Seeking letters of support
As you know, we made history in 2008 as the first openly gay group to march in a Presidential Inaugural Parade. We are seeking to do the same in 2012 and will be submitting our application in the next couple of weeks. However, we need your help!
As part of our application we need to include letters of support from our local, state and national elected officials. Below are some instructions and talking points to help craft your message.
Address letters to:
Presidential Inaugural Committee
Care of Joint Task Force — National Capital Region
103 3rd Avenue
Fort McNair, D.C. SW 20319-5058
Please include:
CC: Lesbian and Gay Band Association
Once you have reached out to a political figure, please email Michael Tolliver so that he can track who has been contacted. Letters should be on official letterhead of political office, as appropriate. Letters delivered as a PDF are most preferred, but other formats are acceptable. All letters should come to inaugural@lgba.org to be included with our online application for the parade. Please copy Michael, as well, at the email address above.
Final deadline for submitting letters is Thursday, November 15.
Talking points:
- Lesbian and Gay Band Association has been a cultural institution for more than 30 years
- Membership includes 38 bands, orchestras and partner groups in 19 states and the District of Columbia, plus members in three countries outside the U.S.
- LGBA has organizations in all of the 11 largest U.S. metropolitan areas, and 21 of the top 30 U.S. metro areas
- The 38 LGBA bands include talented adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight-ally members from all walks of life
- LGBA marched in the 2009 Inaugural Parade for President Barack Obama and participated in both the 1993 and 1997 Inaugural Day events for President Bill Clinton
- LGBA hosts an annual conference in cities across the United States; recent conferences were held in New York City, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Seattle and Dallas
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the Lesbian and Gay Band Association is to promote LGBT music, visibility, and pride by:
- Providing an international network of lesbian and gay bands in all stages of development;
- Promoting music as a medium of communication among people;
- Improving the quality of artistic and organizational aspects of member bands;
- Stimulating public interest in the unique art form of community bands in our culture.
A sample or draft letter could contain some of the following verbiage:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to voice my support for including the Lesbian and Gay Band Association in the Inaugural Parade of President Barack Obama.
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA) has been a cultural force for more than 30 years. Individual bands are a vital part of their communities, bringing all types of people together through their music. The bands themselves include lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangendered members, while performing for an even wider audience around the world. LGBA has a proven ability to entertain America, while representing America. Their presence in the Inaugural Parade would provide a powerful, non-threatening image of the GLBT Community for all to see.
President Barack Obama has sent a strong message to America about the value of diversity. While he works to include diversity in his administration, including the Lesbian and Gay Bands of America would make a strong statement about diversity in America. Their appearance would send a very positive image to the GLBT Community, a community who strongly supported Barack Obama in the election.
I would be very proud to see the Lesbian and Gay Band Association in the Inaugural parade. I urge you to include them.
THANK YOU for your help as LGBA makes history once again!
Related Posts
Watch LGBA on C-SPAN →
LGBA appears in President’s parade →
LGBA to march in 57th Presidential Inaugural Parade →
