What does Equality & Justice mean to you?

What does equality and justice mean to you?

Whether you're able to join us in Albany or not for Equality & Justice Day on Tuesday, May 8, you're probably involved with the Empire State Pride Agenda because equality and justice are values you hold close.

Take a moment and share with our movement what equality and justice means to you. Download and print our sign "Equality & Justice because..." Fill it out. Take a photo of yourself holding it. Post it on the Facebook wall for Equality & Justice Day or Tweet it at us @prideagenda using the hash tag #ej12.

Your response can be very personal or very broad; it can be words, a drawing, a photo, whatever you think of.

For Pinterest users, we will also be cross-posting these images on our Pinterest board "Equality & Justice because..." and re-pinning images with the hash tag #ej12.

We look forward to seeing your submissions online!

Our opponents are in Albany

There are just three days left after today to take advantage of the early bird registration rate for Equality & Justice Day on Monday, May 9. Sign up now.

As we speak, 1,500 members of an anti-LGBT extremist organization are swarming Albany and arguing against marriage and transgender civil rights to their legislators. Ironically, the so-called "New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms" are specifically targeting the LGBT community and asking legislators to single us out and deny us equality and justice. They're even calling for a state Defense of Marriage Act, even though we're among just six states to have successfully fought off such a blight on our laws.

What will you do to stop our opponents?

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the 1971 March on Albany that saw thousands of New Yorkers from all corners demand fair treatment for LGBT people. They faced harassment and even death threats, but they made their voices heard in our capital and they inspire us to keep marching today. We remember them as we keep working for marriage, transgender civil rights and our fair share of public funding for the health of the LGBT community.

What will you do to honor their memory?

We were disappointed to see a marriage vote delayed in Maryland, and know that when marriage comes for a vote again in New York, we must be ready. We have to do everything we can ahead of time to make sure our legislature votes for marriage and other priorities. Join us on Monday, May 9 for Equality & Justice Day.

We have the majority of New York behind us. We now need our representatives to carry out the will of the people.

P.S. -- Since you will be saving on your early bird registration, can you pitch in and help someone go with an extra contribution to our scholarship fund?

Equality & Justice Day 2009

Thank you to everyone who helped make LGBT Equality & Justice Day 2009 our most successful lobby day ever! Two thousand of you came to show Albany the power of our community, and your efforts did not go unnoticed – this year’s E&J Day received more coverage in the media than ever before. The following are a few photos from the day and links to just a sampling of the stories written and broadcast across the state:





New York Magazine’s Chris Rovzar attended the full day and covered the morning speeches and afternoon rally.

Several blogs noted the standing ovation given to the Governor when he spoke during the morning program.

The Troy Record has a great collection of video clips from the rally.

Gannett News wrote on the rally and LBGT activists’ lobbying efforts.

Capitol Confidential highlights some of Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle’s best morning comments. They also noted the important point that on E&J Day, LGBT rights advocates lobby both legislators who are already good on our issues and those who aren’t there yet.

NY1 has great broadcast coverage of the day (here and here), as does Capital News 9.

Fox News in Albany highlighted Republican Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward’s comments at the rally.

WNYC radio also covered the full day (here and here).

The AP’s coverage of E&J Day is short and to-the-point.


Were you at Equality & Justice Day? Share your stories and feedback in the comments of this post!

Equality & Justice Day - “Each year I gain more knowledge on the issues”

Below is the next in our series of E&J stories. See you at Equality & Justice Day on April 28!

Mollie DeMeio, Newburgh:

I first attended Equality and Justice Day in 2007 as a high school sophomore. I had lobbied in New York State before, so I thought I knew what to expect. I was so wrong. The Pride Agenda community and its supporters are fierce. They're so passionate, organized, intelligent and diverse. I was especially glad to see how many young people there were, all decked out in rainbow clothes waving signs in support of the Dignity for All Students Act, and others. I'd never before been surrounded by so many politically active queer people of all ages and walks of life.

This April will be my third consecutive E&J Day. Each year I gain more and more knowledge on the issues that affect our community and how to discuss them with my legislators. It's simple yet effective political engagement that I love, and of which I am very proud. I hope to continue attending E&J Day every year until either I move from New York, or until we no longer need to lobby the government for equality and justice!

Equality & Justice Day - “This is how it happens”

Below is the next in our series of E&J stories. We'll see you at Equality & Justice Day on April 28!

Jennifer Greene, Bellport, Long Island:

I attended E&J Day in 2008, and am glad I did! I went with a friend from my Unitarian Universalist congregation--and we had a GREAT time together on the bus ride.

As a straight ally, I felt my presence at E&J Day was very much valued and appreciated. I attended three legislator meetings, and it was good to be there showing my support and also hearing the stories of my fellow E&J Day attendees, which reinforced my own understanding of why these lobbying efforts are so important.

As a parent, I was able to relate my own teen's observations of anti-LGBT bias at his school. It's clear that harassment based on someone's perceived orientation or gender expression is a safety issue for all our schools. I also enjoyed mentioning GroundSpark's "It's Elementary" documentary in my legislator meetings as an excellent resource that I want them to be aware of. The young children in that film "get it" when it comes to treating people fairly; shouldn't we ALL "get it”?

Thanks again for the opportunity to participate in pushing our lawmakers toward positive change--this is how it happens. People power!

Equality & Justice Day - “We get to show them our families and our community”

Below is the last post in our series of E&J stories before TODAY'S deadline to register for E&J Day to guarantee your seat on a bus and your legislative visit.

Eileen Novack, Long Island:

When I first attended Equality and Justice Day back in 2006, I was not really sure what to expect. How many folks actually turn out for this thing? What are we supposed to do while spending the entire day in Albany? Is it worth it to spend hours getting to Albany, just to see your representatives for ten minutes? What am I going to say to them anyway? Why am I going?

What I found out was that the Empire State Pride Agenda does an excellent job organizing this event each year, and they have answers to all of those questions. I found that there were almost a thousand people in attendance that year and that there is plenty to see and do during the day – meetings on the issues and how to talk to your representatives, speakers and a rally, and the personal meetings with your Assemblymember and Senator.


I really liked the fact that on this day, the LGBT people of New York get to bring to our elected officials’ attention that we have borne the brunt of injustice for far too long. We get to remind them that we deserve the same rights and responsibilities that the non-LGBT community enjoys. We get to tell them that they are representing ALL of the people in their district, including us. We get to tell them our stories. We get to show them our families and our community. We get to ask them directly for their support, and we get to ask why if they don't give it.

This will be my fourth year attending. I don't ask why anymore. I just go.

Just go! Click here to register NOW for Equality & Justice Day - the deadline is today!

Equality & Justice Day – “We have a come a long way – but we still have a long way to go!”

Below is the next in our series of E&J stories. Register for E&J Day now -- There are just TWO DAYS left to sign up to be guaranteed a seat on a bus and a visit with your elected officials.

Greg Lewis, SAGE Upstate, Syracuse:

I would recommend that everyone in the LGBT community attend Equality and Justice Day in Albany on April 28, 2009. This will be my third year, and every time my partner and I go it gets more exciting -- mainly because each time we visit with our legislators it feels like we are getting closer and closer to our ultimate goals.

Greg Lewis (fifth from right), his partner Scott Milner (holding sign) and others from SAGE Upstate at Equality & Justice Day last year.

I think back to when I first came out at the Woodstock Rock Concert on August 18, 1969, and really marvel at the progress we have made in the gay community since the Stonewall riots in June of 1969. In those days, American gays and lesbians in the faced a legal system that was anti-homosexual. The last years of the 1960s were very contentious, as many social movements were active, including the Civil Rights Movement, the counterculture of the 1960s, the women’s movement, anti-Vietnam war demonstrations and of course the new “gay movement.” These influences served as catalysts for the Stonewall riots.

I can remember going to the gay bars in Syracuse, NY in the early 70s and the police would come in the bars, block off the front door and demand identification from all the patrons. While they were checking your ID, there were nasty and demeaning remarks being made by the police on the direction of the police chief. How could we even think about getting married when we couldn’t even go out and drink with our friends peacefully without harassment?


We have come a long way, “baby!” But we still have a long way to go!


Please join our contingency from Syracuse and from all around New York State to converge on Albany and make our voices heard to our legislators. There is power in numbers and you will feel extremely fulfilled having participated in this historic and important event. See you there.


Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register. Sign up now – the deadline to register to be guaranteed transportation and a legislative visit is April 10 – just two days away!

Equality & Justice Day - "Why not sign up?"

Below is the next post in our series of E&J stories. Check back for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day – the deadline is THIS FRIDAY to guarantee your bus seat and legislative visit!

Frank Cappadona, New City:

On my first Equality and Justice Day in 2008, I wondered, Why did I sign up?” Now, that day resides in my memory as a significant event for me, one of those times that I felt I was doing something in support of my gay child and of other people’s children, whether adult or otherwise, whether gay or otherwise. More importantly, I derived a kind of strength and satisfaction from that day--the kind that one gets when doing something that simultaneously feels good, just and honorable. I guess it’s as close as I could get to feeling spiritual without meditating or being in church. It was a feeling of community with over a thousand people, though I do not know 99 percent of them.

What got me to go to E&J Day last year was the idea of reasoning with legislators to do the right thing as well as to add to our numbers of supporters. Those are still good reasons for anyone to go. However, what’s getting me there this time is different. I want to show a face of one “plain-vanilla” person who wants equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers. In my case, that is a 60-something-year-old retiree, a Catholic, a husband, a father, a grandfather and one who now says, “Why not sign up?”

Why not, indeed? Join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day -- click here to register. Sign up now – the deadline to be guaranteed transportation and a legislative visit is April 10!

Equality & Justice Day – “I can act in solidarity”

Below is the fifth post in our series of E&J stories. Check back with us soon for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day – there are just four days left to register to guarantee your seat on a bus and your legislative visit.

Patty Bentley, United University Professions Union Member, North Country:

I go to Equality and Justice Day because I am passionate about equity and fairness. I go because I am secure both in my job and in my position as an out lesbian. I advocate for marriage equality because it is the only fair and just way to handle life partners and loving commitment among anyone, including same sex couples.

Two years ago, I asked to go to E&J Day as a member of my union and an active participant in our legislative advocacy. That year, I was the only member from my very large academic union -- but that is changing. I visited with my legislators, three upstate Republicans. The two Assemblymembers I met with were a total surprise. Assemblymember Teresa Sayward gave us an immediate signal of her intention to vote for all the bills under consideration, including marriage equality. She was compelling and wonderful in her explanation and emotional support for her son and his partner. Two weeks after that, she signed on as a sponsor of the bills (Marriage Equality, GENDA and Dignity for All Students). When the marriage equality bill came to the floor of the Assembly a few weeks later, she spoke from her heart on the floor of the Assembly and got a standing ovation from her colleagues.

When my Assemblywoman, Janet Duprey, voted against the bill then -- saying she did so because she didn’t feel she knew enough about the issue to vote otherwise -- I offered to bring some constituents to her local office and she eagerly accepted. She listened for over two hours to eleven people, each with a compelling and wonderful story about marriage equality and what it would mean to them. Six weeks later, I got a call from the Assemblywoman with the news that she was on board and would vote “yes” the next time the bill came to the Assembly. Not only was I encouraged about the eventual passage of real marriage equality for same-sex couples, but my faith in politics and politicians rose dramatically.

Last year I went to Equality & Justice Day again with a wonderful staff member from United University Professions (UUP). My Senator, Betty Little, was in committee, so we met with her Chief of Staff. I was impressed and moved by a gay couple from Glens Falls in my meeting who told the Chief of Staff that they wanted marriage equality in name and effect -- not a substitute like a civil union, domestic partnership or anything else.

For years I went to Albany and other cities for Pride events and enjoyed them immensely. They were political only in the sense of being out and visible and having a day, sometimes in the heat of June, to celebrate. I have become what, as a newly out lesbian in 1970, I abhorred: a “political lesbian” (a.k.a. “feminist”). So, I’ve come to believe that the Empire State Pride Agenda is the group that I need to be involved with at this point, because that is where I can be heard and make a difference. On E&J Day, I can act in solidarity with all the wonderful gays, lesbians, trans folk, queer and questioning, straight allies, youth, religious community, union members, workplace advocates, political activists and people new to advocacy -- all people who arrive to speak an be heard. It’s fun, it’s needed, and it is empowering.

Come join us in Albany. We have work to do, and you can help.

Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register. Sign up now – the deadline to register to be guaranteed transportation and a legislative visit is April 10 – just four days away!

Iowa Supreme Court strikes down ban on same-sex marriages

Great news from Iowa this morning, as the State Supreme Court UNANIMOUSLY struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriages. You can read the court decision here.

More on the Iowa decision from the Des Moines Register, The New York Times and, of course, bloggers, bloggers and more bloggers.

Here in New York City, Civil Rights Front is planning a rally at Union Square this evening. Here are the details (from organizer Heath Tucker):

"As many of you are already aware, we were victorious in Iowa today. In response, we are having a celebratory rally on the south side of Union Square at 6:30pm tonight. The overall tone of the evening will be a celebration, but we must make everyone who attends aware of the steps we must take in our OWN state to achieve such a victory."

What: Celebrate Victory in Iowa
Where: Union Square (south side)
When: 6:30-7:30pm

And speaking of steps that YOU can take to make marriage equality happen here in New York State, the best way that you can have an impact in New York is to come to Equality & Justice Day in Albany on April 28. Find out more here.

Equality & Justice Day – “Go to Albany and let your voices be heard”

Below is the fourth post in our series of E&J stories. Check back soon for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day.

D’Angelo Johnson, GENDA activist, New York City:

I started going to Equality & Justice Day a few years ago. I was very interested in learning more about how to get GENDA passed because I and many others in New York are affected by this bill. I was growing very frustrated with the lack of equal treatment for transgender and gender non-conforming people in NYC. It was in Albany that I met so many other folks who were everyday people that decided to take matters into their own hands and fight for equal rights. The experience kept me coming back because I felt like it was possible to actually impact change.
My first year was a huge crash course in lobbying and I was tutored by the one and only Melissa Sklarz as well as Sebastian McGuire, both of whom were very encouraging and helpful. I quickly learned the basics and found myself walking the halls in Albany, seeking out my Assemblymember and Senator from my district. Although Assemblymember Scarborough and Senator Huntley were not available, I was able to talk with their representatives and get a better understanding of how to set up appointments to meet with them once I got back to the city. When I got back to my district, I was part of a meeting with the very conservative Assemblymember Scarborough in regards to marriage equality. The meeting went well and to our surprise, the Assemblyman voted in support of marriage equality. Each year after that I became more involved in the work and facilitated workshops as well as coached other folks on what to expect and how to make the most of Lobby Day. I strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to go to Albany and let your voices be heard. There is a great sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with meeting lawmakers face to face and expressing the need for equality and justice for all. I am not saying change happens overnight or even at all sometimes, but I know that being involved facilitates more opportunity for change than standing on the sidelines.

Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register. Sign up now – the deadline to register to be guaranteed transportation and a legislative visit is April 10!

Equality & Justice Day – “Strengthening the community we all work so hard to build”

Below is the third post in our series of E&J stories. Check back with us in the weeks leading up to E&J Day for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day.

Ceridwen Troy, Youth Program Assistant at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Rochester:

There's a saying that goes, roughly, "It's not the destination that's important, it's the journey." For me, this saying easily sums up my feelings about Equality & Justice Day. While it might be known casually as the "Pride Agenda Lobby Day," Equality & Justice Day is about so much more than just going to Albany to lobby.

For me, Equality & Justice Day means getting up at four in the morning and gathering in the parking lot behind The Village Gate with four huge buses and enough Rochesterians to fill them. It means a four hour trip to Albany with a bus full of Gay Alliance Youth Program members. It means watching the sun rise out the window, watching the youth as they interact with each other, watching movies on the overhead TV. Those four hours give us so many opportunities to connect in ways different from those inside the walls of the Youth Center. The center is a place for hanging out and finding support, but this trip shifts everyone's focus to their activism, to making a difference, and to seeing our needs met by the state government. With that shift in focus comes a shift in the conversations we have, about previous years' trips, about the activism they're doing in school, and about all kinds of topics we never thought we'd share with each other (four hours there and four hours back, after all, make up a lot of conversation time to fill!)

Those conversations build connections that last throughout the year, strengthening the community we all (staff, volunteers and youth) work so hard to build inside our center.

Then we get to Albany, to the Convention Center. Seeing just how many people come from all over New York is so inspiring. It's often easy, as an activist, to feel like you're alone in this work. Even when you know consciously that there are other activists and allies at your side, it can often feel like you're trudging through this by yourself. To see this huge mass of people gathered for the same cause can be very reinvigorating. It was especially wonderful for me to see the tables of people gathered from the rural areas of New York, the places where I grew up.

The connections made at Equality & Justice Day are so important to me, whether between the members of our youth community here in Rochester, or between activists all across this state; more important to me than the act of lobbying itself. This year's trip might lead to success or it might not, but those connections are what will sustain this community throughout this phase of the movement and beyond.

Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register.

Equality & Justice Day – “Treated as a friend and an ally of the LGBT community”

Below is the second post in our series of E&J stories. Check back with us in the next few weeks for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day.

Fareed Michelen, NYS AFL-CIO, Albany:

Last year I attended my first Equality and Justice Day in Albany. I have lobbied for years prior to this event, but was asked by a friend of mine to help out with the activities, to be a marshal for small groups, and to make sure no one got lost. I figured it would be like every other lobbying activity I went to before: people would gripe about their conditions, some politician or his/her aide would provide lip service and we would move on to our next appointment. I must admit I was grossly mistaken. For starters it was one of the most organized and fluid events I ever participated in. No one got lost, scattered or injured. The greatest debate we got into was who wanted to go to legislative visits and who wanted to attend the workshops being offered. There were enough participants to do both and not diminish the numbers or voices of the constituents at the visits with the legislators.

The most amazing thing for me was the stories told by the folks involved. As a heterosexual male, I had assumed I knew the troubles facing the LGBT community and that they suffered like the rest of us folks of color. While oppression is a universal pain, what I learned from the great folks I was with was that we do not experience it universally. The struggles, ostracizing, harassment and disenfranchisement faced by members of the LGBT community are very unique and complicated in our society. To be able to put a face and a voice to these struggles was as much of an educational opportunity for me as it was for the legislators we saw. The scope of the suffering inflicted on this community is beyond my ability to put in words. All I can say is that more people need to hear it and be involved to learn about it.

Not only was I treated as a friend and ally to the LGBT community, but they were so patient with my ignorance and prejudices. I am not a perfect person and I was raised in a family and culture not open to the LGBT community. To share this openly with the attendees and then have them take me under their wing to educate and nurture my development was an amazing experience. As a firm believer in equality and justice for all, I learned that I was unaware of the scope and depth of the inequality and injustice the LGBT community faces on a daily basis. I encourage more people to participate in this wonderful event.

Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register.

Equality & Justice Day – “The tools to lobby for equality with confidence”

This year, it’s more important than ever that you join us in Albany on April 28 for Equality & Justice Day, our annual lobby day when we demonstrate the power of our community to our elected officials. We’ve shown you what E&J Day is like, and now we want to tell you – in the words of LGBT New Yorkers and allies who have attended in years past. Below is the first post in our series of E&J stories. Check back with us in the next few weeks for more – and don’t forget to register for E&J Day.


Gary Gilbert, Marriage Ambassador, Queens:

I highly recommend Equality and Justice Day to everybody because it builds up one’s confidence that one can lobby legislators. If one can do it in Albany, one can easily do it in one’s district.

My experience has been very positive. Three years ago, my husband and I visited our totally supportive Assemblymember. We bumped into him as he was stepping out of his office, and he was very happy to see that we had taken the time to visit him in Albany. This Assemblymember was for marriage equality years ago when LGBT activists were promoting domestic partnerships. His position, shocking to some activists at the time, was that if two people are going to commit to each other then they should be married like everybody else.

That first visit to an easy audience helped me to get used to the idea of visiting a politician. I remember I was nervous and kept referring to my sheet of bills we were supposed to talk about. But the Assemblymember was very friendly and reassuring. We spoke for twenty minutes about the issues, and then in the last five minutes the Assemblymember began to engage in small talk, which I had learned was a way for him to signal the visit was over. We walked out of the office with him, and then in the hall he told me about an unrelated bill and why he was voting against it, which allowed me to see that he reads the texts of bills very carefully and votes based on the exact wording. We felt that we had a very good picture of who this person is and how he does his job, which subsequently made it easier to contact him. We also got to visit our supportive State Senator’s office and spoke with a very nice aid.

After our first Equality and Justice Day, we found that we had built up our confidence that we could do district visits. The staff of both offices were very nice to us, and it became normal for us to stop in every now and then to talk. Our showing them that we were the kind of constituents who would travel to Albany to make a point seemed to help build our credibility with them. The second year was more of the same, with us visiting our friendly legislators. I led a group of constituents in a meeting with our Assemblymember, and learned how to be more assertive with the people I led.

Last year, I finally got to visit a State Senator who continues to sit on the fence for marriage equality. I was very nervous with him, but he smiled and treated me like a grandson. He told me he would vote for the Dignity for All Students Act and the Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act, but not marriage. I asked him why and he said his opposition was religious. I told him that this is civil marriage, and that the bill says that no church would be forced to marry a couple. It became clear from that encounter that his opposition was based on a lack of knowledge -- I had gathered important information that could be used for subsequent visits and lobbying. I had also become more self-confident in speaking with legislators about bills which are important to the LGBT community. Empire State Pride Agenda gave me the training and the tools to be able to go out there and lobby for equality with confidence.


Want to join us in Albany for Equality & Justice Day? Click here for more information or to register.

The Pride Agenda on Twitter

The Pride Agenda is now on Twitter! See our tweets and sign up to follow us here. We'll be providing you with short, periodic updates on what we're doing and how you can get involved -- and very soon on April 28, we'll be "tweeting" at Equality & Justice Day!

This Sunday, OffSprung presents: Out Artists Take the Stage

Join OffSprung! at The Living Room this Sunday, March 8 from 7-9 PM for a night of entertainment by lesbian and gay artists. OffSprung! is the Pride Agenda's series of programs and events that seek to engage the next generation of LGBT leaders and straight allies in advocacy, networking and volunteerism.

Enjoy some great music and comedy while meeting new people and getting engaged with OffSprung! We'll also be signing people up for Equality & Justice Day, the Pride Agenda's annual lobby day in Albany on April 28.


You can RSVP via e-mail or on Facebook here. We hope to see you there!

Equality & Justice Day 2009 - The Time Is Now!

You’ve probably read about LGBT Equality & Justice Day, our one day of the year when hundreds of LGBT New Yorkers and our allies go to Albany to demonstrate the power of our community and lobby our elected officials. E&J Day 2009 will be the most important yet, because now, for the first time ever, we have a pro-LGBT Majority in the State Senate!

But this year, we don’t want to just tell you why you should register and come to E&J Day on April 28, 2009 – we want to show you.



You can learn more and register online here. Have any of you been to Equality & Justice Day in years past? Tell us about your experiences in the comments on this post – we and others would love to hear your stories about how you’ve made a difference in Albany on this vital day.

Equality & Justice Day 2008 - Open Thread

Yesterday, more than 1300 LGBT New Yorkers and our allies went to Albany to lobby lawmakers on issues that are most important to our community. To all attendees: please use this space to leave your impressions of the day--what you liked, what you learned or how you feel that you made a difference. And if you couldn't be there, feel free to add your comments here, too.

On behalf of the Pride Agenda, thank you to everyone who came and made E&J Day 2008 the largest-ever lobby day for our community.

Equality & Justice Day 2008

We can’t believe Equality & Justice Day 2008 is already over! It was a whirlwind day of lobbying, caucusing, rallying and networking for the more than 1300 LGBT New Yorkers and allies who attended. Thanks to everyone who made the trek to Albany to make our voices heard on marriage equality, outlawing discrimination against transgender New Yorkers, and safe schools for LGBT youth.

Here are some scenes from the Convention Hall and caucuses in the morning:

The speakers really fired up the crowd at our lunchtime rally, despite the less than desirable (a.k.a. freezing) weather. And with our tireless chants, we’re sure they heard us from the State Capitol Building!

At the end of the day, two of the openly gay legislators, Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell and State Senator Tom Duane, thanked everyone for their hard work and renewed their commitment to fight for LGBT rights.

Thanks again to everyone who made E&J Day 2008 a huge success!

Governor Paterson speaks out on marriage equality, safe schools and transgender protections

Last night several of us from the Pride Agenda attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s New York Leadership Awards dinner in New York City where Governor David Paterson was honored for his longstanding work on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.

The Pride Agenda’s Executive Director Alan Van Capelle was to have introduced the Governor to the crowd, but due to ongoing budget negotiations in Albany the Governor was unable to attend. Instead Alan introduced top Paterson aide Sean Maloney who accepted the award on behalf of the Governor. After brief remarks, Maloney let the Governor do the rest of the talking through his video message, which as you will see is both humorous and heartfelt.

Not only did Governor Paterson renew his vow “to push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state,” he also promised to fight for an end to bullying in schools due to bias and discrimination protections for transgender New Yorkers -- all issues well over 1000 New Yorkers will be traveling to Albany on April 29 to talk about with their legislators as part of our annual Equality & Justice Day.