At West Virginia University, spirits are high that we can show Senator-elect Joe Manchin that Mountaineers support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.
Last spring I spent a lot of time here in Morgantown and found tons of support from various pro-equality groups like BiGLTM (Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Mountaineers) at WVU and OUTLaw at the WVU Law School. Also integral to our work are the WVU College Democrats. This past week has proved no different, as we reconnected to get the message to Manchin: repeal this discriminatory law now.
It never ceases to amaze me how personal this issue is to people from every walk of life; gay, straight, veteran and non-veteran.
On Thursday night, BiLGTM brought its members together to write letters to Manchin. One student wrote “Repealing DADT is important to me because my father fought in the Vietnam Conflict, and I know his sexuality has nothing to do with his bravery. Anybody who is willing to put his or her life on the line for our country should not be discriminated against”.
What matters in this campaign is that our Senators hear these stories in the most powerful way. It wouldn’t be possible for me to help West Virginian’s ensure their stories are told without the help of Fairness West Virginia. Fairness has been absolutely important to our work to repeal DADT this year. We’re continuing to work side by side to ensure that Senator-elect Manchin hears our message.
Can you make a phone call? Can you host a letter-writing party like BiGLTM did? Former Army Sergeant Pepe Johnson, who sits on boards for both Fairness West Virginia and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network will be delivering hand written letters directly to the Senator-elect’s office.
We hope that we’ll have your story in hand. Please contact me today at Christine.Sloane@hrc.org for more information.
