Writing a blog about homophobia was tricky.  I very rarely write – books or blogs – about heavy, serious subjects.  I adore happy ever afters, I’m not a political animal and I despise conflict. But just because I appear to be a fluffy bunny doesn’t mean I don’t have strong feelings or opinions.

I’m a straight, white woman rapidly approaching 40.  I have never experienced homophobia personally.  I have, however, had my thoughts and opinions dismissed out of hand simply because I am a woman.  I have been judged based on my appearance and I’ve been bullied.  I know this is not on par with what gay and transgendered people have to endure in some parts of the world, or on a daily basis in some realm of their life.  But my limited experience allows me, as an author, to extrapolate that feeling, to project that into a character, and indirectly, to affect a reader’s emotions.

Yes, I write to entertain.  Yes, I write to placate the voices in my head like any other author.  But if my writing, if my characters can make even one person look at GLBT people with acceptance or support, then I believe I’ve accomplished something good.  Worthy.  I’m not going to change the world all on my own, but I might be able to change one mind. One mind is one step in the right direction, I hope.

Thing is, I bet most of you hopping through these blogs don’t need your mind changed.  If you’re not GLBT yourselves, you’re allies and supporters.

Here’s the contest bit:  Tell me your favourite GLBT cause or charity. I’m offering up one ebook — choice of my backlist — to a randomly chosen commenter who comments before May 21.  And, because I do want to help change minds (more than one book at a time) I’m going to donate $1 for each comment, to the GLBT cause or charity that gets the most “votes”.  Just in case, I’m going to cap it at $100 (I’m not exactly rolling in dough).  Since I might fall over in surprise if I get anywhere close to 100 comments, I’ll donate a minimum of $20, no matter how few comments.

Don’t forget to leave an email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win, and check out all the other great blogs offering support!  There are over 250 m/m authors participating, and lots of great prizes to be won.