It was a significant week for equality as NEAT and our partners in the Freedom & Opportunity for All Coalition organized nearly 500 constituents to participate in 75 different meetings with lawmakers representing 38 states to talk about the urgency of passing the Equality Act. Attendees reflected the diverse and deep support of the American public who support this legislation: transgender kids and their parents, faith leaders, conservatives, and more.
Following Lobby Day, NEAT and the Human Rights Campaign hosted attendees for a virtual follow event up called "Drag, Debrief & Action" featuring Drag Race, Broadway and Musical superstar, Peppermint. Those in attendance got to share their experiences from Lobby Day and take additional actions to stay involved in the campaign. Peppermint thanked everyone for their tireless efforts and expressed how important advocacy will be in passing the Equality Act.
"Arizona is one of a majority of states in the U.S. that lack LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections, which means people like me are vulnerable to being denied services or kicked out of public places just because of who we are," said Kathy Young. a lesbian living in Arizona, who was quoted in a press release about the event. "I was happy for the opportunity to participate in Lobby Day and tell my story in hopes of moving the Equality Act forward in Congress. As a parent, I worry every day that I might face discrimination and that it could hurt my ability to care for my family. Passing the Equality Act would allow me to feel safer and more respected when I am going about my life."
The Equality Act would update federal civil rights law to ensure explicit and comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people from discrimination in virtually every area of life. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan victory and had a historic hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee last month.
But we still need your help to get this across the finish line! Sign up here to join a phone bank and make calls from home, or click here to contact your Senator to express your support for the Equality Act.
Following Lobby Day, NEAT and the Human Rights Campaign hosted attendees for a virtual follow event up called "Drag, Debrief & Action" featuring Drag Race, Broadway and Musical superstar, Peppermint. Those in attendance got to share their experiences from Lobby Day and take additional actions to stay involved in the campaign. Peppermint thanked everyone for their tireless efforts and expressed how important advocacy will be in passing the Equality Act.
"Arizona is one of a majority of states in the U.S. that lack LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections, which means people like me are vulnerable to being denied services or kicked out of public places just because of who we are," said Kathy Young. a lesbian living in Arizona, who was quoted in a press release about the event. "I was happy for the opportunity to participate in Lobby Day and tell my story in hopes of moving the Equality Act forward in Congress. As a parent, I worry every day that I might face discrimination and that it could hurt my ability to care for my family. Passing the Equality Act would allow me to feel safer and more respected when I am going about my life."
The Equality Act would update federal civil rights law to ensure explicit and comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people from discrimination in virtually every area of life. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in a bipartisan victory and had a historic hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee last month.
But we still need your help to get this across the finish line! Sign up here to join a phone bank and make calls from home, or click here to contact your Senator to express your support for the Equality Act.