LGBTQ allies

My role is that of a supporter, not a fixer. Except I don’t know what else to do.

If you’re not an actual member of the oppressed group, the target on your back is even bigger and brighter.

I was an LGBTQ ally! Except, I wasn’t. I was just a decent person who believed in equal rights for everyone.

“…but there’s a lot more work to do.”

The revolution in equality for people who are gay and lesbian did not happen in a vacuum. For every person in the community who bravely came out and fought, there were people outside the LGBT community – our families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors – who were watching. Many of them saw what our courage meant and chose to stop watching and be part of the fight. The progress that happened would not have occurred without them. Now’s the chance for us to do the same.

NEWARK, N.J. — Newark Mayor Cory Booker won a special election Wednesday to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, giving the rising Democratic star a bigger political stage after a race against conservative Steve Lonegan, a former small-town mayor.

“My life has been immensely enriched by gay mentors, colleagues and friends and any discrimination and persecution of gay people is unacceptable,” says Russian dancer and choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov.

MOSCOW — U.S. middle distance runner Nick Symmonds on Tuesday dedicated silver medal at the World Track & Field Championships in Moscow to his gay and lesbian friends back home, becoming the first athlete to openly criticize Russia’s controversial anti-gay “propaganda” law while on Russian soil.

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, an outspoken ally and supporter of same-sex marriage, said Monday he has been released by the team.

This year, while several individuals who were outspoken in their support for LGBTQ rights, there was one quiet and unassuming figure, who stood out for his forceful, determined and unwavering support of gay and lesbian persons being able to proudly wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces of the United States — Admiral Mike Mullen, LGBT Nation’s choice for Ally of the Year.