There’s many different ways to go about supporting gay rights. Unfortunately upon doing a web search for different things, I was disappointed to see there aren’t many resources.

But that’s ok. That’s what this group is for.

While researching I found a list on About.com that states 10 ways to support gay rights and I think it's a good start:

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.

If you'd like to sign a petition, do a Google search for a support gay marriage petition in your state. Also, another great place to sign is for Human Rights Campaign, Million for Marriage Petition. Click on the image below to learn more about Million for Marriage, you can also sign the petition itself there!




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.

Don’t know how to find them to contact them? NO PROBLEM, Support Gay Rights Staff made it easy, just click here.

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.

To contact The White House:

Mailing Address

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Phone Numbers

Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

TTY/TDD

Comments: 202-456-6213
Visitors Office: 202-456-2121

5) Support Gay Schools
Help alleviate queer youth from the perils of harassment and violence by contacting your local Department of Education or by providing funding to The Harvey Milk School.

The Harvey Milk School is a NYC based High School, but you are more than welcome to donate, to do so, click on the image below, if not, check around and see if there's a school like this in your area, if not write your state senate and ask if its possible to create a gay school to help out the GLBT Youth.




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

Don't know where there is a gay-friendly church in your area? Its ok, we got you covered, that’s what we're here for, click the image:




7) Support the Service members Legal Defense Fund
The SLDF needs your support as the leading advocate for gays in the military. Not only do they educate service members on the current "don't ask, don't tell" policies, but they provide free legal advice.

The SLDF, a.k.a Sri Lanka Democracy Forum, is a global network of activists committed to promote democratization and inter-ethnic co-existence in Sri Lanka. Presently there are people connected to the network in 11 different countries. To learn more, click here.

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.

There are some shows that are family oriented, some that aren't, so depending on your age, keep an eye on what you watch. To see a list of programs, click here.

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.

This group is a great way to start supporting, but there are so many things you can do whether you want to be semi-active or extremely active. There are THOUSANDS of sites that you can find online, if you need one, click here., it has 28 different groups throughout the US.

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!

To learn more about the American Bar Association, click here.


I hope these things help you guys, but I'm 100% positive we can all add to this list. Anyone else have any ways? What about anything to add on to the above list? Maybe you know better links that I found?

wow, those do sound very helpful
:-)

They really are, I learned some things I never knew either. For instance I checked out the gay friendly churches and I actually learned my parish that I've been a part since I was born is gay friendly. I've been avoiding it because I thought they would be against gays and would treat me differently knowing how I turned out. Now I know I can go there without fear. You'd be surprised. Check them out.

Don't sweat it Matt, at least you're making yourself heard and every letter is worth sending.

I'll try writing to my senators and sending them some of the essays I've written on gay marriage. I live in a republican state so it probably wont help much, but maybe it'll make those dickheads feel like assholes and it'll weigh on their conscience... >:]

For those of you writing to the senetors, dont leave out writing to the man himself, send your letters to The White House also, get the word out to these officials.

great post with lots of great information!

JudyWrote:
Thanks for the info. I use my voice most of the time to get my point across. Recently I spoke to a group of teens that we pestering this gay boy. Me and this other man made all 6 of them remain where they were until we were finished drilling them about their inappropriate conduct. They left feeling pretty stupid and apologized to the young man they had been pestering. I gave this young man my phone number so he could call should anyone else bother him. I made damn sure they heard me say. *Next time they bother you we'll lay charges*. Words are a powerful tool when used appropriately...they carry more weight that a stick. You don't need violence when you use your intelligence. There isn't enough out there being done to stop the stupidity of some people. There really needs to be more education in the matters regarding gay bashing/bullying of any kind.

You and I should work together and form a pinned topic about gay bashing and bullying. Let me know if you're up for the challange

You can even write to the senators in all the states. Planned Parenthood had a letter campaign to oppose Alito and they had you submit one letter, you could use their pre-formatted one or write your own, and then they routed a copy of each persons letter to all the senators. You're not restricted to just writing your own state officials. I got responses from several senators. It also helps to write your state governor and legislators because they are actually the law makers at the state level.

Jennifers right. All it takes is one letter that can reach 100 hands.

If anyone writes a letter, please, feel free to post it on here so others can get an idea as to what to write.