There is a movement in Pennsylvania.....

[Vanessa White]

I got the call yesterday. My representative is going to meet with me on April 11 at 9:30 AM. I still have gotten no word from my Senator so I will be calling again today.

I read an article about Trudy Styles, who is Sting's wife/partner. She states that one of five things she learned as she has been aging, is that in her older years, she is much more involved in social activism.

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

I read an article about Trudy Styles, who is Sting's wife/partner. She states that one of five things she learned as she has been aging, is that in her older years, she is much more involved in social activism.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Wait a minute! "Older years?" Are you saying these are *your* older years? Aren't you only, like, 40?

Shut up!!

[Vanessa White]

I think about them as my "older years", in the sense that it feels like another, different phase of my life the last couple of years. I didn't really associate that with a number in terms of age, as much as a transition in my life. It could also be because my beloved is a few years older than me, which I equate with myself as being at the same stage of aging. Does that make sense? Anyway, I definitely don't feel "young" much anymore, young at heart and mind, but much "older" in terms of appearance and physical body parts.....

Enough said.

[Vanessa White]

"I will give them until today to call me back, considering they may have been closed yesterday as well; then, I am calling again until they schedule me for an appointment. I also am prepared for myself and a few willing friends to take a road trip to Harrisburg if they feel they cannot accomodate me locally. I will keep you posted!!"

"I got the call yesterday. My representative is going to meet with me on April 11 at 9:30 AM. I still have gotten no word from my Senator so I will be calling again today."

I was on my way home from work yesterday, and decided to try my Senator's office again; truthfully, I was hoping to get the answering machine, not feeling very energetic about having a discussion. Well, as it happens her assistant/secretary answered; stated that we were looking at six weeks out before I could meet with her, and by then it will probably be past the point of the vote on the amendment. I said, I DON'T THINK SO.... as far as I know, it is still in Appropriations.... she said she has been bombarded with over 300 letters, and over 700 emails about this issue (proud to say that three of those letters/emails were mine.....) SHe offered to have her phone me, today, for a few minutes.

She has my cell number. I will let you know what happens.

I am nervous, but I have my talking points here in front of me, keltic gave me some pointers, and I feel very ready. I know that I go on and on about this issue, but it really feels like a roller coaster ride- WHEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[keltic63]

I've visited over at the youranswermatters website again


and now I'm really torn about something that has come up.....There is a hearing about the SB1250 (Marriage Protection Amendment) in Pittsburgh on Thursday. I feel like I should go, but it will present a few difficulties for me logistically and financially. someone, encourage me. please.

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by keltic63

I've visited over at the youranswermatters website again


and now I'm really torn about something that has come up.....There is a hearing about the SB1250 (Marriage Protection Amendment) in Pittsburgh on Thursday. I feel like I should go, but it will present a few difficulties for me logistically and financially. someone, encourage me. please.

Is this hearing something where you would have a chance to speak and make a point? Or something where you would just sit in the background like wallpaper? The answer to that may inform your final decision.

How much of a financial consideration is this?

One person cannot work on EVERYthing. Eventually, one weeds stuff out that is too overwhelming a logistical toughie -- there will probably be plenty more fuss over the proposed amendment in the coming months. Other meetings which will not pose too much logistical difficulty for you to be there.

I pick & choose from all the stuff going on over here - a lot comes up last minute and I cannot always re-arrange work/school/life plans to be at a last minute meeting. In that sort of case, I'm apt to send an email AND back it up with a phone call.

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Zerbie

Is this hearing something where you would have a chance to speak and make a point? Or something where you would just sit in the background like wallpaper? The answer to that may inform your final decision.

How much of a financial consideration is this?

One person cannot work on EVERYthing. Eventually, one weeds stuff out that is too overwhelming a logistical toughie -- there will probably be plenty more fuss over the proposed amendment in the coming months. Other meetings which will not pose too much logistical difficulty for you to be there.

I pick & choose from all the stuff going on over here - a lot comes up last minute and I cannot always re-arrange work/school/life plans to be at a last minute meeting. In that sort of case, I'm apt to send an email AND back it up with a phone call.

I'm not sure that I'd be able to speak up at this hearing, but the call has gone out from 3 organizations that we need to show up in numbers. some of the emails mention "discussion" of the bill, and the fact that conservative organizations bussed people in from across the state the last time this happened.

logistical: i have 2 issues. I can take the day off, but if the press is there, I'd have to take a personal day. I can't show up on the 6 oclock news thursday evening, then claim that I was sick when I sign my absentee form on friday morning. Going on thursday would mean preparing for a substitute teacher, which is more work than actually doing the teaching myself.

financial: I didn't want to talk about it here, but I took another hit, much smaller than last year, but a hit nonetheless, from the IRS. This is going to severely affect my cashflow in the coming weeks. Gas, parking, lunch, etc on thursday is not what I had planned. In all, it wouldn't be that much money, but in light of sending a chunk of money to the IRS next week.....

[Zerbie]

Oh honey, I'm sorry.

Hmm - it sounds like, despite it's obvious importance, getting to this hearing is more trouble than it's worth. Yes, we DO need to show our support in numbers, but we can't all be at every event, it's unlikely that you would do more than sit in the gallery, and you COULD still make your support for your community known via email and phone calls. You are employed. I think everyone understands that we can't take the day off every time something comes up that deserves our support.

If you really want to go, and decide to do so, we'll be cheering you on. But I for one totally support you if decide to take a pass on this one.

If the hearing is at the state legislature, you can still lobby. You can make phone calls to your legislators' office(s), and if this proposition is being heard by a specific committee on Thursday, you can research who is on that committee and contact each of their offices in turn via phone and email, stating you are PA resident who opposes the proposition and why.

[Vanessa White]

I have not been having quite the same struggle keltic, in many ways, but have been feeling kind of fatigued about going forward and going forward... yes, it is of extreme importance, but I am finding how much real life manages to set in every once in awhile as well. You need to do the best thing for you, personally, so if the money is not best spent in this endeavor at this point, then many of the suggestions that Zerbie makes can also be very effective. Do what will best work for your present situation- there will still be plenty of work to do on this.......

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

I have not been having quite the same struggle keltic, in many ways, but have been feeling kind of fatigued about going forward and going forward... yes, it is of extreme importance, but I am finding how much real life manages to set in every once in awhile as well. You need to do the best thing for you, personally, so if the money is not best spent in this endeavor at this point, then many of the suggestions that Zerbie makes can also be very effective. Do what will best work for your present situation- there will still be plenty of work to do on this.......

well.....all of that is sound advice.



so I'm taking the day off and going!


I looked around some of the pgh blogs. word is that the hearing was scheduled quickly and quietly, perhaps in an attempt to load the hearing room with conservatives. the gay community is not terribly well organized in pgh and with such short notice, it's possible that we wouldn't have good representation. I figure I can cough up $10-20 for the day and go, perhaps even say something of substance. I've discussed this with my union rep here at school, and I'm waiting for some advice from her. I'm slightly concerned about what might happen if I'm seen on tv, speaking out on this issue. It certainly would not affect my employment, but not all the parents know that I'm gay, and in one school in particular, there are many redneck parents. It could be an issue, but I'm not sure. Of course, I'm thinking that this is my life, and I can't be quiet because of what "could" happen.

[Vanessa White]

You are right; you are who you are, and am glad that you are going forward. You had the answer to this all along!!! Keep us posted.....

[Vanessa White]

I just checked the PA Senate calendar; the SB 1250 is on the schedule for voting on 4/28/08.

[keltic63]

Here's the newspaper report from yesterday's hearing: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08102/872379-85.stm

[Vanessa White]

I like the article. Can we spot you in the picture at all? I couldn't tell.....

THis morning, I met with my representative. He was very cordial and accomodating; he listened to my concerns about mixing a civil issue with religion; about the need and the right to have full and equal marriage rights; that we live a life that is responsible and committed; and that marriage is already protected here, there is no need to amend a historical document for the comfort of others. I also said that one of the scary parts, among others, about this marriage amendment, is that it includes language that would not allow for any type of union or recognized status for LGBT relationships, so it would be even more difficult for my partner and I to protect one another and our child. He listened intently, and told me he has had visits from persons on both sides of the issue pretty regularly; that he does not see any "middle ground" for this issue, which is what in part makes it such a volatile issue. He told me that he is Catholic, and he does believe that it is mainly being seen as a religious issue; and he said, that he does not believe government should be involved in this at all, and that when legislators in this state had to become involved in the abortion issue, he did not believe that it belonged in the legislature. He also said that he believes that this is not going to go anywhere; that there are many more pressing issues to take care of ( he said "I don't want to say more important issues, but ones that are more pressing at this time" ) which I took as very true and considerate; he said that if someone asked him if it should be pushed forward, he would say no. He stated there is no current debate in either chamber about it at this time, and that even if it does get there, it has to be fully voted on before the fall in order to go anywhere; otherwise, it has to be reintroduced with the new legislature.

I have to say, I talked to Keltic via telephone last night; and was sure I would be sooooo nervous. Well, I was a bit jittery before I got there, but as soon as I sat in the chair across from him, I was calm, and assured, and kept good eye contact; I guess because I just felt so certain that I was speaking a truth of love that is real to me, and to my family. I showed him a picture of my partner and I, and our daughter, and at the end of our meeting, he said for me to take care of that little one of mine. We met for about ten minutes. Even if this goes nowhere, at least right now, I feel so glad that I did this. And, I feel like I made my voice heard for probably the first, real time in my life, with a person in a position of authority.....

I feel acknowledged, and seen, and even a little bit understood. I asked at the very end how a person goes about testifying at public hearings, which he said would probably occur in my area if this continues, and he said that I can request to be available for testimony, but only on behalf/in affiliation with an organization; they don't allow citizens to come forward for testimony. So, I may try that if hearings come to my area, or if I can attend the hearings that may take place in Harrisburg on the issue. I also understand from keltic that people can submit testimony via written testimony to become part of the record.....

It really was an awesome experience. I would have never thought to do this a year, or two years ago. How things evolve is just amazing......

[keltic63]

you go girl!

I knew you'd be able to do this. It's really not as tough as people might think. but it's so important that we do it!


no, you can't see me in the pic. I'm to the right of that area. It was a large room, there were well over 100 people there. And, since I haven't written on my blog about it yet, and haven't reported here, I'm proud to say that we outnumbered those in favor of the amendment by 4 to 1! It's also interesting that the 20 or so supporters of the amendment got up and left at 4pm, two-thirds of the way through the hearing, because the bus was scheduled to leave at 4pm. I guess they had reservations at some buffet......

[Vanessa White]

SB 1250, Marriage amendment in PA, was re-referred to Appropriations today. So much for voting it out of committee and the floor before June.....

Let's hope.......

[keltic63]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

SB 1250, Marriage amendment in PA, was re-referred to Appropriations today. So much for voting it out of committee and the floor before June.....

Let's hope.......

where did you find this???? I thought something was going on this Monday, a hearing, etc. what's up with this bill?

[Zerbie]

Holy smokes, how did I manage to completely miss Vanessa's post about her lobby visit?!?!

That absolutely ROCKS, Vanessa!!! You showed amazing courage and a wonderful willingness, openness to communicate so plainly and articulately with your representative. You covered all those topics in only 10 minutes!? Wow, wow, wow!!

How incredibly thoughtful to bring along a family photo. Vanessa, you may have planted a seed that will grow someday into a beautiful flower. When I observed the Scottsdale city council voting a few months ago on a non-discrimination ordinance, the council members who voted in favor nearly all cited things like ". . . my gay friends tell me Such N Such. . ." therefore, they voted to support legal protections. Seeing you face to face, and seeing your family photo may have really made a strong impact on your legislator.

Thank you for your incredible commitment and bravery, Vanessa. I am so proud to have a friend like you!

[Vanessa White]

Zerbie:
Ditto, girl.

Taking the family picture with me was sort of a last minute decision; I wasn't quite sure what I thought about it, and in the midst of my talking with him, I almost forgot to take it out!!! But, he held onto it for a couple of minutes, and told me on the way out, "Take care of that little one of yours".

Making it personal really makes a difference, I believe. I can honestly say that my friends here, all of you, have helped me to build on my strengths even more, and to know and believe that I can advocate assertively, bring a clear message, and make a difference. Zerbie, I have learned so much from you.......

Steve, I just had a thought yesterday to check the PA Senate website, and the update on SB 1250 said that it was sent back to Appropriations Committee on 4/30. I don't know any more than that, except that it WAS supposed to be put to vote on the Senate floor on 4/28........

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by Vanessa White

Zerbie:
Ditto, girl.

Taking the family picture with me was sort of a last minute decision

Making it personal really makes a difference, I believe. I can honestly say that my friends here, all of you, have helped me to build on my strengths even more, and to know and believe that I can advocate assertively, bring a clear message, and make a difference. Zerbie, I have learned so much from you.......

Completely true.

That has so been the case for me; ya'll have been great for giving feedback, suggestions, new ideas, advice on how to go about things, and incredibly important, encouragement. Note the word "courage" in the middle of encouragement -- I don't know if I'm naturally outspoken or not, but I've learned to be, and in the time I've spent networking here, I've lost a lot of the fears I used to have about taking action. This organization really goes a long way towards bringing out the best in each of us.