Dear Representatives Conyers, Frank, Murphy, Baldwin, Polis, Nadler, Sanchez, Honda, Stark, Christensen and Senators Merkley, Leahy, and Whitehouse,

We, the undersigned, wanted to take a moment during this Thanksgiving holiday season to express our appreciation.

Thank you for taking the lead on the important pieces of legislation that will grant protection and equality to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families.

Our community has high expectations for this Congress. With clear Democratic majorities in both houses of Congress and a pro-equality President ready and willing to sign pro-equality legislation, this is a moment that must not be squandered.

Fortunately, elected officials like you have decided to stand up for your LGBT constituents.

With your sponsorship of the Matthew Shepard Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, the Respect of Marriage Act, the Uniting American Families Act, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, the Reuniting Families Act, the Every Child Deserves A Family Act, and your work to make health care reform LGBT inclusive, you will help the United States take steps closer to our founding promise of equality and justice for all.

On this Thanksgiving holiday, know that we're thankful for your leadership.

Sincerely,