The following post comes from Field Intern Sydney Morauer. Sydney is just one of 30 HRC staff that will be on the ground in 16 states by Election Day, working with HRC-endorsed candidates and engaging our membership about the upcoming elections:
On Wednesday night, Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY hosted an incredibly moving vigil for the teens who have recently committed suicide as a result of relentless bullying and hatred. The Skidmore College Pride Alliance and the Christian Fellowship co-hosted the event to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students on campus. After hearing from several student and guest speakers, the group of almost 300 students and community members lit candles and held a moment of silence for the teens who are no longer with us. The tribute was extremely powerful and encouraging to students who face bullying and to the LGBT community at large. It is so comforting to know that there is such strong support for standing up against such cruelty.
Joanne Yepsen, an HRC endorsed pro-marriage equality candidate running for state Senate in New York’s 43rd District, spoke at the vigil to express her support for the LGBT community and to pledge her dedication to represent all New Yorkers.
HRC is working to collaborate with the Skidmore College Pride Alliance and other students in the 43rd District to help elect Joanne Yepsen for New York state Senate. It is extremely encouraging to see a strong community of students invested in social change, and we look forward to working with them to make marriage equality a reality in New York.
To volunteer to help pass marriage equality in the state of New York, please email Jessica.Jensen@hrc.org
