Reach out to someone you haven't spoken to before about LGBT issues. It can be a local or state politician (yes, citizens can contact local and state offices to arrange meetings with officials), a neighbor, co-worker, family member or friend. The idea is to target those we know who haven't expressed social and political support for the LGBT community.

"Getting someone to cast a vote for a pro-gay (or against anti-gay) legislation or politician could be as simple as installing in them an understanding of our issues."

"When you hold your discussion, make sure you have their full attention (distraction-free location, no tv/music on, etc..). Some of these topics can be discussed in a 15-minute car ride to the grocery store. Feel free to use these links as a resource and share/forward them to as many people as possible. After the links I've posted some random FYI little-known facts about LGBT."

Links

The American Psychological Association's (APA) page on sexual orientation

The APA denounces gay-to-straight conversion therapy as harmful and cites a lack scientific evidence of plausibility.​ [Additional Information]​

A study by Emory University correlates gay marriage bans and higher rates of HIV​

United Nations says HIV prevention is hampered by homophobia

LAMBDA says LGBT youth bear burden of homophobia, are at high-risk of suicide, drug-abuse, homelessness and assault.​  [Additional Information]

Washington Post poll suggests support for social issues including gay marriage is rising.

The Human Rights Campaign releases a Buyer's Guide, "grading" businesses based on commitment to LGBT issues as well as provisions and benefits for gay employees. Request or download the report​

Miami hospital sued after lesbian mother and her children were denied access to her dying partner.​

In America, banning gay marriage denies same-sex couples over 1,000 federal benefits awarded to heterosexual married couples.

RANDOM LGBT FACTS:
1. A transgendered person is killed (at least) every 3 days.

2. South Africa: The country's 1996 post-apartheid constitution is the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Same-sex adoption was legalized in 2002. Gay marriage was legalized in 2006. Homosexuals are also allowed to donate blood.

3. Gay marriage and civil unions have been legalized by many countries including Canada (in 2005), Mexico (2007), numerous European countries.

(Comprehensive list of countries that allow gay marrage or civil unions)

4. In South Africa "corrective rape" is the practice of raping lesbians in attempt to convert them to heterosexuality.

5. Entertainers and celebrities who have spoken out in favor of the LGBT community include singers Patti Labelle, Tatyana Ali, Fantasia Barrino and Christina Aguilera, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, deaf actress Shoshannah Stern (Jericho, Weeds), actor Guillermo Diaz (Weeds, Half-Baked) and High School Musical star Oleysa Rulin.

Good luck with your ministry! Who knows, you might even talk someone new into joining gayrights.change.org! :D

Please be sure to share your experiences in the comment section.