HRC Back Story

Good afternoon,

There’s fantastic news out of Connecticut today: the state Supreme Court has made Connecticut the third state in the nation to recognize marriage equality!

This is a very proud day for Connecticut and a very proud day for every American who believes in the promise of equal rights for all. The Connecticut Supreme Court recognized that gay and lesbian couples who form committed relationships and loving families deserve the same level of respect afforded to straight couples. The court did its job by making clear that the state constitution guarantees the same rights and protections for everyone. This decision strengthens Connecticut families. We congratulate and commend the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), Love Makes a Family, which worked closely with GLAD on this case, and, of course, the courageous plaintiff couples and their families who looked to the courts to vindicate their rights. [Special thanks to Jason Kelliher, our Greater New York Steering Committe Co-Chair, for sending us this great picture of the victory rally in Connecticut.]

The victory in Connecticut is thrilling and inspiring. But now we’ve got to redouble our work to defeat Proposition 8 in California. The elections are just 25 days away, and we’re at a critical juncture in the fight to protect marriage equality there.

Marriage Fight in California

The Yes on Prop. 8 operation has kicked its hateful campaign to enshrine discrimination into California’s constitution up a notch, and it’s going to take everything we have to stop them from turning back the clock on progress.

This campaign will be won or lost in the next three and half weeks. The other side is well-funded and well-organized. They’ve got more money than the Vote No on Prop. 8/Equality for All coalition, and they’re using it to run misleading ads that have helped them pull ahead in public opinion polling. The lead we once had has vanished.

Don’t sit by and let it happen. Rise up, take action, and urge your friends and family to do the same. We should all be very afraid of what defeat in California means for our community—and we should use that fear as fuel to stand up and demand equality.

Stop what you’re doing right now and donate to the Human Rights Campaign California Marriage PAC. Times are tough for everyone right now, but, quite simply, we can’t afford to lose this.

And while you’re coming out against Proposition 8, don’t forget that Saturday is National Coming Out Day.

National Coming Out Day

To celebrate, HRC has sponsored a contest in which individuals are invited to create a short video telling the world how they will come out and vote to make a difference in the hearts and minds of their friends, family, classmates, co-workers and country.

The winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. and will have the opportunity to be on my XM radio show, “The Agenda with Joe Solmonese.” The winning video will be featured on HRC’s website, YouTube channel, Facebook and MySpace pages and the HRC Back Story blog at www.HRCBackStory.org. To learn more about the contest, visit www.hrc.org/ComingOutContest.

HRC also released a National Coming Out Day awareness video featuring Perez Hilton and other prominent LGBT individuals. View the video by clicking here.

10th Anniversary of Matthew Shepard's Death

This weekend also marks a somber occasion. On Sunday, October 12th, it will be ten years since the passing of Matthew Shepard. Matthew’s brutal murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crimes against the LGBT community and inspired his mother, Judy Shepard, to become a heroic activist for federal hate crimes legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. A decade later, she’s still fighting.

Earlier this week, the CBS Early Show did a story on the ten year remembrance of Matthew’s tragic death and Judy was interviewed live for the segment. You can view it here. Read an AP story on the same subject here.

HRC's Cathy Nelson: A "CNN Hero"

On a happier note, our own Vice President of Development and Membership, Cathy Nelson, has been designated with the honor of CNN Hero. Cathy was nominated by HRC’s close friend and ally in the fight for LGBT equality, the inimitable Cyndi Lauper. Cathy’s Hero video aired Thursday during Larry King Live and will air again today on CNN Headline News between 8 and 9 pm, between 10 and 11 pm, and on Saturday morning between 1-2 am. You can also watch it online here.

Cathy and Cyndi worked closely to make the True Colors tours so successful, not only in entertaining the many thousands who came to the shows, but by motivating them to participate in the political process. Cathy’s been with HRC since 1989, and I can honestly say that I don’t know what the organization would be without her vision, her passion, and her inspired point of view. Congratulations, Cathy—we love you.

Have a great weekend!

Warmly,