The biggest obstacle GLBT people face when it comes to seeking equality is not the the "usual suspects":  Religious institutions, social conservatives, or rampant homophobia.  The biggest obstacle we face is ourselves, and our unwillingness to get involved.  Far too often we sit idly by and watch as ballot measures, local referendums, and state legislatures strip us of equality by creating second-class statuses (such as "Civil Unions") or by outright banning the recognition of our families.  Instead of getting active with local organizations, or even talking to our friends and coworkers, we sit silently while these acts of fear and bigotry are enacted over and over again.

I'm not asking every GLBT person to mobilize and take to the streets.  That isn't the way either.  There are, though, many ways we can contribute: financially, of our time, and of ourselves.  There are organizations that need your help -- the Human Rights Campaign, local Equality organizations, community centers, crisis hotlines -- the list goes on.  Most importantly, though -- we can explain to the people we come in contact with why these things matter to them; how homophobia hurts everybody; how writing discrimination into our state constitutions is the height of hypocrisy when we have troops fighting for personal freedom and liberty for citizens of other countries.

Without the support of the majority, no minority can hope to have its liberties protected.  If we are not willing to engage the majority in open, honest conversation -- without rancor or accusation -- we can never make progress.  Until those we select to speak for our community can do so with our open and visible support, they cannot speak for us with authority.  Until we are willing to be active in creating our own destiny, we will have to live with the crumbs that are thrown to us.

There is an old maxim:  All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.  Let us not be guilty of aiding the evil of discrimination by sitting by and doing nothing.

Some of my heros:
Every parent who proudly supports their GLBT child.
Joe Solmonese, and all the hard working folks of Human Rights Campaign.
Nadine Smith and her fine crew at Equality Florida.
The Stonewall Democrats, especially the Pinellas County, Florida chapter
Bishop V. Gene Robinson.
Retired Bishop John Shelby Spong.
The United Church of Christ.
Every openly gay athlete, actor, and musician.

and many, many more...