NEWSBYJODY HUCKABY

Jody Huckaby is part of Change.org's Changemakers network, comprised of leading voices for social change. Jody is the executive director of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

On most days, I am convinced that I must have one of the best jobs in the world: I am the executive director of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National, an organization whose mission is so personal to me, and whose issues are so critical that talking about what we do is simple.

One of the great perks of my job happens to be that I’m often asked for my opinion on topics ranging from the best way to come out to your family to what I think about Adam Lambert. The question that comes up more often than any other, however, is this: “So what is the most important political issue for lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender (LGBT) people these days?”

If only the answer were as easy as offering my American Idol picks.

The truth is that there isn’t one singular issue that can stand above any others these days. For all of the tremendous progress that LGBT people have made, there are still issues that that shock me … and most people that I talk to. So as I sat down to write my first submission for Changemakers, I realized that it couldn’t be any one political issue that would take the lead over others. Instead, I came up with three things that I wish more people knew — not surprisingly, each one focuses on equality.

Jody Huckaby is part of Change.org's Changemakers network, comprised of leading voices for social change. Change.org asked Mr. Huckaby to respond to questions to provide context for his work and the causes he supports.

Change.org: What cause or causes would you most like to promote as a Changemaker and why?

Family acceptance. It’s the foundation of real and lasting change when it comes to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We know all too well what happens when families don’t accept their LGBT children or loved ones. The pain and suffering are seemingly immeasurable, as is the devastation left behind. PFLAG (www.pflag.org) works every day with families across America, via our expansive grassroots network of volunteers, to create accepting and welcoming families. Through support, education and advocacy, PFLAG is changing hearts and minds, healing families and building stronger communities, giving equality a better chance to take root and grow.

Change.org: If you could ask 1 million people to all do one thing to advance causes that matter to you, what would it be?

Tell your personal story. Whether you are LGBT or straight, share your story of what it means to not be equal in this country, or how you have seen inequality harm families, friends, communities, workplaces, etc. Be willing to constantly share your story with those whose hearts and minds need to be changed. I hear PFLAG members doing this all the time, and the power that they have to transform people’s perceptions is amazing. We need more people doing the same thing where they live.

Change.org: If you could ask President Obama and the U.S. Congress to do one thing to advance you cause, what would it be?

End workplace discrimination against LGBT people. It is nothing short of horrifying that gay people can still legally be fired just for being gay in 29 states – and transgender people suffer the same fate in 33 states. Polling consistently shows that Americans overwhelmingly agree that all people should be treated fairly in the workplace. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would make it illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. I plead with Congress to get the ENDA bill that is currently working its way through the legislative process passed so that the President can sign it into law. With public opinion on our side, now is the time to get this done. Hundreds of thousands of Americans are waiting—our families deserve nothing less than full equality in the workplace.

Change.org: What are the greatest obstacles to change on your issue?

There are several obstacles we need to overcome in order to achieve LGBT equality. But I think that the greatest are misunderstanding and a lack of education, both of which tend to fuel all kinds of bias and discrimination. Most people I talk to are shocked to learn that LGBT people can be fired in more than half of the states simply because of who they are. Many people are stunned to learn how difficult it can be for a gay couple to adopt children or how prevalent hate crimes against transgender people still are in this country. We need to do a better job at telling our stories, educating our communities about LGBT people, our families, our lives, and help make LGBT issues more relevant and relatable to those who are straight or who don’t have LGBT children, family members or loved ones.

Photo credit: Portland Mike