Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Where Lobbying Can Take You

SLDN’s seventh annual Lobby Day is quickly approaching (March 6-7) here in Washington, DC. I want to share my experience with those of you who may be debating making the trek to DC for the first time, and with those of you who are wondering whether you should make a repeat visit to Capitol Hill. When I first began with SLDN, Sharon Alexander, Deputy Director for Policy, super lawyer, and mom extraordinaire, invited me to the annual Lobby Day event. It was about one year after I had been discharged and I was back in college finishing undergraduate studies in political science. After twelve years in the Army, I really had not given much thought to anything other than making it to retirement in the Army. I was debating where I should go in life: law school or teaching. I had never dreamed of meeting with my congressional representative to talk about anything, much less my sexual orientation. Sharon reassured me that the training SLDN provided would help make me an effective advocate with Members of Congress. My first year at Lobby Day was incredibly empowering. As a veteran, I had searched for a way to meet other gay veterans who wanted to effect change. I made great connections with fellow veterans and supporters at this event. I walked away from the experience knowing that one voice can make a difference. The next year, as an SLDN staff member, I got to help plan Lobby Day and coordinate the meetings with Members of Congress and their staff, as well as work on introduction of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246). Planning this event was just as empowering as attending it for the first time! During my time at SLDN, I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up: a lobbyist for veterans. I’m happy to say that after graduate school I began doing exactly that. You don’t just have to take my word about coming to Lobby Day: there is an enthusiastic group of supporters who keep coming back every year. Legislators listen to their constituents. While I also encourage everyone I know to send letters to their Senators and Representative, it is so important for members to meet face-to-face with people from their districts. I hope you will all join us on Capitol Hill on March 6-7 and lend your voice for this desperately-needed change. Only with people like you speaking out for repeal will Congress lift the ban. -Stacy Vasquez

01-09-08