Top List Tuesday: 13 Notable LGBTQ Allies

By E. Sansing

Recent headlines highlight a teacher fired for teaching a lesson on homophonia. It is all too evident that misunderstanding and fear is alive and well when authorities mistake necessary language lessons for “the gay agenda”. Because of this situation and countless others like it, the necessity for straight allies of the LGBTQ community become an essential component to obtaining equality. Our fight doesn’t merely stop at the national recognition of marriage rights, it requires a complete transformation across cultural lines.

As with any civil rights struggle, affirmation and support from the majority culture is necessary. While men can’t fully understand the experience of women, for example, those who fought for women’s suffrage allowed for men in power to gain an understanding. Likewise, our straight brothers and sisters can help others begin to open their minds in ways that may not otherwise be possible.

It is important to always celebrate those who stand by us in good times and in bad. So behold, top 13 celebrity ally declarations of support:

1. Kyle Kingsbury, Mixed Martial Arts Fighter

Photo: upworthy

2. Hillary Clinton, Former Secretary of State

3. Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets Basketball Player

4. Oprah Winfrey, OWNs Everything

5. Ann Hathaway, Actress

6. Susan Sarandon, Actress

7. Adam Levine, Lead Singer of Maroon 5

8. Carrie Underwood, Country Singer

9. Brendon Ayanbadejo, NFL Player

10. Beyoncé, World Dominator

11. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Rapper

12. Danielle Radcliffe, Actor

13. Jay-Z, Rapper