Political Awareness ~ AGLA ~ Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance, Arlington Virginia

Political Awareness

AGLA: Active in government

Why Be Politically Aware?

"To be gay or lesbian in the year 2005 is to be political. Not by choice - but for our survival. We have been thrust into this as the whipping post, the wedge issue, and the fundraising scare tactic of political opportunists for too long."

- AGLA Member and Arlington County Board member Jay Fisette

AGLA Honored by 2006 Virginia General Assembly

With a track record dating back to 1981, AGLA has gained the respect of Arlington's civic leaders and elected representatives.

AGLA informs our community about the issues that matter the most to gay men and lesbians. Monthly meetings, special events, and public forums give you the opportunity to learn more about the challenges we face. Lesbians and gay men must overcome hurdles whether it's adopting children, buying a home with a partner or deciding to come out. AGLA's programs give you vital information and put you in touch with people who can help answer your questions.

AGLA educates you about your political choices. AGLA-sponsored candidate forums give you the opportunity to express your views to the candidates who seek your vote. Working together, we educate our leaders.

AGLA mobilizes our community to advance equal rights under the law. AGLA organized the successful campaign to pass a local civil rights ordinance barring sexual orientation discrimination. AGLA has moved ahead to win equal rights under state law, too!

AGLA members Nancy Davis and Lillie Vincenz just left the stage at a GLBT rally in Philadelphia, where Lillie spoke to the crowd about her decades of activism for equality. Lillie was one of the handful of picketers in front of Independence Hall in 1965, the subject of a recent documentary, "Gay Pioneers."

We send information about issues, voter registration and election logistics on an ongoing basis.
We have organized active groups of LGBT residents in other Northern Virginia Counties with the goal of grooming AGLA-like organizations in places like Fairfax County, Loudon County and Prince William County.
We are participating in a coalition of local, state and national LGBT organizations to facilitate better communication and coordination and to raise interest and awareness of particular political issues.

AGLA members at Equality Begins at Home rally in Richmond
AGLA members at the Equality Begins at Home rally in Richmond

For more information, please e-mail political@agla.org.