I am a straight supporter of LGBT equality. I believe in the message on these wristbands. Everyone deserves the same rights as their friends and family; no one is asking to have extra rights or special rights. My LGBT friends deserve the same opportunities and treatment as me. The message on these wristbands is simple and to the point. I like that you can wear one or all of them and get the message across. Equality: nothing more, nothing less. (Posted on 10/23/12)

It took me six months to accept myself as bisexual and a year to accept myself as being gay. I had always thought that I was straight and tried to make myself fit that mold for all of middle school. It wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I met a girl who changed everything that I had forced myself to believe that I was. At first I didn't think anything of it, but after a while I realized that I had been this way all my life. I first identified as bisexual before I came out to anyone, and although I do believe that there are people who truly are bisexual and will always be, for me it was just a phase. It was in the beginning of this month that I realized that I was actually gay and I came out to one of my closest friends two days ago. Although I knew that she would always accept me and love me for who I was I never expected to receive the amount of support that I got from her. I had a hard time telling her at first, and for a few minutes after she asked me what I wanted to tell her I just stared at the ground and didn't say anything, but as soon as I told her she promised to always be there to support me. I couldn't have asked for anything more. To her, although I know I've already told you this countless times since the first time we met, thank you. You are truly amazing. (Posted on 9/15/12)

I've been battling for the past two years with coming to terms with my gender identity, that I'm a woman in a man's body, and it's been a hard struggle. The majority of people in my area, it seems, are still close-minded, and I'm very grateful for the group of friends I have because they are so supportive and have said they'd stick by me regardless of who I really am or how long this road goes on for. It's because of people like them and the HRC that I have hope for the future, and I am extremely grateful for them. (Posted on 6/2/12)

This is the best equality statement I have seen thus far and it makes complete, philosophical sense. I am getting this NOT because it is just for LGBT rights, but because it corresponds to everything in life. The subjective nature of existence reveals that absolute truth does not exist. In line with this thought and my other nihilistic beliefs, I have no right to assert my morals and beliefs over anyone else. So, believe what you may and I really cannot judge you. I think this statement asserts my idea that we all share the human experience and are vulnerable to feelings and decisions. I think we can be compassionate towards that. I think that racism ends when we don't even notice it and when sexuality is not something we have to consider or discuss either. It becomes accepted and a norm. (Posted on 3/31/12)

I grew up in a very religious and conservative family. I've always known I liked girls, not boys, even before I knew what it meant to be gay. I grew older and became aware of the hate and intolerance of those who are different, so I hid my true self for years. I knew my family and friends just wouldn't understand. I was unhappy and depressed through most of my teen years. I tried commiting suicide when I was 19, and barely survived. I was lying in the hospital bed when I realized that I was not alone. There were strangers offering support and counseling, and they didn't judge me. I finally allowed myself to be true to my heart. I'm now 24, and out and proud, and I've never been happier. I know how it feels to not have any support from anyone, and I believe a support system is very important, especially for young people. Kids and teens need to know that they are definitely not alone, and even if their family or friends don't support them, there are many people who will. (Posted on 10/12/11)

When I was in 8th grade, I got into heavy cutting, I planned out my suicide, I smoked pot every morning before school and I was distant with everyone except my girlfriend at the time. I ended up moving half way through 8th grade, and I was upset but excited to restart. Create a new me. I wasn't out to my mom at the time, so every girl that I dated and came over was just "my best friend." Until one night when my girlfriend slipped and introduced herself as my "lovely girlfriend." My mom, just like most, freaked out and called my father. She kicked me out that night, and my dad took me in. Not because he wanted too, but because my step mom said she'd never forgive him if he didn't let me stay with them. I don't blame my parents for hating me for a little while after that. It was a total shock to them. I forgive them, and they appoligize still to this day. Now, I'm out to my parents, family, my best friend, siblings and it's "Facebook official." It was hard, but worth it. The friends I lost are missing out on having me as a friend, and I love the friends I've gained. That's my coming out story. (Posted on 9/30/11)

I basically grew up in a Mormon settlement. This town is full of religion and guess what, I'm not religious. Yes I have friends, yes I do well in school, and yes guys hit on me... Far too much if you ask me. I'm not some slacker who is so depressed I can't function, but I used to be. I use to cut and do drugs to cover who I really was because it wasn't already hard enough, I didn't need another reason to get bullied. It wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I admitted to myself who I really was. And now as a junior I found it was easier to admit to myself than I thought. I know my parents won't have a problem if/when I come out to them but I just can't do that yet. I need to get out on my own and live somewhere where my lifestyle is accepted. Sometimes that is all anyone needs, space. I'm glad that mine is just around the corner. I know that it gets better. It already has. I have a very supportive group of friends that have helped me through a lot and when I tell my parents they are going to be just as supportive (Posted on 9/27/11)