It is not National Coming Out Day, but it is a season of courage and change.

The closet door has swung open and Nevada Senator, Kelvin Atkinson, stepped out as he debated Nevada’s ban on gay marriage. Although, he is not the first member of the Nevada legislature to come out, we are glad the climate is changing where it is becoming easier. As a gay black Christian writer, I can say, that religion and the church has been a major influence on the decision that society and lawmakers make regarding the right for gays and lesbians to marry. Many in religious camps suggest that changing the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples is a threat to traditional heterosexual marriage. As reported by the Las Vegas Sun, Senator Atkinson gave a great response to this position.

"If this (gay marriage) hurts your marriage, then your marriage was in trouble in the first place," he said.

Thank you to Senator Atkinson for your continued support for the LGBT community and your fight for the civil rights for all.