Those who have known me for awhile know that I am active in engaging my legislators on a regular basis through OutFront Minnesota. Here is their latest project:
QuoteSend Us Your Photos
We've begun receiving your photos but we need lots more!
OutFront Minnesota is asking folks to send in some of your favorite family-and-friends pictures! Add a statement about "what GLBT equality means to me/my family."
OutFront Minnesota will deliver the photos to state legislators at the beginning of the 2008 session - Tuesday, February 12th. These photos and statements will demonstrate that Minnesotans support a just and fair state.
We'd like a few pictures from each district in Minnesota.
* Send us a mix of shots; for example, you/your family in front of a business on main street, at your school or congregation, attending a local community event, etc. - places and events your elected officials might recognize.
* Include a sentence or two from your heart about what GLBT equality means to you/your family.
* Include your address so we can track the legislative districts represented.
* Send your pictures and statement about GLBT equality to jmarsicano@outfront.org by Wednesday, February 6th. Include your name, address, email and phone number.
Don't forget the statement about "what GLBT equality means to me/my family."
Note: Only first names will be used publicly.
No addresses or other information will be shared.
Only your state lawmakers will see full names and addresses.
In appreciation for your participation, your name will be entered into a gift raffle when you send us your pictures.
Photo Exhibit at the Capitol
In time for OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day (April 17th), OutFront Minnesota will organize a photo exhibit featuring a representation of all the photos received.
The theme of the photo display will be: "What GLBT equality means to me/my family."
We can make the photos available for local art exhibits - let us know if you'd like to do a display at your library, congregation, community center, etc. This could be a fun and useful opportunity to work with local media, do an opening night reception, organize a public education event, etc. We'd be happy to work with you on any idea you have for using the photo display.
We look forward to receiving your photos and incorporating them into the movement for GLBT equality. Thanks!
I submitted this:
Included are three photos.
One is of my entire family when we were giving a talk on what it's like to live in a transgender family. From left to right: Lisbeth, Rowen, Ian, Jennan, Deb.
Another is with my spouse at my name change hearing. From left to right: Judge Chu, Lisbeth, Deb.
And one is taken with my youngest child. From left to right: Lisbeth and Jennan.
What GLBT equality means to my family is that we can be a family. It means that my children with be respected without reguard to who I am. It means we can be safe from harassment and free to take care of each other. When I was assaulted, that safety was broken. Still we were there for each other. My eleven year old said, "Nobody is going to mess with you while I'm around!" And all of us feel the same about each other. If anyone has "family values," I want to know if they value my family.
