May 17th -21st is a big week in the world of BGLT activism and advocacy.  Equality Across America – known for the National Equality March – is sponsoring actions with local groups all over the country in commemoration of Harvey Milk’s birthday.  The Defense Authorization Bill for FY2011 will be voted out of the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, and it remains the best hope for passing legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” this year.  Rep. Patrick Murphy is still working to champion repeal in the House.

Our partners at ENDA Now are spearheading a national week of action to demand that the House of Representatives move forward with a vote on the Employment Non Discrimination Act.  ENDA has been stalled in the House for months while employees in many areas are losing jobs or being harassed at work because of who they are or who they love.

The week of action kicks off with a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, May 18^th.  A rally is also planned for Tuesday outside of the San Francisco federal building where Nancy Pelosi has her local office.   BGLT advocacy organizations are asking their members all over the country to call Congress and demand a vote on ENDA immediately.  Even if you have taken action before, it is critical that your lawmakers hear from you again.  ENDA will only move forward if there’s enough public pressure, and that’s where you come in.

Please take a few moments today or tomorrow to call your Representative and tell the how important workplace fairness and equality are to your community.

If you want to get more involved, look for what’s happening this week in your community and connect with other equality activists at the Equality Across America website.