Straight Woman Writing a Piece on US Senate Candidate for LGBTQ Newletter - My Article Came Out!

[qwlauren35]

Last edited Fri Nov 13, 2015, 06:28 PM - Edit history (5)

I've been invited to write an editorial piece about my US Senate candidate, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and how she supports the LGBTQ community. I'm trying not to muff it, and clues would be helpful. For example, I know to say same-sex marriage vs. gay marriage. I am saying LGBTQ instead of gay. What else do I need to know?

Oh, and should I put the stuff about what she's done for the LGBTQ community middle or last? I'm going to begin with something of a biography, then something about her record, and then her platform. Her platform does not address LGBTQ concerns specifically. Not sure if I should get more information about that... and what concerns are there?

- anti-discrimination in workplaces and businesses
- more education about transgender issues

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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September 29th. Thank you to all of you who gave me ideas and corrected my language. The sales manager who solicited the piece said that it was very good. I am so proud. I will share a link when it comes out.

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October 2 - My article came out!

http://www.baltimoreoutloud.com/thinking-outloud/lgbt-viewpoints/item/3558-donna-edwards-for-us-senate

Lauren

[elleng]

1. Will think about it but have no specifics in mind now.

GOOD you're doing this!

[xfundy]

2. Instead of same-sex marriage,

try Marriage Equality.

[marginlized]

3. Or simply "marriage"

something like "marriage is a fundamental right of all citizens".
Your audience with get it.

[madaboutharry]

4. Is this a local candidate?

If so, perhaps you could speak with her and ask her directly about her history of support for the LGBTQ community. If there was an evolution to her support, I would write about that and the events or ideas that contributed to that evolution. Process is always interesting.

[qwlauren35]

5. I wish I could, I wish I had.

It's a question I'd like to have an answer to. She's running for US Senate, and not very accessible. But she's coming to town in a few weeks and I'll ask then.

[left-of-center2012]

6. "how she supports the LGBTQ community"

Get personal. Write how having people like her in public office can change and improve your life
and the lives of people in the LGBT community.

[qwlauren35]

7. The Equality Act

This seems to be the biggest fight coming legislatively for the LGBTQ community. My candidate, along with about 178 other Congresscritters, has co-sponsored it. I think co-sponsorship is all Democrats... no surprise.

Because of the dressing room issue, I foresee a major battle. That is SO sensitive. But to have over 1/3 of the House supporting the bill is pretty major.

One thing that puzzles me - ENDA (Employer Non-Discrimination Act) keeps dying on the House floor. That's why I think the Equality Act will have such a hard time passing. But maybe if the Equality Act gets a lot of attention, ENDA will pass.

[qwlauren35]

8. Thank you!

I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who took the time to read the article about Congresswoman Donna Edwards who is running for US Senate, representing Maryland. Donna's Field Director is a married lesbian who encouraged me to write the article, and the fact that she was pleased with it meant a great deal to me. One of my bi friends in Massachusetts also read it and decided to donate to Donna's campaign.

As my worst critic, when I go back and read it, I feel as though I should have re-arranged it and moved her advocacy efforts to the top. Too late... if there is a next time, I will do better.

Again, many thanks to those who encouraged me.

I should mention, both Donna and her opponent marched in the Baltimore Pride Parade this year. The stakes are high and both of them want to be seen as friends to the LGBTQ community. For me, it is my dearest wish to see a progressive black woman in the Senate. So I'm doing what I can to tell as many people about her as I can.