We always say that the most opportune time to allow your voice to be heard, your words to be read, is NOW. This is certainly true for LGBT issues.
Some people are hesitant to actually send a note to the Letters to the Editor in your home town, but it is so vital that you take the time to originate even a letter of a few paragraphs to let the greater community know what needs their support. Your letter needs to follow the guidelines provided in the newspaper, such as number of words, etc. Be prepared that it will be edited, but if submitted in clear, concise language with the correct limitation on length, then editing of your text can be avoided.
Having your own editor review your letter before it is sent is important. In other words, discuss it with a friend to get feedback. Check spelling and punctuation. REMEMBER - if you want people to take your submission seriously, make sure it is not only factually correct, but projected in correct English. Then make sure your contact info is attached, such as address, phone, e-mail, and then signed.
Although you may have received the following letter as an example of my own e-mail to The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Virginia, use it as an idea for writing your own thoughts, experiences, and request. Thanks for reading and participating in making equal opportunity a reality.
Here is a sample of my letter to an editor .... feel free to use it as an example :-)
A Letter to my Editor from Rev. T. Wade Clegg III
Mail to: Mail Box 105, 265 Turkey Sag Trail (Suite 102), Palmyra, VA 22963
Phone (434) 589-4864 e-mail: elishevanumber7@earthlink.net
It’s that time again to stand and replace that which is in place…
for it has no place…and never did!
You may not be aware that in 29 states it is legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. In 38 states, it’s legal to fire someone for being transgender. In other words for just being who he or she is.
Is there anyone with compassion who cannot see the injustice of making it legal to fire otherwise qualified employees by being who they are? If you were among the best workers in your company, but ever knowing that how you were designed by Nature or God or Both will forever leave you stranded in the fear of never knowing if today is your last day of employment, you would NOT immediately suspect the good ole USA of allowing such discrimination, would you?
Does the elimination of this injustice sound like a “special right” is being granted?
Does being elevated to the same level of consideration of everyone else in the work force, without fear of being eliminated, not hired, not promoted seem like a special right?
If anyone who is practicing a religion really believes that is a special right, then they are practicing a religion which has lost its compassion. Yet, there are those who would continue to paint a star on the backs of certain individuals in order to dehumanize them.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The act is also referred to as ENDA, but one should not use an acronym when speaking of discrimination. One must spell it out.
Stop discrimination against any American citizen who is deserving of earning a living, is qualified to earn a living, and who is diligently performing a job to earn a living. This country was founded upon the principle of equal opportunity. This was imbedded in my brain from first grade. It stuck with me. Did it stick with you?
Our government must continue to uphold this value for all Americans.
There are no religions which believe in kindness toward neighbors and loving them as yourself which allows a belief that you are superior to some human beings and that you are granted the privilege of being hateful. If you are in the presence of those who are promoting such destructiveness, you should find a different path as soon as possible.
The fully-inclusive Employment Non-discrimination Act is now before the Congress. It is another opportunity to remove that which is hateful. It will ensure fair treatment for all workers. Tell your Senators and Representative that equal opportunity is an American principle good enough for ALL 50 STATES!
Blessings…T. Wade
