By Emory Williamson–

His cold, blue eyes; that’s all I remember.

It was the late 1990s and during a routine day at school, one of my friends called another student a “f–king weird faggot.” The boy, whose sexuality was unknown but was perceived as gay, shrugged off the remarks and moved on with his schoolwork.

Not straying far from the norm, this moment didn’t register with me until I looked into his eyes. I can’t recall the subsequent reactions or anything else from that day, but all I can remember about that moment was seeing the boys’ eyes. They were filled with pain and fear; anger and resentment. His blue eyes, the same color as my own eyes, were eerily cold and distant.

Like usual, I chose to do nothing at that moment and, as one of many who often stand by and watch others endure this type of daily pain, I was part of the problem.

For years, I continued to stand by and allow anyone to taunt, bully and ridicule others based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.

Often with contempt or in jest, I also engaged in this bullish behavior as I told others they were “faggots” or “homos” or said, “That’s so gay” when I witnessed something that I thought was beneath me.

Even as I aged, educated and exposed myself to other perspectives, I remained silent when others spewed words of hate and bigotry toward people for being who they are.

Although I believed in equality and supported LGBT rights, I rarely mustered the courage to voice my concerns in person. I was fearful of others calling me gay or questioning my masculinity.

But that veil of insecurity merely perpetuates the problems of our society. Many heterosexuals in our society support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. Many also support anti-bullying measures, LGBT adoption, same-sex marriage and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. However, like me, they remained, or continue to remain, silent.

Coming out as an ally can be difficult to do, but it pales in comparison to the difficulties for LGBT folks who come out everyday. We don’t face discrimination in the workforce, public places, and schools or even have politicians and religious figures talk so vehemently and intimately about our personal lives.

Coming out as an ally is a continuous and can be a challenging process. I grew up in a socially conservative neighborhood, attended socially conservative schools and churches and associated with numerous socially conservative individuals. I’ve remained silent, cowered or retracted from confrontations concerning my views that all people are equal and should subsequently be treated equally. To say my journey in the coming out as an ally process is complete is far from reality. I’m merely in the beginning.

I decided last year to confront my insecurities. I created a group called Straight Against Hate in the early months of 2011 and wanted the group to serve as an organization that partnered with other local LGBT groups and emphasized the involvement of heterosexuals in the joint effort to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Straight Against Hate is a small step, but it is a step toward progress. Too many heterosexuals consider the LGBT-rights movement as something they can’t be a part of, but they’re wrong. It isn’t just a “gay rights issue,” it’s a human rights issue. The more we advance LGBT rights, the more we advance human rights and help move America toward the dreams it promises.

Just think about it. Outside of just three cities in Kentucky, one can be fired from their job, denied housing or denied public accommodations for simply being perceived as LGBT. In American schools, LGBT students are more likely to be bullied and more likely to attempt suicide. For marriage, according to the Human Rights Campaign, only six states and the District of Columbia legally permit same-sex marriage, which grants same-sex couples the same 1,138 rights, benefits and protections as married heterosexual couples.

Something isn’t right. Human beings, not just LGBT individuals, should never face such unfathomable discrimination.

So it’s time for straight people to wake up. There are millions of silent ally voices that need to be heard.

Coming out as an ally, whether it is in the workplace, in school, church or at the dinner table, can be difficult and straining. However, voicing your concerns with others, signing petitions or getting involved in advocacy will not only help you, but it’ll help your fellow citizens, too.

Imagine your former school as a place that ensures a safe, positive learning environment for all students. Imagine your place of worship as a holy sanctuary that is open, affirming and welcoming of all people. Imagine your local, state and federal governments as appreciative, compassionate and protective of all people.

However, imagining these wonderful things might give you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, but without action, it simply isn’t possible.

I was part of the problem and now I’m hoping to be part of the solution. If you haven’t done so already, I hope you’ll consider doing the same.

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