Are you starting this election year wondering who is trying to get the LGBT vote, but wondering if they will follow through with their campaign promises?  Have you had it with candidates looking for your vote but not making things happen?  Would you like to join others in organizing to change this outcome?

Last October during the National Equality March the speakers told everyone to go back to our Senate Districts and work for change.  Senate District 63 makes up parts of South Minneapolis, Richfield and Bloomington.  The LGBT Caucus for SD 63 is doing some community organizing to initiate some grass roots advocacy for the issues that affect our community.  These issues include the repeal of DADT, DOMA, the inclusive employment non-discrimination act (ENDA), reforming immigration laws to include LGBT families, marriage equality in Minnesota, the safe schools bill and many more that may arise in the future.

Our goals:

Hold our elected officials accountable to their campaign promises through consistent reminders and requests for urgent action.

Call on all individuals concerned about LGBT issues to contact our elected officieals, urging their immediate and decisive action on LGBT issues and initiatives.

Inform candidates seeking our votes that we are anticipating and expecting their full, active support by voting for pro-LGBT initiatives, as their campaigns have promised.

You are invited to purchase your favorite pizza or hoagie and join in the meetings that will be held on Tuesday, February 23 starting at 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Davanni’s Pizza and Hoagies located at 2312 W. 66th Street in Richfield or on Thursday, February 25 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at  Davanni’s Pizza and Hoagies located at 8605 Lyndale Ave in Bloomington.

We will also be attending the District Convention on Saturday, February 27 which will be held at Richfield Intermediate School on 7020 12th Avenue South.  The LGBT Caucus will meet together at 8:00am to prepare for the convention.

State Reps. Paul Thissen, Rep. Linda Slocum, and Senator Ken Kelash have been invited, as has Congressman Keith Ellison and Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar.  Staff from Outfront Minnesota, and the Minnesota AIDS Project have also been invited to attend.

This is an opportunity for those concerned about LGBT issues in SD 63 to come together and push our elected officials to come through for those who helped them get where they are.  It is also an opportunity to push those candidates seeking our votes now to take the LGBT voters seriously.  We need YOU the members of the LGBT Community to come to our meetings and join our cause. It would be even better if other Senate Districts would follow this idea, so that everyone throughout Minnesota who is concerned about LGBT equality can be sure their voices are heard.

If you need any additonal information please contact me at [email protected].