LGBT people are in the minority. We always will be. Our allies are the only reason we make progress, they are our life blood. What we are given, we deserve… make no mistake about it. But I am grateful for those who step up to do the right thing when they could as easily step over us and keep on going. This poem is for the special ones in my life…and the special ones in yours.
allydavidstevens
apeene
blazingbeau
guestposting600
kzottarelli
Ono Kono
robw77
thomsense
evoL = 
Thanks for helping me learn to be an ally! Love you Rob!
To be an ally means to me to give the proper respect to our HUMANITY. Nothing less! And it feels right and honoring and beautiful. Thank you!
This brought a tear to my eyes. Like many here, I am an ally because I feel in the very marrow of my bones that standing up for the equal rights of everyone is the right thing to do. Sometimes, being an ally creates rifts in my own life, between myself and people I love dearly. They don’t always understand why I am so passionate about LGBT rights, why I feel so compelled to stand up to hatred and bigotry directed at the LGBT community. They think that because I am not gay I shouldn’t feel this way, that I shouldn’t take it so personally. I have never wavered in my belief that I am doing the right thing, but still these comments hurt me. It’s things like this poem that heal those wounds, because I am reminded that my words and actions in support of the LGBT community mean something, to so many someones.
Thank you for your beautiful words. I don’t know what I can add to what the others have written.
I fight because it is the right thing to do. I live in a very conservative area of MD. My county (Which includes a large State University) voted 66% against the marriage equality law when it came to the polls earlier this month. The college was busing students in to the polls so you can imagine what the numbers would be without them. I froze my ass off for 5 hrs, got cussed out by 2 ministers and kissed by a lesbian 25 years younger than me BECAUSE IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
None of us is alone in our struggles. It hurts that the GBLT community is the ONLY minority group to have their rights VOTED ON. If we went by that definition of civil rights women wouldn’t be able to vote, Blacks would still sit on the back of the bus and interracial marriage would still be illegal.
With ya all the way sweetie
I don’t fight for LGBTQ rights for kudos or accolades. I don’t fight for LGBTQ rights in order to make friends. I don’t fight for LGBTQ rights to be cool.
I fight for LGBTQ rights because it is the RIGHT DAMN THING TO DO. I fight for LGBTQ rights because I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t.
The fact that me, a straight dude, fighting for LGBTQ rights could touch someone deeply, could make someone feel less alone, could actually give someone the strength to carry on, this is an unforeseen benefit to which you have opened my eyes, brother. Thank you.
Rob, Your words and your beautiful heart have given me a sense of peace and understanding on many occasions and this time it is especially meaningful to me. I am beyond thankful for each and every one of you and you all have been my ally at times you may not have even realized. Isn’t this the way it is suppose to be? I have always believed it is, and all of you, my friends (allies) have restored my faith, that this world may not be as big and bad a place as it seems to be. You honor me, with your friendship, trust, kindness and your open loving heart. I am proud to stand along side each of you!
Beautifully written. I love how this poem brings us together. Allies. We are not alone, we can be accepted, embraced and feel safe at times. Better now, than how it was, for me too. It’s a journey much better travelled with allies.
I am a lesbian. I haven’t been out that long and have felt the knives of hatred. It sucks. Your poem really helped me understand that I am not alone. Can I use your poem in a presentation I have to give about LGBT issues in counseling? I am trying to help my classmates understand that they can be a shelter, a haven just by listening and standing with us.
Absolutely you may!
Thank you for your lovely prose, We have to watch over each other, as none of us are really free, until equality extends to everyone!
Your ally forever,
Debbie a.k.a. Ono Kono
Very lovely, beautifully said. Well done.
Very well written. Proud to be an ally.
Thank you, my friend. Is it an honor to stand by your side.