I know many of my female friends do not like being referred to as "ladies."

We need to regain the art of civil discourse and more practically, I don't think you change anyone's mind by calling them names.

Putting our heads in the sand is not a wise strategy.

You do not need to be female to be offended.

I keep reading that Donald Trump is the most pro-LGBT GOP presidential nominee of all time - and I actually think that's true.

To parents who find a child's disclosure about sexual or gender identity challenging, I always urge what I'd call "moderated" honesty. If you can't say "I love you," then say something like, "I'm going to need some time to digest this news." Buy time this way. And then think.

I'll tell you what gives me hope. After the struggle for marriage equality, the LGBTQ community has built some very powerful organizations; in particular, I'm thinking of HRC (the Human Rights Campaign), GLAAD... but there are many, many others, too. Along with those organizations come some savvy and tested leaders who have come to understand not only how to change hearts and minds but also legislators and judges votes.