Suggested Actions for GLBT People

We are still a largely invisible minority. Despite decades of gay activism, and although we are covered more often in the media these days, still we are targeted and abused as a group. Remember: It’s easy to dehumanize people you don’t know. So make yourself known. Don’t allow anyone to turn you into a scapegoat.

Come out. Harvey Milk said, “As difficult as it is, you must tell your immediate family, you must tell your relatives, you must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends, you must tell your neighbors, you must tell the people you work with, you must tell the people at the stores you shop in. And once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere—every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and for all. And once you do, you will feel so much better.” I couldn’t have said it any better.

Be Visible. When is the last time you saw a gay or lesbian couple in the “Engagements” section of a mainstream newspaper? When have you seen a gay or lesbian couple holding hands at the mall? How about a mixed group of gay and straight people just enjoying a barbeque in the local park? You know we’re everywhere—don’t be afraid to show it.