How should I write my elected representatives?

Both federal and state? Regarding issues that are important to me?

[starfish]

Most importantly use snail mail, not email. Take a look at their website and it should have their contact information.

I suggest using proper english and avoid slang. Be respectful especially if you are writing about a disagreement. Remember to make sure your arguments are thought out and your logic well formed. What ever you do not let your letter turn into a rant. If you want a response write your letter in such a way that it invites a response.

As for hand written or typed, I recommend typed as my hand writing is horrible. I remember when I was a kid my Dad sent a letter to our senator. It took about a month, but he received back a hand written 4 page letter.

Now you may not always receive a response and if you do they may disagree with you. It is okay to write again about an issue that concerns you, just don't become that annoying guy whose letters are throw away without reading.

How should I write regarding LGBT issues when all of my elected representatives are Republicans who are against LGBT rights?

[starfish]

Simple just present a well thought out argument.

I have two questions. Which LGBT issue do you want to write to them about and what is your motivation?

[xequar]

A handwritten paper letter is great, but an email is acceptable as well. If your rep is worth half a shit, their office will respond to an email (Senator Debbie Stabenow is amazing in this regard).

As for the actual letter, treat it as seriously as you would a letter of application for a job or a university. Use formal and proper English. Be polite and civil, even if you disagree. Also, be very informed regarding the issue about which you're writing. If you're writing regarding a specific piece of legislation or a specific issue, make sure you're versed in that topic. Read the legislation. Know the statistics and studies and facts regarding the issue. Don't go crazy citing them in your letter, but a couple of key facts or statistics to demonstrate knowledge of the issue is great.

In the case of my (now former because I've moved) U.S. congresscritter Thaddeus McFucktard, I had written to express my disapproval of his signing onto a letter opposing legalized marriage equality in D.C.. I thanked him for the work he did to defend the U.S. auto industry during the auto crisis last year. I then moved on to telling him that I was an openly gay constituent and that I was saddened and disappointed that he signed on to (the letter). I expressed my disappointment that he felt that gay people should not get equal access to marriage, and then I informed him, in polite terms, that his decisions and votes regarding gay issues would weigh heavily in my voting decisions.

I want to write about the lack of gay rights in Oklahoma. My motivation is that while they have passed laws federally protecting LGBT people in the United States, my state is trying to go around that and say that they don't have to report hate crimes to the FBI if the state does not recognize it as a hate crime.