In an increasingly divisive society, far too often the voices that are quietest are co-opted by purposes and plans other than their own. We have all known too many individuals who feel that their perspectives are lumped in with those of "all the other normal people". The truth is that there has never been an ignorant and hateful majority of straight people. That alleged closed-minded majority is the deliberate creation of parties with their own, very narrow agenda.

The chief trouble lies in the old adage "silence is consent". When one says nothing, and has views spoken on their behalf, it is reasonable to assume that the representation has been accurate. Too many of us have been counted as supportive of views that we do not share. Not every man, woman and child who fails to become an outspoken member of an advocacy group is aligned against such advocacy.

It is assumed that those who do not speak out for same-sex equality do not believe in it, and worse: it is often alleged that all of those who do not speak out for equal rights are actually opposed to them.

The HSSE exists to bring committed voices, and even lethargic ones, to the struggle for civil rights and egalitarianism. It serves to right the lie that most people are intolerant. Most people are not.

People like us. Husbands. Wives. Teachers. Service providers. Wearers of tee-shirts and wearers of ties. Drivers of plough and of minivan. People who believe in the basic human right to love without external judgement and live without fear. People like you.

If you're tired of having your loving, tolerant voice used as hate's weapon, and respect the love of consenting adults everywhere and in all ways, we welcome you.

If you're not sure how you feel, we welcome you.

And if you are among the unduly judged and the fearful, know that we love you, and promise to do our part in helping others to do likewise.

Why the Exclusionary Nomenclature?

A lot of people wonder why this organization needs to have the word "heterosexuals" in its name. This is a perfectly valid question, and one that raised a tremendous amount of discussion before the decision was finally made about the name.

The reason for this seemingly exclusionary title is, in fact, inclusivity. For too long, in the eyes of bigoted people, the battle for same-sex equality has been that of a (wonderful) dedicated minority. Furthermore, in a battle against that minority, organizations and governments have claimed the support and voice of the majority in their unjust and relentless denial of equal human and civil rights for members of the LGBTQ communities.

In short, for far too long, officials have been spreading the horrible lie that the majority are unjust, intolerant, and hateful. It is simply time for the truth.

Most of us are compassionate, loving, tolerant, and hopeful for the future.

And we are the majority.