Pennsylvania Youth Congress

cw: suicide . . . Brandon Bitner was a beloved, 14 year-old boy from rural Snyder County. Ten years ago today, he ended his life. We honor and keep his memory alive. Each year we go with his mother to his marker. Through love we take action for Brandon and so many young Pennsylvanians who should still be with us. For more information on Brandon, you may visit Brandon Bitner Memorial. Please know how loved you are. We and so many are here for you, always.... Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741

I worry many of us will fall into despair. We cannot do that. It’s important to honor how we feel, but never give up hope. We’ve seen those before us fiercely fight in grave circumstances and prevail. We can and must continue to put our hands to the plough for love and justice.

Great news from Greater Pittsburgh! Jessica Benham will be the first out bi person and first queer woman in our state’s General Assembly. She is also noted as the first openly autistic person elected to a state legislature in the nation. State Representative-elect Benham will become the fifth out legislator in Pennsylvania history.

The future is ours.

Today, the US Supreme Court heard arguments in Fulton v. Philadelphia. This case has the possibility to eviscerate nondiscrimination protections in government-funded programs like adoption and foster care. There is a lot happening today. Please take care of yourselves right now. Please. This case won’t be decided until next year. There will be time to process how the oral arguments went. And we will continue fighting and winning. Justice and love will always win.

The polls are now closed and the first results are now coming in. One win we are proud to share is Sarah McBride will become the first out trans person in the upper chamber of any state legislature in the nation. Congratulations, Delaware State Senator-elect Sarah McBride! Here is Sarah at our annual Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference in 2014.

Today is Election Day! Voting is open in PA until 8pm. Go to votespa.com for all the information on where you are registered to vote. Please, please, vote.

Tomorrow is Election Day, PA! Polls are open 7am-8pm. To confirm your voter registration status and location of your polling location, go to votespa.com!

Pennsylvania is of course among the states without explicit nondiscrimination protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. This must change. Make a plan to vote if you haven’t already! Nondiscrimination is on the ballot.

Thank you to the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center for all your important work on this effort in our commonwealth!