Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people want equal rights, not special rights. In many states, however, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still legal. An LGBT person can be kicked out of school, fired from a job or denied housing simply because of who they love or how they express their gender. And in most states, same-sex couples cannot legally marry.

Opinion polls show that people who know someone who is LGBT are more likely to support equal rights for all people. As an ally and a friend, the people in your life need you to take a stand for fairness and join in the fight for equality.

Activists are often ordinary people from different religious and cultural backgrounds who can create a strong political force. The road to full equality and acceptance is a long one and it's people like you who are paving the way for equal rights and visibility.

For ways you can help, check out the critical work being done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign.