“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Are you ready? I know you are. There’s a feeling deep inside you that’s calling you to action like never before. That feeling is your conscious. The calling is to resist.
We are at a crucial time in our evolution as human beings. The forces of light and dark are rising up. Never forget that the light will triumph over darkness, and we will be victorious. But it is going to take each and every one of us working against these injustices committed to and by our fellow human beings. I know you are mobilizing. I know you are ready. Come use your voice at Equality Day 2017 with PROMO. Advocating for LGBT equality has never been more important than it is right now. We need your voice. Your story matters in the Missouri state legislature.
Join us on February 14, 2017 and elevate your voice with hundreds of other LGBT Missourians from across the state. Think about that. Hundreds of us. Can you feel it? Feel the power in hundreds of your LGBT MO family and allies ascending upon the Missouri State Capitol with only one action… to SHOW ME LOVE > Hate this Valentine’s Day. Please join us.
Currently, PROMO is tracking more than 14 bills that promote discrimination in our state. LGBT Missourians are not protected under the Missouri Human Rights Act. Several of these bills would undermine the Missouri Human Rights Act, creating more barriers for Missourians to prove they faced discrimination because of their race, national origin, sex, or other protected characteristics. And these same challenges would exist when we are successful at finally protecting LGBT Missourians in the Human Rights Act. Several “bathroom” bills have been filed by both members of the Senate and the House. Religious freedom bills were filed, again, as well, in an attempt to target marriage equality. We are closely monitoring the bills and will continue to keep you updated as the session progresses.
Not all of the legislation filed this session has been anti-LGBT. For the 19th year, PROMO is working with our champions to file the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA). MONA would provide protections from discrimination by including LGBT Missourians in the Missouri Human Rights Act in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Senator Jill Schupp sponsored MONA in the Senate with every single Democratic Senators co-sponsoring. PROMO is very grateful to have so many champions in the Senate. Representative Randy D. Dunn and Representative Greg Razer sponsored, and Representative Tracy McCreery co-sponsored, MONA in the House. We appreciate the support and the dedication to equality that the members of the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate provide to our community.
Taking time off work can be challenging. Rearranging the care of a child or a parent takes schedule finessing. We understand. The resistance calls us to sacrifice but to also accept our limitations. So, if you can make the schedule work, please come to Equality Day 2017. If you’re unable to come but want to support from afar, you can sponsor another attendee’s registration. We invite you to speak with Missouri elected officials. Let them know about the time you were fired because your boss found out you loved another man. Tell them about the time you were denied access to medical treatment because they didn’t serve “those people” at the hospital you visited. Use your voice as an ally who shares the belief that all citizens deserve to live life free from discrimination no matter who they love or how they identify. If you don’t tell them your story, how will they know there is a problem to solve? Your voice is a necessary vehicle to move the resistance forward.
Changing the world takes time. History shows us that with great wins come great losses. Do not stand by and accept a rollback. ‘Cause we are not going back. Closets are for clothes and boxes are for pizza! We appreciate every march, rally, and action you’ve already attended. And we appreciate your commitment to this long road we share together. PROMO is asking you to join us in making history at the Capitol on February 14, 2017 as we SHOW ME LOVE > Hate.
#ShowMeLove
