Requested Suggestions

I promised jlp I'd post some suggestions of good places to contribute to the cause of protecting glbt families. As I told someone yesterday, the HRC needs your money like they need another tasteful pantsuit. While they provide some really great information (check their familynet site for state-to-state rights for glbt families) and are a lobbying force on Capitol Hill, their agenda is pretty middle-class and conventional. My agenda, on the other hand, is nothing short of justice. And the allotment of basic human needs through the institution of a state-approved family structure (um, like legal marriage) is not my idea of justice. While marriage would be a nice stop-gap for a family like ours, it doesn't do much for folks like Lisa and D., mentioned in the post below this. So while I want to be able to marry, I want more than that. These organizations are a bit more likely to be pushing for that "more."

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

An organization with a large lobby in DC, but with a much more grass-roots approach than HRC.

Lambda Legal Defense Fund

These folks are in the trenches supporting cases that set precedents to protect us and expand American freedom to more people. They are probably my number one choice on this list.

ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights

The ACLU has a similar agenda to Lambda Legal in their "lesbian and gay rights" wing.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

This organization is helping every single American by seeing to it that the Constitution, not one group's idea of God's will, sets the legal standard in the U.S. The slide into theocracy is probably the number one danger to our democracy right now. I can't say enough good about Americans United. Give, give, give!

Comments

[hingly]

I think that if anyone can help to get Rose's story (and those of other women) out there it is probably you. You care about honouring *her* story, and *her* choices and *her* autonomy rather than your own agenda. Your thoughtfulness about being sympathetic and (where possible) helpful without being paternalistic is a great model for me in my own journey towards adoption. My biggest fear is that I will try to be the hand of god reaching into unfortunate peoples' lives to set something right, rather than a partner with them. Thanks for all you share, and thanks especially for sharing the birthday girl.

[PhoenixRising]

Good one on HRC. Agreed. But you forgot our fearless protectors at NCLR, the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Their motto isn't, but could be, 'Fighting for dykes with families since...you girls were in short pants. And don't you forget it.'

www.nclrights.org

[Ms. P]

Thanks for posting this. People need to know what else is out there besides the Champagne Fund.

[Lindsay]

Thank you for this - a very useful resource.