Dear Barb,

Tomorrow, in one of the most humbling honors of my life, I will deliver an invocation at the first event of inauguration week.

Though many of us were deeply upset when President-elect Obama chose Proposition 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, the fact that he also invited me – a proud gay man – is a hopeful sign of our president’s commitment to reach out to all Americans.

Now it’s up to all of us to capitalize on this moment and ensure that President-elect Obama works for equality.

Join me in asking Obama to take the next step by supporting HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change – a roadmap for LGBT equality.

As a gay American, a bishop, and a member of HRC’s Religion Council, I was open about my shock and anger last month at Warren’s invitation.

But I now feel it’s time to turn the page on that controversy – to come together and tackle the next set of challenges.

The blueprint calls for President-elect Obama to sign hate crimes legislation into law, to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to end unequal taxation of domestic partnerships and more.

In the spirit of hope, we ask President-elect Obama to follow this blueprint and keep his promises.

Tomorrow, I will be blessed to stand at the Lincoln Memorial before the next leader of our great country. His message has inspired countless Americans who have waited many long years to feel represented by their government.

I owe President-elect Obama the utmost thanks for allowing me to participate in such a historic event.

Whether you’re religious or not, gay or straight, please stand with me – declare your support for HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Sincerely,

The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson HRC Religion Council

As 2008 draws to a close, we are forced to confront two very different views of our country.

On the very same day that we made history by electing an African-American president, the passage of Proposition 8 and other anti-gay measures told LGBT people, “Your relationships don’t count.”

And last week’s announcement that Prop. 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren will give the Inaugural Invocation proved that our fight for equality didn’t end on Election Day.

But the lies and the setbacks have energized us. It’s time to use our anger – and our energy – to renew this fight, combat the lies, and demand the truth, undefeated and unbowed.

We never could have come this far without you.

Help us reach our goal of 2,009 renewed members before the January 20th inauguration.

The Rick Warren controversy heralds the start of a defining year for this movement. HRC responded quickly and decisively, speaking out in dozens of national media outlets and generating 40,000 letters to President-elect Obama in four days, asking him to keep his promises on LGBT equality.

But we haven’t lost sight of the broader tasks ahead. They speak to the core of why HRC supporters like you have joined our struggle. And they are exactly why your membership in 2009 is so important.

• First and foremost, we will continue laying the groundwork for full marriage equality, including a repeal of Proposition 8. HRC is taking aggressive action against the lies and fabrications that have held back the tide of equality. We can, and we will, show America that honoring love and commitment is the moral thing to do.
• We will fight so that Judy Shepard doesn’t have to spend one more year without her son Matthew’s life being honored with a hate crimes law that protects ALL of us.
• We will continue building public support for a fully-inclusive workplace protection, so that LGBT people will no longer suffer discrimination or lose their jobs because of who they are.
• We will fight for the freedom to serve openly in the military; for adoption and foster parenting rights; and for transgender equality as a critical piece of our national civil rights vision.
• In weeks to come, you will hear more about HRC’s grassroots, online and other campaigns to channel the anger caused by Prop. 8 and pursue our vision of justice – in the states, workplaces, faith communities, college campuses and beyond.

Not all these things will happen in 2009, but this is a moment we must not let slip by. Together we must move our country closer to what we know in our hearts and souls belongs to us all: equality.

This is the time to join our movement. Help lead the new way forward as one of 2,009 new members for 2009.

We can’t do this without you. HRC is only as strong as the members who support and sustain us. Have a blessed and peaceful holiday season.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President