Gay rights and equality is a nationwide topic of interest, and many different organizations have become outlets for homosexuals to feel accepted and educate heterosexuals on the issue at hand. The following organizations are just some of the big ones, both nationally and locally, that offer their services.
Give A Damn Campaign
Give A Damn is a campaign started by ’80s pop artist Cyndi Lauper with the goal to inform people and encourage them to get involved with equality. The organization’s website, wegiveadamn.org, says it is for anyone who cares about equality, but especially for heterosexuals who are eager to stay informed about the issues and get involved. Celebrities have also lent their voices, this month including Ricky Martin, Elton John and Idina Menzel.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is a national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts from within the gay community. According the website, thetrevorproject.com, the mission of the group is to end the number of suicides, which have become so prevalent the past couple of weeks, and create a more positive and accepting outlet. The organization was founded by writer James Lecesne, director/producer Peggy Rajski and producer Randy Stone of “Trevor,” the 1994 Academy Award winning short film. It has gained support from Glee’s Chris Colfer and Harry Potter’s Daniel Radcliffe.
Human Rights Campaign
The yellow equal sign you may see on cars’ bumper stickers have a purpose. It’s the national symbol for the Human Rights Campaign, which is the country’s largest civil rights organization fighting for equality. Its main objective is to achieve equality and to improve the lives of LGBT Americans.
ONE
Bowling Green ONE Bowling Green, commonly known for getting the Bowling Green community involved by encouraging students to vote on Ordinances 7905 and 7906 in order to protect non-discrimination, is a volunteer-driven group with the goal to allow everyone the same chance to earn a living for themselves.
EqualityToledo
EqualityToledo began in Nov. 2004 in response to the passage of Ohio’s Issue 1 amendment, and it is working to end discrimination “through education and advocacy,” according to the group’s website equalitytoledo.org. The group currently has its hands in such projects which include keeping school safe and helping troubled youths.
