Last Day of the Hop Against Homophobia
Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 11:48AM Today is the final day to leave a comment and win your very own copy of Jordan Castillo Price's new book, Mnevermind: Persistence of Memory. It's the first in a fantastic new science fiction series. You can read more about it including an excerpt in my last post. Feel free to comment on any of the posts for the four days of the hop to be entered, by the way.The winner will be picked randomly and announced here tomorrow.
Also, if you haven't stopped by The Ravens Crossing, please give it a look. The first time here page will explain the project. In a nutshell, three authors and a group of our friends and family have volunteered their time and resources to create a free LGBTQIA young adult website that promotes tolerance, diversity, and equality for all. There are or will be characters of all orientations. In particular, some of our main characters include strong, positive depictions of LGBTQIA people of diverse cultural and social backgrounds, someone that most everyone can relate to. We post free flash fiction stories by three authors six days a week. The stories all stand alone, but also work together and are set in the same world. It's a science fiction, fantasy, adventure series. We also provide information to young adults about where they can go to find help and support if they are in need and we support these projects. Please check it out and consider telling your friends.
The most important thing about participating in this hop is spreading the word about the need to speak out against homophobia and intolerance of any kind. Because hate in any form is dangerous and deadly. And it's easy to miss how much your voice and your support might mean to others. If you don't believe me, be sure to read my personal story about why I am involved in this fight. Love is what matters, and kindness to one and other shouldn't be that hard. You don't have to do what others do, you don't even have to be okay with it to show them respect and tolerance. It's all about thinking before you speak and being willing to lend your voice in support of equality.
There are lots of ways you can get involved with this cause, beyond the most important one of kindness. Start by being willing to stand up for those who are victims or homophobia and intolerance when you witness it. Vote for those who support equality and be willing to speak to your representatives about how you are voting and what you expect from them. You can always give money, or perhaps more importantly your time and support to a number of worthy causes like The Make it Safe Project, The Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG, The GLBT National Help Center, or GSA Network. Find a chapter near you and get involved.
Lastly, I'll say it once more because it cannot be said enough. If you or someone you know is the victim of homophobia or intolerance, and you are worried and having trouble coping, please reach out. Call the GLBT helpline, or The Trevor Lifeline where you will find help and a whole community of people who support you and accept you!
Thanks again to all who participated and all who stopped by this weekend. Hit the Hop Against Homophobia icon on the top right of this page for links to the other blogs participating.
