Our most respected LGBTQ leaders have eloquently described how comprehensive immigration reform is central to our own LGBTQ movement. We stand strongly with our brothers and sisters in our shared struggle for the promise of equality, liberty and “pursuit of happiness” that has driven so many of our families. We reject any efforts to see our policy agenda and struggle for legal recognition as competing, as some would have us believe in order to stifle progress for all. “Keeping families together,” and each of the central messages of the Immigration Reform Movement overlap our efforts to stand up against bullying, fight legal inequality, oppose discrimination that leads to poverty, end religious bigotry and promote human rights. In fact, our shared efforts to build a more inclusive economy creates prosperity for all Americans and increases Global stability. Our families, civic, businesses and movement leaders must all work together to address this defining issue of our time.
LGBTQ people have been heroic leaders in immigration reform efforts and immigrants have been transformational leaders in the LGBTQ Movement. DREAMers and other activists who have inspired us with their courage have drawn from our shared reservoir of living in the shadows of “closets” of fear, and in “coming out,” they have replenished the idealism, promise and potential for all who define themselves as “Americans.” Despite the injustices and indignity of tearing families apart (married bi-national couples) and countless atrocities and exploitation including violence, sexual assault and abuse of men, women, children and transgender people who have only sought the same protections and opportunities that have defined the promise of our Nation, immigrants are at the center of the our strength, historically, today and our future. Many brave leaders from farm workers, faith leaders, labor movement and business have seen how caring for our neighbors and creating economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing community and democratic values that hold us together more than any differences, some would like to exploit for their own gain. We stand together in a struggle for dignity, equality and opportunity.
As LGBTQ Donors we want to support the organizations and movement leaders who are organizing, educating and mobilizing communities to understand the importance of this moment in defining our shared future. The Giving Challenge will work with our partners to move resources to support critical needs in the coming weeks and months. Donors and leaders from organizations like the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Immigration Equality, United We Dream, GetEQUAL, the Center for Community Change and FIRM (Fair Immigration Reform Movement) will help guide our efforts to support the most pressing needs.
Our Immigration Reform Grant Making Committee will make the final allocation of funds based on the total amount raised and the most pressing opportunities to support grassroots, local and activist led work in key states that can make the most difference. Please contact us with any questions.
Say: I Do! 