I'm a New York State queer boy!  I grew up in the suburbs of Syracuse, vacationed in the Adirondacks, visited relatives on farms in Central New York, pastored my first church  in Chautauqua County and have been living for 11 years now in New York City with my Brooklyn-born spouse, Jose Ortiz.  I'm an all-around New York State boy.  That's why I desire your help at this time for my beloved Empire State. 

I'm a committee member of Pride in the Pulpit, a program of the Empire State Pride Agenda.  Pride in the Pulpit confronts religious-based bigotry in New York State by building a network of congregations and leaders of faith throughout the state who advocate for equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) New Yorkers and their families. Kate McDonough is Pride in the Pulpit Coordinator. 

If you're a New Yorker (1) contact your district Senator by phone and mail.  Empire State Pride Agenda provides instructions, forms and easy steps for emailing your letter to your NY Senator. (2) Write a letter to the editor of your paper. Onlinenewspapers will provide you with editor email addresses for papers accross the state. (3) Involve your friends and family the same way. 

 

If you are not a New Yorker, you may know someone who is or you may belong to an organization, like a church fellowship or denomination, that has contacts in New York.  Ask your family, friends and associates of New York State to contact their New York State Senator for Marriage Equality.