Today’s “Know Your History” actually comes from an amazing story I found recently on The New Civil Rights Movement’s blog. Since I’ve already ranted and raved about how amazing this site is, I won’t repeat myself, but I will encourage you to read the story in full....

I am remembering the first day I came out to my classroom. My nerves were a jittery bundle, jumping about in my stomach. I was planning on doing this today but now I’m frozen, the teacher is saying something in his funny, monotone voice, and I realize the magnitude of what I’m about to do....

like coffee This week’s Happy Monday is a simple ode to coffee. That sweet nectar that has gotten most of us here at Speak Equal through the last four to six weeks. As most of you know, this past Sunday was the first annual Rock Out 2 Come Out concert! All we’ve heard here at Speak Equal...

Push for Gay Rights Comes to Grand Rapids “I feel that a lot of gay people do feel like we might be the last minority to really gain our civil rights. You’ve heard that from our President,” said Drew Stopples of East Grand Rapids. Speak Equal and West Michigan Pride partnered up Sunday...

Rock Out 2 Come Out Hey Everyone! I read something today, and I want you to know that it made me think of each and every one of you: “… a new generation of energetic younger gay-marriage leaders don’t care. They are pushing lawsuits in Texas, Louisiana, California and elsewhere against...

Cleve Jones Invites Barack Obama To National Equality March Dear President Obama: Thank you for honoring Harvey Milk with the Medal of Freedom Award. Harvey was my friend and teacher. In the 30 years since he was assassinated lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people have attained a handful of rights...

A national study released last week shows middle school lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students face more hostile school climates, but have less school resources and support than high school students. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network surveyed about 6,200 secondary students for...

  This event was our kick-off event, when Speak Equal was first announced to the public. Media coverage included Fox 17, Grand Rapids Press, WXXM 13, Wood TV 8, and WYCE. It was an incredible experience for all of us, and an amazing program for our community. Never forget the power of love, peace,...

National Coming Out Day: A Brief History The day was founded by Dr. Robert Eichberg, his partner William Gamble and Jean O’Leary in 1988, in celebration of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights one year earlier, in which 500,000 people marched on Washington, DC, United...

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An activist who worked alongside slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk announced plans Sunday for a march on Washington this fall to demand that Congress establish equality and marriage rights for the lesbian, gay and transgender community. Cleve Jones, whose character in last year’s...