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What do we want from Speaker Pelosi?

As we build a relationship with Speaker Pelosi, we have to figure out two things:

  1. 1. What does full equality look like? What specific types of discrimination need to be addressed?
  2. 2. What should we ask from Speaker Pelosi in the short term to show that she's committed to full federal equality for LGBT people?

Please take a look at these questions, and help us figure out our strategy moving forward.


1. Please review the following list of full civil rights goals developed by the Dallas Principles.

  • DIGNITY AND EQUALITY. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person has inherent dignity and worth, and has the right to live free of discrimination and harassment.
  • FAMILY. Every LGBT person has the right to a family without legal barriers to immigration, civil marriage or raising children.
  • ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. Every LGBT person has the right to economic opportunity free from discrimination in employment, public housing, accommodation, public facilities, credit, and federally funded programs and activities.
  • EDUCATION. Every LGBT child and youth has the right to an education that is affirming, inclusive and free from bullying.
  • NATIONAL SECURITY. Every LGBT person should have the opportunity to serve our country openly and equally in our military and foreign service.
  • CRIME. Every LGBT person should enjoy life protected against bias crimes.
  • HEALTH CARE. Every person should have access to affordable, high quality, and culturally competent health care without discrimination.
What do you think about these goals? Is anything missing, or do you have any other feedback?

2. Please review these legislative items, and let us know which rank as your top 3 priorities.

Which legislative item ranks as your #1 priority?
  • Gender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
  • Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)
  • Repeal of Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
  • LGBT-Inclusive Immigration Reform
Which legislative item ranks as your #2 priority?
  • Gender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
  • Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)
  • Repeal of Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
  • LGBT-Inclusive Immigration Reform
Which legislative item ranks as your #3 priority?
  • Gender-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
  • Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)
  • Repeal of Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
  • LGBT-Inclusive Immigration Reform

3. What are you doing in your community? Are you meeting with your elected officials about full LGBT equality? What are you asking for from them? Are you interested in working with us to coordinate our meetings and actions?

When you submit this questionnaire, we will also add you to our petition to Speaker Pelosi. Full text of the petition is on our homepage, http://speakforequality.org.