There, I said it. And because today is National Coming Out Day, GLBT folks and their straight allies everywhere are coming out in support of equality. To celebrate, the Human Rights Campaign is asking people to submit their own video stories of coming out and of allied support, and the Washington Blade is asking for written blurbs.

So what’s my story? My interest in GLBT equality began in 1999 when I learned my aunt was a lesbian, and again in college when a close friend nervously admitted his sexual orientation for the first time. As a Reform Jew, I’ve been taught that all God’s people are created in the image of the Divine – not just God’s straight people. And above all, I am an ally because I believe with my whole heart that it is truly the right thing to do.

I’m straight, but that doesn’t matter – without the strong support of an allied majority, no minority in history would have achieved the rights they have today, and the same is true of the GLBT equality movement. Gay or straight, we’re all in this together – and although full equality sometimes seems like a distant goal, we’re getting closer every day.

Today, whether you’re new to this or a seasoned equal rights advocate, make today the day you tell someone your story. As HRC’s Coming Out Day Web site says: “Whether it’s for the first time ever, or for the first time today – coming out is the most important thing you will do all day.”