Angry about Paladino?

Turn anger into action -- Pledge to Vote on November 2

Everyone's talking about candidate for governor Carl Paladino's recent comments attacking the LGBT community before an audience of orthodox rabbis in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:

"That's not how God created us. . . . I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don't want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option—it isn't."

In light of recent stunning anti-gay violence in the Bronx and a rash of suicides by LGBT youth across the country, The New York Times called his remarks "utterly gratuitous" and said that they suggest "at the very least an extraordinary level of insensitivity." The Washington Post called them a "stunning display of tone-deafness and bigotry."

What are you going to do about it? Don't just sit there and shake your first at the television screen or grumble into your newspaper.

Take our "Pledge to vote" in the November 2 General Election for all candidates — those running for statewide office and those in the NYS Senate and Assembly — who support our equality and have committed to supporting our issues. And ask everyone you know who is offended by these insults to do the same. The upcoming elections must be our number one target to send the message that in New York State we hold our elected officials up to a higher standard. They also clear the way to proactively push for major priorities like marriage and transgender civil rights.

Join us and sign the pledge. If you're angry like us, you can't afford to sit this election out.

Pride Agenda announces first round of endorsements in 2010 Elections

Last week, we let you know how excited we were to move into election season so we could work to re-elect legislators who have stood by our side and elect new ones who we can be certain will bring about real change in Albany.

Now, the time has come to make change happen.

The Pride Agenda has made its first round of endorsements for the 2010 Primary and General Elections. The 20 candidates endorsed so far have either been strong allies of the LGBT community in the New York State Legislature on issues at the top of the Pride Agenda’s public policy agenda, or have pledged their support on such issues including marriage equality for same-sex couples ending legal discrimination against transgender New Yorkers and increasing funding for LGBT health and human services providers.

This election is a crucial step toward accomplishing our governmental priorities. We have only endorsed candidates who already are or will be unabashed legislative allies who demonstrate their support for LGBT equality and justice with complete clarity. Click here to see our first round of endorsements.

But we know we can’t win unless we keep supporters of LGBT equality and justice updated and get them involved. So over the next few days, we’ll be sending you messages about some of the most important races we’re focusing on this year. You’ll read about our plans to challenge candidates who voted “no” on marriage, defend our allies who are under attack for their stand on LGBT equality and increase the ranks of LGBT state legislators.

We hope you’re as ready as we are to get to work, and that these election profiles inspire you to visit our online Election Center, sign up to volunteer on one of these campaigns or make a donation to our PAC so we can make sure these crucial races have the resources they need. We look forward to keeping you updated!