Another reason we never give up on anyone: Debby Booe explains how she came to support LGBT rights

“I'm really happy to be here in support of GLAAD, because I am one of the people that has made the transition from an old way of thinking to a new one. And I think that's really the crux of what GLAAD is all about...I have really good friends and family members that have changed my mind. And the couple that we're with tonight is a lesbian couple who attended the church where my husband was associate rector.”

--Debby Boone

Bittersweet: after these gay Russians emigrated to the U.S., they married but feel still some fear in expressing their love in public

One of the lingering effects of homophobia is the shame that gay people feel about themselves and their love.  That is sad and something I hope disappears in my lifetime.

These bullied kids took their lives because they couldn't bear the pain and shame. But they were beautiful, whole, and complete. I fight for them everyday

Clockwise from top left: Asher Brown, Billy Lucas, Justin Aaberg, Tyler Clementi, and Seth Walsh.

Often, I think about queer kids like these, feel the piercing pain of growing up in a homophobic society, and do my best to stand up for them, my (15-year-old) self, and love. But make no mistake, we are changing this country and world, as love is triumphing over fear. I will never give up this cause.