Undoubtedly, many of you have heard about the homophobic bullying cases that have led to tragic suicides by over half a dozen young people.  API Equality-LA responded immediately with a press release denouncing the harassment experienced by youth perceived to be LGBT.  Indeed, part of our mission is to ensure there is fair treatment of LGBT people of every age, and we want to create an environment free from discrimination and harm.  We hope you'll be able to join us at our next General Coalition meeting, as we invite Daniel Solis (Southern California Program Manager for the GSA Network) and high school student leaders to talk about what they do to protect youth in our schools.

This month, we are also launching our exciting API Equality-LA Photo Contest!  Snap pictures during the holidays at exotic locations wearing your API Equality-LA T-Shirt and explain to us why this location is important to you, or why LGBT equality is important to you.  The winner of the contest will get fabulous prizes.  Hurry, this contest ends Tuesday, January 4, 2010. For official rules and entry, click here!

This is also a reminder that tomorrow is Election Day, so please do not forget to use your vote to support LGBT equality!  The movement for equality requires not only on-the-ground community organizing, but the right leaders and laws in place as well. 

Finally, during this season of gratitude, the staff and the steering committee of API Equality-LA would like to take a moment to thank you for your tireless dedication to the equality movement and for the friendships and generous spirit that have sustained our organization for over five years.  We look forward to continue working together to further our mission of educating our community about the importance of equality for the LGBT community.

Best,