Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Affirmation Wants to Recruit You… to March and to Speak
National Equality March on Washington, October 10-11, 2009

July 2009

Affirmation has endorsed the National Equality March on Washington, planned for this October, and Affirmation’s Executive Committee is working closely with the leaders of the march.

Affirmation first gained national attention during the 1979 March on Washington for Gay Rights, and also participated in the 1987 March on Washington. The potential for positive change in the next year is greater than it has even been, and every voice is important.

Affirmation is asking you (and anyone that you know) to step up and do three things that will make a difference:

This month, now, please write you U.S. Congress-person and your two U.S. Senators. Let them know that you are a constituent, that you are a gay person, and tell them how you feel about gay civil rights, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DATA), marriage equality, hate crimes legislation, and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Please let them know that you are a person of faith (if you so identify), a Mormon or former Mormon, and a member of Affirmation.

Come out. Make a YouTube video or FaceBook posting. Tweet everyone you know. Have the conversation with friends, co-workers, family. If people know people who are gay, they by and large tend to be much more supportive of gay civil rights issues.

Make plans to be in Washington with us on October 10 and 11. Bring a white shirt and a tie. If you don’t have a black name tag, we can supply them. We want the world to know that not all Mormons are anti-gay, bigoted, or homophobic. And for those who are, we want them to know that we have a voice and that we are ready to be heard.

The March on Washington starts now. You action or your inaction speaks loudly and sends a message to all who are watching. See you in D.C!

Down Memory Lane...

		March in Washington DC, 14 October 1979. Notice the banner “Gay Mormons United.” The four chapters listed on the banner are Washington DC, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Two months after the march, the name of the organization was changed to “Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons.” Enlarge Picture Learn more about Affirmation history
		Washington DC, 11 October 1987. Affirmation members march in the largest lesbian and gay rights rally to that date, with more than half a million people participating. Enlarge Picture Learn more about Affirmation history