Actions | Gay Rights

"Fight Homophobia, Garner Support With Outreach And Information"

Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to before about LGBT issues. It can be a local or state politician (yes, citizens can contact local and state offices to arrange meetings with officials), a neighbor, co-worker, family member or friend. The idea is to target those we know who haven't expressed social and political support for the LGBT community.

"Getting someone to cast a vote for a pro-gay (or against anti-gay) legislation or politician could be as simple as installing in them an understanding of our issues."

"When you hold your discussion, make sure you have their full attention (distraction-free location, no tv/music on, etc..). Some of these topics can be discussed in a 15-minute car ride to the grocery store. Feel free to use these links as a resource and share/forward them to as many people as possible. After the links I've posted some random FYI little-known facts about LGBT."

Links

The American Psychological Association's (APA) page on sexual orientation

The APA denounces gay-to-straight conversion therapy as harmful and cites a lack scientific evidence of plausibility. [Additional Information]

A study by Emory University correlates gay marriage bans and higher rates of HIV

United Nations says HIV prevention is hampered by homophobia

LAMBDA says LGBT youth bear burden of homophobia, are at high-risk of suicide, drug-abuse, homelessness and assault. [Additional Information]

Washington Post poll suggests support for social issues including gay marriage is rising.

The Human Rights Campaign releases a Buyer's Guide, "grading" businesses based on commitment to LGBT issues as well as provisions and benefits for gay employees. Request or download the report

Miami hospital sued after lesbian mother and her children were denied access to her dying partner.

In America, banning gay marriage denies same-sex couples over 1,000 federal benefits awarded to heterosexual married couples.

RANDOM LGBT FACTS:
1. A transgendered person is killed (at least) every 3 days.

2. South Africa: The country's 1996 post-apartheid constitution is the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex adoption was legalized in 2002. Gay marriage was legalized in 2006. Homosexuals are also allowed to donate blood.

3. Gay marriage and civil unions have been legalized by many countries including Canada (in 2005), Mexico (2007), numerous European countries.

(Comprehensive list of countries that allow gay marrage or civil unions)

4. In South Africa "corrective rape" is the practice of raping lesbians in attempt to convert them to heterosexuality.

5. Entertainers and celebrities who have spoken out in favor of the LGBT community include singers Patti Labelle, Tatyana Ali, Fantasia Barrino and Christina Aguilera, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, deaf actress Shoshannah Stern (Jericho, Weeds), actor Guillermo Diaz (Weeds, Half-Baked) and High School Musical star Oleysa Rulin.

Good luck with your ministry! Who knows, you might even talk someone new into joining gayrights.change.org! :D

Please be sure to share your experiences in the comment section.

This is an ongoing pledge that should be fulfilled as often as possible.

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Comments, Suggestions and Stories

Martele Banks Columbia, SC @ 11:18AM PT Sep 11
Pledge fulfilled Aug 13!

This past weekend I came out to my younger sister and talked to her briefly about my involvement with gay rights advocacy. She took it very well and was very supportive and understanding.
Martele Banks Columbia, SC @ 03:38PM PT Aug 16
Pledge fulfilled Aug 13!

RE:

Jamaka Petzak Glendale, CA @ 03:52PM PT Aug 15

GREAT video -- always a convincing way to fight intolerance and ignorance, with FACTS. I especially like the facts on homosexuality being present in many, many species besides the human. Now, how could a person of any religion argue with THAT???

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That's where we sometimes hit a brick wall; many religious people cherrypick when it comes to logic. This stubbornness is common in people who are against gay rights, all the facts in the world won't change their mind.

My hope is that this pledge reaches out to the people on the fence, some people can be persuaded if we'd just talk to them. Good luck everyone with your conversations!
Jamaka Petzak Glendale, CA @ 03:52PM PT Aug 15

GREAT video -- always a convincing way to fight intolerance and ignorance, with FACTS. I especially like the facts on homosexuality being present in many, many species besides the human. Now, how could a person of any religion argue with THAT???
stephanie Bass prescott valley, AZ @ 12:46PM PT Aug 13

Wow, I really like this. Thanks for including me in your invitation list! Makes me wish I had more humans to send it to! :O)

BTW, there is nothing "backwards" about that, in my mind. Makes perfect sense, in fact. One step at a time, my friend; one step at a time.
Martele Banks Columbia, SC @ 12:26PM PT Aug 13
Pledge fulfilled Aug 13!

Backwards as it seems, I came out to friends and co-workers before family (my family members are devout Christians). I've come out to my older sister and one of my older brothers.

They've both accepted me but I haven't talked to them yet about supporting the gay community. When I told my brother I'm a gay rights advocate he actually asked me to tell him more about it. When I see him in October I'm going to talk to him about all of these issues.
LaFrench Cammack Decatur, GA @ 11:44AM PT Aug 13

Initiated this Pledge!