Cool straight people. Our heterosexual allies stand-up and create an untapped source of strength for GLBT rights.
Soulforce and Atticus Circle announced today the launch of Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, an online gathering place and educational resource for the millions of straight people who believe in equality for LGBT Americans.
The website is the primary organizing hub for “7SN,” a coordinated string of events that will sweep across major American cities during the week of October 7 – 13. In each participating state, straight citizens will collectively and publicly demonstrate their support for gay family, friends, and neighbors – and urge political leaders at all levels to support our community in public policy.
“The Seven Straight Nights website is a tool to help straight allies who wish to see an end to the pervasive discrimination against LGBT people in this country to find a voice, find each other, and find a way to transform their concern into constructive action for equality in America,” says Atticus Circle Executive Director Jodie Eldridge.
Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes explains, “Too often we see the internet used as a forum for narrow-minded people to spew hate and fear towards their LGBT neighbors. Sevenstraightnights.org will counter the monologue of web-enabled fear-mongering with personal stories of respect and support for LGBT rights.”
The site profiles the leaders of initiatives in states as diverse as Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio (see the full list below). The state leaders seek to motivate their fellow citizens to action by sharing their personal motivations for participating.
Current states participating in Seven Straight Nights include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Georgia
- Maine
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Wisconsin
You can let others know about 7SN by using a simple online form.