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On January 4, representatives of Vermont GLBT organizations met with Congressman Bernie Sanders to discuss political issues of importance to the community. Sanders invited members of groups such as the Vermont Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights, People With Aids Coalition, the Pride Committee, and the Rainbow Business Association to the gathering. Also present were delegates from Vermont CARES, Outright Vermont, and other service agencies.
After presenting a brief overview of his voting record and stance on issues he perceived to be of interest to the GLBT community, Representative Sanders listened as his guests voiced their concerns.
He participated with those present in detailed conversations about the cost of health care for HIV-positive individuals, taxation of domestic partnership benefits, the potential harm in reporting names of AIDS patients and other identified priorities.
Tage Lilja, who represented Outright Vermont at the meeting, left with a sense of amazement to have been a part of such a diverse group of people seated at the table. Sarah Harrington of the Rainbow Business Association agreed, "I was impressed with both the representation of the GLBT community and with Bernie's wanting to sit down and discuss things with us."
The congressman was adamant about his need to be informed of how issues affect his constituents. "As a result of that meeting, I've taken on the duty of forwarding information on issues important to our clients to his office," noted Lilja.
Harrington said she was comforted by the fact that Sanders is in Washington at least attempting to pay attention to the issues affecting the GLBT community. "That's one of the reasons I live in Vermont," she continued. "Our representatives are accessible. I feel like my vote counts."
Absent from the meeting were rosy campaign promises of immediate results. Sanders repeatedly commented on the slow but steady change in societal attitudes toward GLBT issues and cautioned the group to expect progress to take time. He encouraged the development of coalitions around progressive issues and reiterated the need for everyone to engage in the political process. "It breaks my heart on a daily basis," he said, "that the people most in need are the least involved."
