Word on the 'net is that this legislation will come to a floor vote in the Pennsylvania House sometime in November.
There are 25 legislators in Pennsylvania who still don't believe/understand that our community experiences discrimination. This seems to be the core issue -- convincing them that the legislation is necessary to protect against a very real form of discrimination. It isn't that they want us to experience it; they just don't understand.
The 25 folks in our region?
Chris Sainato (D-9, New Castle/Lawrence County)
Jaret Gibbons (D-10, Ellwood City/Lawrence County)
Brooks, Michele (R-17, Greenville/Mercer County)
DeLuca, Anthony (D-32, Penn Hills/Allegheny County)
White, Jesse (D-46, Oakdale/Washington County)
Solobay, Timothy (D-48, Washington/Washington County)
Kula, Deberah (D-52, West Newtown/Westmoreland County)
Pallone, John (D-54, New Kensington/Westmoreland County)
Haluska, Gary (D-73, small towns in
So, the only way to change their hearts? Share your stories. You know what I mean. We need to tell them about the times we couldn't rent an apartment because the landlord didn't want two daddies and a baby living next to his family. When you lost out in a job situation because you don't hide your gay identity. The times someone refused you service because you are a dyke.
Are you a straight ally? Repost this. Call yourself and explain that discrimination is real and hurts your family/friends/community. Share your stories. Tell them about the "fag" jokes at the water cooler or the comments about pansys, lesbos and she-men. We all know it happens. We all hear it and we don't always step up to shut it down.
Step up now. Take five minutes and share your story.
