Next week my friends and family from Soulforce (a YP4 ally organization that seeks to end religious-based oppression of LGBT people - the same amazing folks who organize the Equality Ride) are giving straight allies a chance to take a stand for LGBT rights.

Across the nation, people will participate in Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights - rallies and demonstrations on behalf of LGBT people. Each night there will be an event in 18 different cities, from Brooklyn to Honolulu.

As we work together in the progressive movement to end oppression for a variety of different people groups, the importance of allies can not be stressed enough. It takes commitment to be a dedicated ally - to keep yourself informed and be a true voice on behalf of those who have been silenced. That journey can start by taking action.

Take a minute to check this out and see if there's an event near you next week (September 14-20). It may not seem like a big deal to come out and show your support, but to one LGBT person who's hurting, or to one straight person with an LGBT family member, your willingness to stand with them can mean the world.