While ideologues do battle with blunt instruments over whether or not the separation of church and state precludes laws defining civil relationships in religious terms, and the Supreme Court rules, but with vigorous dissent, that the state has no business opposing private adult consensual activities, children are being hurt for their perceived gender orientation, by constant bullying descended from one side of these discussions. Philanthropy, which is antithetical to bigotry of any kind, cares. A recent survey by the National Mental Health Association (a charity) discovered that 24% of youth who are gay or are perceived to be gay said they were bullied all of the time, which is more than any other ostracized group. Here in Massachusetts, PFLAG has worked quietly and persistently for over 25 years for simple fairness among children and in schools. Its “Safe Schools and Communities” Program, begun in 1994 and for years supported by the Massachusetts Departments of Education, and then of Public Health, in 2002 was presented to 11,000 people in 156 middle- and high-school audiences and five communities. It has partnered with the Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) to bring "Stop Hate-talk" programs to 28 classes in eight urban middle schools. Unfortunately, exacerbated politics has reduced government support, so now it’s entirely up to philanthropy. This is a small organization, with only 220 members. They need some new friends -- please show your support.