According to Brian Stahl, he and his wife Linda "have the distinct advantage of being parents of two sons, one who happens to be gay." Their younger son has rights and privileges that their eldest son does not simply because of his sexual orientation. The Stahls believe that distinction to be both unreasonable and inequitable in every capacity.

Their eldest son came out when he was nineteen, and initially, Brian and Linda were apprehensive about how members of their small, rural community would react. "For me," Brian says, "it brought a completely different perspective for how people treat and respond to each other." He further explains how their fears were quelled by other members of the community who voiced support of LGBTQ issues. In fact, the Stahls are only two people out of many in Wasco County currently trying to pass a county-wide non-discrimination ordinance.

Likewise, Linda was pleasantly surprised by the amount of support her community provided [upon her son coming out] and notes the importance of members of the heterosexual community becoming agents of change and advocating for equal rights. She touches on a harsh reality: "So many [LGBTQ] people feel like they are invisible. It's important for people who can speak up to find their voice."

One voice the Stahls are pleased to hear is within the church community. "Because some who oppose equality for gays and lesbians do so on religious grounds, it is often assumed that all religious communities feel this way," Brian notes. "But we have found a large number in the religious community who have come out in support of equality issues. Faith communities are now refusing to be silent in their support." As are the Stahls.