(July 1, 2005) – Following the recent increase in reports of racist incidents, hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, harmful environmental laws, and unwarranted wars against nations throughout the world, Dotti Berry and Robynne Sapp are incorporating  Stand UP Speak OUT, and working toward securing non-profit status.  

Their “one-by-one” campaign, Stand UP Speak OUT, encouraging each of us to find a way to make a difference in our world, aims to encourage the "silent majority" to reclaim equality and dignity for humans in all areas.  Berry and Sapp say, “We feel it is time to acknowledge that we are all connected, and that what affects one of us, affects all of us.  We believe that when there is a triumph in equality for anyone, it is a triumph for everyone, and our world benefits.”  The symbol of the campaign is two interlocked wristbands, one purple band with www.StandUPSpeakOUT.com, and one rainbow colored band with www.GayIntoStraightAmerica.com, the name of the non-profit’s initial project.

 “The fear about one another’s differences continues to fuel the disconnection which occurs between diverse people.  When people seal off their emotions about one another, their feelings go underground and eventually erupt in ways that don’t empower our world,” say Berry and Sapp.  “We feel we can use our ‘one person’ status to transform ourselves, opening up a new space for others to shift as well. Throughout history, people such as Gandhi, Rosa Parks, the Dalai Lama,  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu,  Nelson Mandela, Dorothy Day and others have proven Helen Keller right.  She said, ‘I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything.  But I can do something.  I will not refuse to do the something I can do.’ “

Berry and Sapp continue, “That is why we have chosen Gay Into Straight America as our initial project, kicking off September 11, 2005.  It is our commitment to creating authentic connections with people who are ‘wrestling’ with their understanding of (GLBT) gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.  This hot button issue is simply a symptom of the fear encasing people and keeping us separate, and we want to bridge the divide.” 

Through everyday interactions, sharing meals, and staying in people’s homes, Dotti Berry and Robynne Sapp, a legally married couple until Oregon voided their marriage license, are also willing to avail themselves to those who hold firms beliefs about them. To extend the olive branch, and have their actions be consistent with their words, they recently toured James Dobson's Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs, as well as attended their Love Won Out Conference in Seattle, WA.

To find out more about their organization, go to  www.StandUPSpeakOUT.com (coming in September). For more about their yearlong journey, visit www.GayIntoStraightAmerica.com