open effectively also means being informed. Here are some facts to keep in mind.
Things to Know
- In most states, it is legal to fire, refuse to hire or deny a promotion to someone just for being GLBT. No federal law prohibits such discrimination, even though the law does protect people from employment bias based on race, religion, national origin and other characteristics.
- More than 1,100 federal rights and responsibilities of marriage are denied to same-sex couples and their families.
- Hate crimes against GLBT Americans continue in alarming numbers, but federal law does not include anti-GLBT hate crimes as it does for those based on other characteristics.
- There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS, and abstinence-only sex education does not teach effective prevention to young people.
- GLBT Americans are not allowed to serve openly in the armed forces, despite a huge need for new recruits.
- All people, legislators included, are less likely to discriminate — and more likely to support equality — when they know someone who is GLBT. So talk about it with candidates and elected officials.
As You Decide to Move Forward
- Register to vote! And once you register, follow through and vote. It sounds simple, but it’s the most important thing you can do. Your voice does matter.
- Educate yourself on GLBT political issues, and talk about them with friends and family during elections.
- Get involved in campaigns. Use HRC’s Congressional Scorecard and website for information.
- Write letters to your elected officials letting them know you are GLBT, or that you’re a straight person who supports GLBT civil rights. Here are some tips:
- Handwritten letters are more personal and effective than form letters.
- Be clear about your experiences.
- If elected officials are supportive, thank them; if not, ask them to do better.
- Some officials you may want to engage: City Council, School Board, Mayor, Governor, State Legislators, U.S. Congress,U.S. Senate, and the President
- Register online at HRC’s Action Center, which will help you keep in touch with your elected officials about GLBT issues via e-mail, fax and phone, all from the comfort of your personal computer.
- If you live in or move to a GLBT-friendly or progressive city, don’t forget those who aren’t so lucky. Encourage parents, friends and loved ones to be vocal about GLBT equality in their areas.