Brody's Scribbles... Equality Means Everyone- A Message From Joel Burns

By Linsey Pecikonis (Washington DC) DEC 9 | Fort Worth Texas City Councilmember Joel Burns has been a longtime member and supporter of the Fort Worth Stonewall Democrats. Earlier this year, he became the poster boy for the "It Gets Better" campaign when he shared his story with the Fort Worth City Council.

Joel has been an oustanding advocate for the LGBT community and the need for stronger and more vocal pro-equality Democrats. Read his message to the members of the National Stonewall Democrats, below:

LGBT Americans face great threats in the wake of the 2010 election and economic turmoil in our nation. All over we see deep and painful budget cuts; unfortunately most of those cuts start with services that are crucial to the LGBT community.

When decisions are made to cut services that fall harshly on LGBT Americans, our rights as full and equal citizens to marry and adopt are denied and the brave and selfless service of LGBT Americans in our Armed Forces is dishonored, a clear message is sent, especially to our youth: LGBT Americans are less valuable and it is acceptable to treat them unfairly.

I spoke out this year about the consequences of teaching our youth that some of us are not as valuable as others. We can't stand for it and there are lives at stake.

More than ever, it is crucial and our responsibility to continue giving to and supporting the Stonewall Democracy Fund.

Will you join me in donating to the Stonewall Democracy Fund?

The Stonewall Democracy Fund exists to educate and inform the LGBT community about Democratic politics and to educate the Democratic Party and Democratic elected officials about the issues that are important to the LGBT community. It also exists to help nurture the next generation of leaders, some of whom will become elected officials like me, and some who will have successful careers working to get pro-equality Democrats elected.

Americans are ready to move beyond the negative and unproductive wedge politics of hate we faced in 2010. It is time to renew our commitment and resolve to fight for pro-equality Democrats.

Please join me in making a tax-deductible donation to the Stonewall Democracy Fund today.

With your generous contribution now, the support I receive as a member of the LGBT community and as an elected official will not only continue, but grow. And the work that we'll accomplish together as a community will lay the groundwork for our full equality.

Warm regards,

Joel Burns

Councilmember

District 9

City of Fort Worth

P.S. The educational work of the Stonewall Democracy Fund will be critical in 2011 as we head into the elections the following year. Donate now.