The 4/30/10 Edition of The Hill, a publication that targets Congress and their employees, has an Op Ed piece that makes a strong case for the passage of ENDA, the Employment Non Discrimination Act. It is written by Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund. Here's a passage that I find particularly persuasive.

Last week, I heard from James in Florida, who several years earlier, had just gotten a raise for his great work as an account manager when he was seen leaving a gay bar by a coworker. His employer asked him if he was gay and he said he yes, wanting to be honest. He was fired and it took him years to find a comparable job; even with his college degree, he could only find a job as a food server.

Congress heard last fall from Vandy Beth Glenn, who landed her dream job as a copy editor with the Georgia Legislature in 2005. After four years in the U.S. Navy and reaching the rank of lieutenant, this was her chance to use her journalism degree from the University of Georgia. She was a reliable and valued employee for more than two years until the day she announced she was going to transition from male to female. She too was fired and escorted from her workplace.

This happens every day in this country, and it will continue to happen until Congress passes the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

I've long thought that it was important to argue for queer issues in human terms, where we easily win. I encourage you to read the entire commentary.

The NGLTF is encouraging people to contact Congress.

We are closer than ever to getting workplace discrimination protections for all LGBT people passed in the House. Text “ENDA” to 69866 to be connected to your representative or call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202.224.3121. Your phone calls will make a huge difference. Even if you think your representative is supportive or if you've called before, it's still important to call now!

The militant fundamentalists at the "American Family Association" are having their flock send emails to Congress to oppose ENDA. It is important to keep them from imposing their religious beliefs on LGBT Americans. The teabaggers are trying to stop ENDA too.

On our side, PFLAG also has an Action Alert for people who support LGBT equality to email their representatives. Please fill it out.

ENDA is the most important queer issue in terms of the number of people affected and the influence over peoples' lives. ENDA is so critical that six protesters were arrested at Nancy Pelosi's office last month, trying to get action on the bill.

Also, if you live in Alaska, please take part in Bent Alaska's Action Alert for ENDA.

Photo: afagen