How to Support the Gay Community

The gay community is a vibrant and valued part of society. Support for this community is crucial in preventing discrimination, victimization and exploitation of its members. There are a myriad of ways for a motivated individual to stand up for this unique population.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Attend rallies and meetings to support the gay community. A great way to start is by attending a Gay Pride parade or a local rally supporting gay marriage.
2. Sign a petition to support a gay community cause. For a particular concern close to your heart you might want to consider starting your own petition and distributing it throughout your community to gain as many signatures as possible.
3. Support businesses owned and/or operated by members of the gay community by frequenting them. Also patron businesses known to be gay-friendly and let them know you appreciate their stance and presence in the neighborhood. At LambdaBusiness.com you can find a gay business directory (see Resources below).
4. Vote for political measures supporting gay community concerns and vote against those aimed at limiting gay rights. Write your congressman to let him/her know where you stand on the issues involving the gay community. "The Gay and Lesbian Alliance against Defamation" provides a lot of information on current political activity (see Resources below).
5. Show your support for gay sports stars by attending their events and rooting for them. You may want to write to their sponsors and let them know you appreciate their support for gay athletes by buying their products.
6. Demonstrate your support of the gay artist community. Go to "gay positive" theater showings, read gay oriented books and magazines and patron galleries featuring objects of art created by gay artists.
7. Create a blog in which you write about the gay community, and speak out on web forums dedicated to gay interests. Submit your writings on gay issues to search engines to gain readership.
8. Volunteer your time and/or donate money to the gay community. Seek out local organizations in need of helpers. Let them know what special skills you have and allow them to assign you appropriate tasks. One place in which you could begin your search is via the organization Parents, Families of Lesbians and Gays (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Do a background check for legitimacy on any organization you are considering supporting.
• Make sure any activity you participate in to support the Gay Community is not in violation of any local laws or ordinances.