Thousands Gather at Capitol for
GLBT Equality

An estimated 3,000 people from all over the state gathered to meeting with their lawmakers, rally on the lawn of the capitol, and show the collective strength of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community in Minnesota at OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day Thursday, April 19th, 2007.

Listen to Lobby Day speeches

See Lobby Day photos

Lobby Day afforded GLBT and allied constituents the opportunity to meet with or communicate with an estimated 150 lawmakers - both state representatives and state senators - to tell them how they're affected by the votes inside the state capitol. On the day of lobby day, the House of Representatives was about to consider a spending bill that included three positive pieces of legislation that would enhance the lives of GLBT people. Later that night, the legislation passed.

Attendees met both with supportive and oppositional lawmakers - but throughout - the message was the same - our issues matter, we matter, our families matter.

Read Stories from Lobby Day

More than 1,000 people signed a petition to Governor Pawlenty asking him to sign the four pieces of positive legislation moving through the legislature. The signatures will be delivered to the governor, appealing to his sense of fairness and asking him to keep in mind equality for all of Minnesota's citizens.

Read letter from Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison

At the Rally for Fairness, a wide swath of GLBT and allied speakers took the stage to inspire the crowd. “For our rights to last, we need the people,” said Reverend Malcolm Himschoot, an openly transgender man who serves Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. “We have justice on our side,” said Representative Neva Walker to a cheering crowd. And 79-year-old activist Annalee Stewart encouraged the rally crowd, “Educate the people around you. By coming out, you give them a chance to know you. You give them a chance to change themselves. I come out to as many people as I can.”

OutFront Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota School OUTreach Coalition also conducted educational sessions on topics including GLBT parenting and how young people can become strong advocates for themselves in their schools and communities.

OutFront Minnesota's justFair Lobby Day was an astounding success - thanks to YOU - all of the people who drove, came in buses and carpools, took time out of your busy lives to gather together with like-minded Minnesotans to Stand OUT Speak OUT Live OUT for GLBT Equality!