On Thursday a group of immigration activists ended a 22 day fast begun by Eliseo Medina on the Washington Mall in DC. Throughout the country individuals and organizations sent them messages of support, moved by the solemn sacrifice they had made to get Congress to consider the much needed comprehensive immigration reform bill.
Entertainers Margaret Cho, Stephanie Noguera and Kate Clinton tweeted that they were there in spirit and urged their many followers to sign the petition asking for reform.
Wish I could be in DC to support the #out4citizenship advocates fasting for #ImmigrationReform. I'm with you in spirit, @fast4families!
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 12, 2013
Need a holiday card? Holiday cards that illustrate the hardships faced by LGBT immigrants, available at http://t.co/8yh6YFrYD6.
— Kate Clinton (@KateClinton) December 13, 2013
Just signed the pledge! #Out4Citizenship#LGBT to show my love & support #ImmigrationReform. Sign the pledge! http://t.co/zgOtmnqKNH
— Stephanie Nogueras (@ModelStella) December 12, 2013
Over the past weeks, the Fast4families tent was visited by Bishop Gene Robinson, President Obama, legislators and community groups like the LGBT Immigrant Rights Coalition. Mara Kiesling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality fasted in solidarity for 7 days.
Longtime organizer Dolores Huerta will now continue the fast for 24 hours in front of Rep. Kevin McCarthy's office in Bakersfield.
You can continue to support the efforts for reform by sharing holiday themed e-cards to help people know more about the plight of undocumented immigrants, especially those who are LGBT. Share them on Twitter, Facebook and in person.
You can read more about LGBT participation in the fast here.