Parents of an adult gay son, Keith and Antoinette Edwards are champions of equality. "Above all, equality reminds us of our common humanity," says Antoinette. Keith adds, "It means to be respected and treated as an equal - and to treat people with respect."

Keith is well-acquainted with gay rights issues: in addition to his son, Keith had a gay father. He says his race and his family are the big motivators for him to fight for equality. "I am still appalled that people choose to treat people differently and unequally because of inherent differences," he says.

Antoinette says her motivation comes in part from a need to give back to the ancestors who supported her when she was growing up in the segregated South. "I always knew I was loved and that made all the difference. From an early age I knew I didn't have to be what other people defined me to be."

"Our son is treated differently by two birthrights of which he had no choosing, being Black and being gay," says Keith. According to Antoinette, she and Keith countered any negative messages their son might receive with love and support. "We told him, 'You're supposed to be here. It's your destiny.'"

The Edwards were out pounding the streets during the No on 36 campaign. While they did have a few doors slammed in their faces in African-American neighborhoods, Antoinette said the hardest part was witnessing someone make homophobic remarks toward one of the young lesbian women with whom they were canvassing. "I couldn't protect her," says Antoinette.

Keith cites another instance of homophobia in the community that left an impression on him. "A pastor of a large Black church discriminated against my friend and her life partner, who were devoted, tithe-paying church members. When my friend's partner died, the pastor refused to allow the funeral to be held at the church they had so faithfully supported."

"There is still so much work to do," acknowledges Antoinette, who helped start a group for gay and questioning kids at Jefferson High School in Portland. "We're proud to be a small part of doing that work."