Season's Greetings to all!!
This has been one heck of a year for Marriage Equality! This past year, we have certainly had our ups and downs. From the euphoria of the wins in Iowa, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire to the terrible losses of Maine and New York, our emotions are on overload.
I'd like to take a minute to reflect on the last year and to urge you not to lose heart. While it's true that we have a lot of work to do in 2010, we have made progress.
Many of you will ask, "how can she say that?!", well, I say that because 10 years ago no one even wanted to consider the possibility of civil marriage rights for our community.
In 10 years, we have changed the conversation (click here to see what we have done this year and how). We have been able to overcome the idea that we were not a stable community and did not even have families. My friends, we will win this - of that I am sure.
Next year is an election year. Our community must continue to stand together and further change the conversation. We must take a look at the political landscape before us and use the rights we do have to elect representatives that will make our equality a reality.
I have seen most of you at rallies and protests over the last year. You have met my family many times. You know that my wife and child are a priority in my life. Stand with me. Help me and help Marriage Equality New York work toward the day when all families will be equal under the law in New York State.
Marriage Equality New York is working on several initiatives to help move toward equality. We will once again go to Albany in February to meet with our State Legislators and help to educate them about all of the rights, privileges and responsibilities our families do not have access to due to lack of civil marriage rights. We will continue to visit community centers, colleges, community board meetings, etc. and talk about our families and our need for civil marriage. Join us; we could use your help.
This coming year, Marriage Equality New York will branch off and create MENY-PAC, a political action committee. MENY-PAC opens up our ability to lobby our legislators and work to elect those representatives that will help to move equality from a dream to reality.
We can't do any of this alone. I know that we are all facing particularly difficult financial times. But, I urge you to give the gift of equality to our community by giving a donation to MENY to assist with this work. I ask you to volunteer and get involved.
In closing, I want to wish all of you and your families a happy and safe holiday season. I hope you will all get a chance to spend time with your loved ones and celebrate. Yes, celebrate the turning of the tide and the movement toward equality. Standing together, we will get there.
Happy Holidays,
Cathy Marino-Thomas
MENY Board President
