Groups These are some of the national groups and organizations working on the political and social scene to make sure that the Constitution applies to all Americans, including gays and lesbians. These are national and state "general interest" organizations. For information on groups primarily concerned with a particular issue (such as the right to marry for example) be sure to check out out issues page. If you know of an organization that belongs here, please let me know. Human Rights Campaign The HRC has a simple goal: "The Human Rights Campaign envisions an America where lesbian and gay people are ensured of their basic equal rights - and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work, and in the community." To this end, HRC has established a detailed and easy-to-navigate website of excellent breadth and depth. You should explore the site from the top, but some of the highlights include a great explaination of issues affacting gays and lesbians in America, some excellent coming-out resources, a listing of upcoming events and background information on their organization. Join the Human Rights Campaign. This link takes you directly to a page where you can join the HRC securely online using your credit card. Send a message to your congressman. This link takes you directly to a page where you can read a profile and send a message to your member of Congress online. GLAAD GLAAD stands for Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. They describe their site as "your online resource for promoting fair, accurate and inclusive representation as a means of challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity." Of this, they do a very good job. GLAAD attacks unfair or inaccurace portrayals of gays or lesbians in the media by working to educate members of the media and entertainment industries, and by supporting those who do a good job of being fair and inclusive. The site contains numerous excellent features, including the gay newswire, media alerts, and a retrospective on the history of the gay civil rights movement, as well as many other features. Join the GLAAD. This link takes you directly to a page where you can join the GLAAD securely online using your credit card. Take action after reading these up-to-date tidbits on hot issues with information on how you can respond, right there online. PFLAG PFLAG stands for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. It is a large international group made up of families and friends of gays and lesbians which works for equality by showing what true "family values" are made of. Their mission statement begins "Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons, their families and friends" and PFLAG's large and well-organized web site features press and policy information, as well as profiles of people who are making a difference in their communities. There is also information on Project Open Mind, a valuable campaign to show America the truth about the results of anti-gay rhetoric and bigotry. Join PFLAG. This link takes you directly to a page where you can join PFLAG securely online using your credit card or a personal check. Find out where the nearest local chapter of P-FLAG is using the interactive map. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force According to their web site, the NGLTF "helps to strengthen the gay and lesbian movement at the state and local level while connecting these activities to a national vision for change." The NGLTF is a large and diverse organization, and their web site has information on their many activities, including publications, upcoming events, and the year in review. The main page features current news and events affecting the lesbian and gay community. The NGLTF also puts on a large national convention and other events every year. An exciting new feature is the Capitol Gains database, a searchable, fully indexed guide to gay politicians and legislation in every state and on the national level. Join the NGLTF online using your credit card. And Justice for All Seeks to achieve the goal of increasing the visibility and participation of heterosexuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights movement. Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund National organization working for the civil rights of lesbians, gays and people with HIV through litigation, education and public policy work. Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educator's Network Organization of teachers, parents, students, administrators, and citizens working to make schools and public areas safer for our youth. Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund They do one thing and one thing well: endorse and give money to openly gay or lesbian candidates for election (local, state, and national)...And they win over 75% of their races. Log Cabin Republicans They're here, they're queer, and their Republicans. The Log Cabin Republicans are working to return the Party of Lincoln to its libertarian roots by supporting gay-friendly GOP candidates, working with elected Republican lawmakers, and making the gay movement a true multi-pronged, two-party movement. Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples A group formed to fight for equal rights for gay and lesbian partners. The Millennium March The home page for the group planning a national LGBT march on Washington during the spring of the year 2000. State and Local Groups Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Oregon Right to Pride San Diego Democratic Club Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Harvard Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus Dallas Gay and Lesbian Alliance Empire State Pride Agenda FACES of South Dakota Freedom Coalition of Kansas Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Washington DC Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Alabama Illinois Federation for Human Rights Justice, INC (Indiana) League of Gay and Lesbian Voters (Pennslyvania) Lesbian and Gay Rights Lobby of Texas Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Politica Action Caucus Free State Justice Campaign (Maryland) Maine Lesbian/Gay Political Alliance Massachusetts Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition Project Open Mind - Minneapolis San Francisco Human Rights Commission Southeast Alaska Gay and Lesbian Alliance Texas Human Rights Foundation Portland Oregon Right to Pride Rhode Island Alliance for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks Employee and Business Groups United With Pride Other Groups Lesbian and Gay Aging Network