Imagine a government denying 1,138 rights and benefits to a certain group of people who have not broken any laws. Would you support this government? In the United States, same-sex couples experience exactly this type of discrimination. Since the 1920s, the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans) community has been fighting for equality, starting with the Society of Human Rights of Chicago, the first known gay rights organization (“American” 1). The movement completely transformed from a couple of activists to a widespread protest during the Stonewall Riots of 1969. A gay bar in New York, called the Stonewall Inn, suffered a late-night police raid for alleged alcohol smuggling. However, after officers began frisking lesbians and assaulting gay men, the crowd rioted and refused to be arrested or subdued. Three days of riots occurred on the streets of New York with shouts of "Gay Power!" and "We will win!" This powerful uprising sparked the gay liberation movement and pride in sexual orientation (“American” 1). Recently, the spotlight has been on gay marriage, or, as Liz Feldman puts it, “marriage.” You know, because I had lunch this afternoon, not a "gay lunch." I parked the car; I didn't 'park gay' it. Supporters of same-sex marriage point to the disparity between the religious aspect of marriage and the civil part that establishes economic and legal ties. The church can set its own standards in its own private sphere; however, the government represents a diverse population and should remain without bias in administering its civil policies (Roleff 68). Government action is exactly what the LGBT community needs to achieve their goal of equality. The increase in civil partnerships and the legalization of same-sex marriage is having a major impact on mental health. A 2010 analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health determined that after their states banned gay marriage, LGBT people experienced a 37 percent increase in mood disorders, a 42 percent increase in related to alcohol and a 248% increase in generalized anxiety disorders (“Gay” 3). Some may not agree with homosexuality; However, the mindset and rules around gay marriage are changing. A May 2013 Gallup poll showed that 53% of Americans supported gay marriage (“Gay” 3). The definition of marriage is moving towards a positive evolution and you can be part of it. This map shows where homosexual orientation is legalized or punished (see Fig. 1/World laws on homosexuality/World). The severe hatred and discrimination that LGBT members face on a daily basis must stop. Help us change the future by voting “yes” to legalize gay marriage in your state.