What can straight people do to support gay rights? How much work or sacrifice must allies take on to do their share? This title proposes strategies for helping straight men and women advocate for and with the gay community. It presents stories about people and the decisions they have faced at home, in church, at work, in school, and in politics.

They also show how a simple pledge to vacation in states that legalize gay marriage can create powerful incentives for legislatures to amend their marriage laws. Engagingly written and sure to spark debate, "Straightforward" promises to change the way America thinks about - and participates in - the gay rights movement.

Preface ix Chapter 1: Heterosexual Allies and the Gay Rights Movement 1


Part I. Exercising Privilege


Chapter 2: Parenting, Parishes, PTAs, and Places of Employment 17
Chapter 3: The Vacation Pledge for Equal Marriage Rights 60
Chapter 4: The Fair Employment Mark 79

Part II. Disabling Privilege

Chapter 5: Ambiguation 97
Chapter 6: The Inclusive Command: Voluntary Integration of the U.S. Military 116


Part III. Renouncing Privilege


Chapter 7: Boy Scouts of America The Informed Association Statute 145
Chapter 8: Renounce or Share? 162
Chapter 9: Working with Advocating Gay Rights Organizations 178


Notes 195
Index 237