Michael Sam Tackling the Opponents of LGBT Rights in Houston

Michael Sam is lending his name to the fight to protect LGBT people from discrimination in his home state of Texas.

In an email sent today by the Human Rights Campaign, the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL asked HRC supporters to contribute to the fight to save nondiscrimination protections in Houston.

"I know first-hand what it feels like to be unwelcome -- to live an open and authentic life in a place where you can be ostracized or even discriminated against for simply being yourself," wrote Sam. "That's why as a Texas native I was thrilled when Houston passed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) last year ... and equally disappointed when opponents petitioned for its repeal this year. Now it's on the ballot and it's up to all of us to protect Houstonians from discrimination."

Sam's email asks supporters for a donation of at least $10 to combat the campaigns that seek to discredit LGBT forces and their allies, with what he called the "ugly ads insinuating LGBT people pose a danger to the community. They're out in full force, trying to scare fair-minded Texans into voting against their LGBT neighbors."

Early voting began this week and culminates on Election Day, November 3, Sam told recipients.

"Remember: every vote counts. Every dollar counts. We cannot let a city as beautiful and diverse as Houston revert to being the largest city in the country without non-discrimination protections. Protect Houston. Protect HERO."