I am writing in reference to a story that appeared in the May 27, 2010 issue of the Washington Blade regarding Gov. Martin O'Malley's recent appearance at an event sponsored by the Gill Action Fund, a group of wealthy LGBT political activists (http://tinyurl.com/25ve6xu).

Both the Gill Action Fund and Governor O'Malley have lost credibility in my view. Despite this, I still plan to volunteer and vote for Mr. O'Malley. He's a lot better than the alternative, and while he has consistently stated he is opposed to same-sex marriage, he has also pledged he would sign a marriage equality bill if it made it to his desk. It's a hair of difference, but this is politics after all.

Secrets and money do not mix well with politics. By not inviting the press to the event, not being on record, Mr. O'Malley is now open to be attacked as anti-gay for saying Maryland is not yet ready for marriage equality. What was actually said — on either side — is impossible to verify because this was a closed event. Both Governor O'Malley and the Gill Action Fund, which does a lot of positive work advancing equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, are to blame here.

At no time do I recall the Gill Action Fund asking for local input from the LGBT community on what can be done in Maryland for the advancement of civil rights. Even if I don't matter to an out-of state lobbying group, I know that my groups' efforts and volunteering for Movable Feast, Equality Maryland and local candidates do make a difference.

Civil marriage will come to Maryland, but that is not the only thing at stake in this election. A lot, from the Chesapeake Bay, to education, to public safety hangs in the balance. Bob Ehrlich is a proven foe of the LGBT community, vetoing prior bills to expand rights. Mr. O'Malley is not perfect on gay rights, but I agree with him on most other issues and still plan to vote for him. This is politics after all.

Daniel Ewald, Baltimore

The writer is chairman of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus of the Young Democrats of Maryland.