The idea behind this day was originally a response to the California ruling, Proposition 8, as well as similar rulings in other states - the thought being that if the GLBT population combined their efforts on a single day, the country would have to take notice.  TImed to coincide with International Human Rights Day and intended as a peaceful protest, people are encouraged to call in "gay" to work and spend the day donating their time and efforts to a local charity, while at the same time refraining from making any purchases to show the strength of the "gay dollar."

It seems like a truly inspired effort.

My challenge comes from the fact that my employer doesn't discriminate against me and I have a hard time justifying penalizing them on one of the busier days of the year - it seems like it would go against the point of trying to find a peaceful solution.  Instead, I'm going to be present at my workplace wearing the rainbow and answering anybody who asks what it stands for.  I will refrain from spending money tomorrow (not that I have a lot to spend in the first place) and I'll try to find opportunities to give of myself to someone in need.

I will also support those who do decide to take the day off... as long as they're doing something proactive at the same time.  I think the GLBT population has a lot to offer and I'm proud of those who decide they want to "out-love" the people who choose to hate.

I encourage everyone who reads this to do something... anything!  (And you don't have to do it just one day!)

The world would be a much darker place if there were truly a Day Without a Gay.