A lot of people criticized me for speaking out, not long ago, about gay marriage. I could not remain silent any longer. It’s the civil rights of our day. It’s the issue of our day.

To hate him is wrong, and maybe my ego got too caught up in, if I stood here maybe, maybe — just maybe — I could break this record of the man who tried to stop the rights upon which I stand. I’m not here, though, because of his speech. I’m here despite his speech. I’m here because as powerful as he was, the people were more powerful.

Like all great love stories, they never end.

The hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic Congress that I so deeply respect.

As for the notion of standing on your own, it’s no longer considered honorable or desirable. It makes you suspect, if not ridiculous.

I actually hope that one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary, but until then, I am going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that is accepting, that is compassionate.

NFL player Carl Nassib coming out to his followers during Pride Month, making NFL history as the first openly gay player

To say you have no choice is to relieve yourself of responsibility.

“Discrimination is not done by villains. It’s done by us.”

Human rights require a dedication to equality at every intersection of life.