Too often, LGBT immigrants are forced into two closets — one because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and the other because of their immigration status.

At the Federation, we believe that it’s time for all immigrants, including at least 267,000 LGBT immigrants, to be able to come out of the shadows. And we believe that our members can be a powerful voice in helping this dream become a reality.

The Federation has joined a coalition of national LGBT organizations working to ensure that Congress understands the positive impact this legislation will have on LGBT young people, detainees, workers, and others. Our role in the coalition has focused on empowering and supporting state leaders who want to engage on this important issue. While all of our members continue to work hard on the ground for local and state-level victories that improve the lives of immigrants, we've worked closely with a number of members who have taken a stand on federal-level reforms. 

• In coalition with local immigrant rights groups, the Federation assisted Equal Rights Washington, MassEquality, Empire State Pride Agenda, and Equality Pennsylvania to place op-eds in high profile publications. This earned media served to elevate critical LGBT voices in support of reform.
   
• To build momentum for immigration reform, members like Equal Rights Washington and Equality Pennsylvania have asked their members to take action, driving critical contacts into Congressional lawmakers.
   
• In partnership with Lambda Legal, the Federation hosted a panel on immigration reform at our annual Summer Meeting, with representatives from Equality Utah, One Colorado, and MassEquality. State leaders shared stories of how work on immigration fits in with their missions to improve the lives of all LGBT people in their states.

At this critical moment, it's more important than ever that LGBT organizations and individuals affirm their commitment to immigration reform. Congress needs to hear our voices and see our dedication to ensuring that immigration reform that leads to citizenship passes in 2013.

We're grateful to our members who are already engaged in this critical work, and we encourage state leaders who would like to get involved to get in touch, especially now as the National Day of Dignity and Respect approaches! Contact me if you'd like more information and resources.