Don and Joanne Ross traveled a long road to arrive at the place where they have become voices for equality. They come from a conservative background and were active in a very conservative church. In addition, as a school board member in the Reynolds school district, Joanne believed it was her religious duty to make sure there were no gay-positive books in the schools. When their son came out as gay, it completely changed their direction.

Don explains that they are now activists for equality because they don't want other GLBTQ children and young adults to have to cope with the hostile conditions their own son grew up with.

"Understanding what our son went through makes us think that we have a lot of making up to do, and we want to help in any way we can."

Don and Joanne have been active in PFLAG for 18 years. They have spoken in churches and schools. They have also been active politically. They have had meetings with state senators and representatives and have even testified in the state legislature.

Don says, "The path to understanding consists of a lot of tiny steps." These smaller, less public steps are also part of their commitment to equality. He believes that talking to people on a day-to-day basis is an important part of achieving equality. He explains that "If the subject comes up naturally, I'm glad to talk about it. I think it helps to show it is something that you can talk about and discuss in normal conversation. It makes it a very natural thing."

According to Don, when he tells people about his gay son, it helps them feel comfortable asking questions, and this can lead to increased understanding of people's differences. He says, "Each exposure and discussion of the issue is a step along the way to acceptance."