Dear Friends,

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season, filled with all the things that matter most to you and yours. I’m writing you to ask you personally to join me in the cause for equality. Too often am I reminded that people are still unjustly treated because of their sexual and or gender orientation. Recently I was reminded on Wednesday, December 24, when I was informed by a co-worker that being gay is acceptable but to be transgenders was not. I was absolutely irate and wanted to go postal on him.   Instead I am writing you. Accepting difference should be literal, acceptance of all difference.  The LGBT community has experienced discrimination unlike any other group cross-culturally. I am sick and tired of hiding my orientation so that others may be comfortable. Over the last month I have collaborated with a few of my closest queer-identified friends to help shape my hometown of  Wilmington, NC  into a safer more accepting community for other queers. Our group, BYOQ has a blog, a fan page on Facebook, and is hosting events and parties in the new year. Together we will educate our community and teach tolerance. We will do absolutely everything we can to help facilitate a stronger and more visible LGBT community in Wilmington. Please join our fan page here. Bookmark the blog. Stay current with the battle for our civil rights, discuss these topics with your straight allies and remind them of your struggles and always defend yourself. We will make a difference.

Very Sincerely,

LB