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Top 10 Ways To Support Gay Rights

By Ramon Johnson, About.com

Here's how you can join the fight for gay equal rights:

1. Register To Vote!

The best way to tell our government how you feel is to vote! Be sure to update your address if you are registered to vote or sign up if you are not.

2. Sign a Petition for Same-Sex Marriage

Your single signature may at first seem irrelevant, but among millions change happens.

3. Write Your State Senator or Representative

Your State Senators and Representatives were elected by you and act on your behalf. Let them know how you feel.

4. Contact the White House

The Bush Administration opposes equal gay rights. Send letters supporting gay equality directly to our leader. Let's keep the upper hand by expressing our opinions with respect and professionalism.

5. Support Gay Schools

Help the Hetrick-Martin Institute alleviate queer youth from the perils of harassment and violence by contacting the New York City Department of Education or by providing funding to The Harvey Milk School.

6. Write the Church

A simple email to gay-friendly churches can go a long way towards the confirmation of gay clergymen.

7. Support the Servicemembers Legal Defense Fund

The SLDF needs your support as the leading advocate for gays in the military. Not only do they educate servicemembers on the current "don't ask, don't tell" policies, but they provide free legal advice.

8. Watch Gay Television Shows

Despite what your parents said, watching television is good for you- especially if you're gay! By watching gay-theme television shows you increase their ratings. Increased ratings make the high-power networks and advertisers very happy. Hopefully, happy enough that they can't afford not to have gay programming. Showing Americans gay life on television may also lessen the fear of gay equality.

9. Volunteer for a Gay Rights Organization

There are several organizations that help promote gay rights and safety. Find the one that best suits your lifestyle.

10. Lobby for Gay Adoption

The American Bar Association had recently agreed to endorse and lobby states for equal adoption rights for same-sex couples. Join the fight!
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