Six reasons why it's important for gay-friendly heterosexuals to come out in support of their gay families and friends.

1. It's good for you. If feels good to stand up for what you know is right. It also builds up your own strength and courage when you do it in not-so-friendly situations.
2. It shows open support for our gay friends and family members in an openly and pervasively homophobic culture and legal system.
3. It supports the gay people we meet who we don't even know are gay. Plenty of GLBT people are still closeted or quiet about their orientations. Our open support is encouraging to them.
4. It supports the straight people we meet who have gay family members. Just as we don't always know who around us is gay, we're equally unlikely to know who has GLBT family members and friends. Our openness helps those who are struggling quietly, whether we know it or not.
5. It helps educate the straight people we meet who do not have close gay friends or relatives. Many, if not most, straight people who are not gay-friendly are more uncomfortable and frightened than they are hostile or intolerant of non-heterosexual orientation. Our being open allows them to ask questions, learn, and reduce their fear and discomfort.
6. It lets extremely homophobic and hostile people know that straight people can be unashamed and proud of their gay loved ones, and that homophobia offends many people, both straight and gay.

Our thanks to PFLAG NYC for showing us the way.