Encouraging Day at Sacramento Pride 2009.

Out4Immigrations presence at this year’s Sacramento Pride has and will continue to make a difference in working towards Immigration equality. During the course of the day we able to reach out to so many in the community and gain support from those who are currently facing LGBT immigration difficulties as well as those who aren’t but are willing to help us in our efforts.
On Saturday June 20, the day started with an uncertainty as we set up our booth amongst more widely known organizations. Decorated proudly with our banner, pink and black balloons and a variety of other eye catching ornaments our booth stood out and could be seen from the other end of the park. As people walked by they could not help but to stop by and ask about who we were and what we stood for. For those that were unaware of the challenges that LGBT binational couples face it was clear that their support was with us. We received over 70 signatures of those who wish to be added to our mailing list and letter writing campaign. Many asked specifically as to how they can volunteer in working towards getting the UAFA passed. The director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center has offered for us to use their facilities for various functions such as town hall meetings. We were approached by a local press reporter who is interested in covering our story as well.
One of the most remarkable experiences that transpired was the opportunity to reach out to other binational couples that weren’t aware of our organization. We were given the chance to speak with over a dozen couples who didn’t know that there are people diligently working towards immigration equality. Many of the couples, as we were told, were planning to leave the country, while others were fighting to keep their work visas. Hearing about their struggle in trying to remain together, these couples spoke about the time and cost they have endured, a story many of know all too well.
As booths around us began to tear down their tents and tables, Out4Immigrations booth remained consistently busy all the way up till the end of the festival. With the help of an amazing O4I volunteer who walked around the festival throughout the day handing out stickers we were bombarded with people who sought us out in order to learn more about us. Even as we took down our banner, we continued to have people come up to us for fliers and brochures.
In looking back on the day, we can know that by simply holding conversations with people we are able to transform our numbers. By simply asking for them to help write letters to their Congress people spoke volumes to them. It is my hope that everyone reading this can now find encouragement in participating in their Pride Events as a representative of Out4Immigration. People are willing to listen and we found out on Saturday June 20, people are willing to help.
Join us on June 28 at SF Pride by emailing Kathy at kathy@out4immigration and at NY City Pride by emailing Zoe at zoeoka@yahoo.com