Reflections of EV Day of Action

Part of the Hampton Roads representation for Day of Action

Today was the first time that I participated in Equality Virginia's "Day of Action" - formerly known as Lobby Day - and it was a wonderful experience overall, although the day was cut short by the approaching snow storm that has begun to hit Hampton Roads that caused us to leave Richmond in mid-afternoon.  Hampton Roads had perhaps the highest participation of any region of the state - our group from the chartered bus is shown in the picture above taken at the Library of Virginia which sits across the street from the Senate and House of Delegates office building.   One of the highlights was meeting Attorney General Mark Herring (pictured below with a friend and one of the original board members of HRBOR) and having a brief opportunity to discuss his filing in Bostic v. Rainey. 

Mark Herring this morning with Cindy Cutler

Hampton Roads Business OutReach, Virginia's only affiliate of the NGLCC - a/k/a/ HRBOR - which helped underwrite the cost of the tour bus had a strong participation by its board of directors pictured below.  Unlike the majority of Virginia Republicans, HRBOR recognizes that an anti-gay climate is not good for business and that the lack of LGBT non-discrimination protections and same sex marriage makes Virginia increasingly non-competitive. 

HRBOR Board members at EV Day of Action

While many of the Delegates and Senators we met were very supportive and gracious - Sen. Mamie Locke, Sen. John Miller, and Jeron Ward deserve special mention - I was stunned by the coldness of some of the Republicans, particular exceptions being Del. Ron Villanueva and Sen. Frank Wagner.  What am I talking about?  At the beginning of the Senate session, various senators introduced groups and individuals in the gallery of the Senate Chamber.  At the end of each introduction, all senators politely clapped and showed welcome to the visitors.  Except when Equality Virginia representatives were introduced.  Then at least a third of the Republican senators failed to clap whatsoever.  It may seem like a petty thing to note, but it is indicative of the animus with which many in the Virginia GOP hold towards the LGBT community.  My New Orleans belle grandmother taught me that a proper gentlemen (or lady) always acts politely even if they cannot stand someone.  It's a lesson the Virginia GOP needs to learn. 

View from the Senate gallery - Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam is on the dais at left