Michael Sam Tackling the Opponents of LGBT Rights in Houston

The openly gay former NFL player is doing an end run around oppoents of Houston's law protecting all citizens from discrimination.

Dawn Ennis

The Advocate's news editor Dawn Ennis successfully transitioned from broadcast journalism to online media following another transition that made headlines; in 2013, she became the first trans staffer in any major TV network newsroom. As the first out transgender editor at The Advocate, the native New Yorker continues her 30-year media career, in which she has earned more than a dozen awards, including two Emmys. With the blessing of her three children, Dawn retains the most important job title she's ever held: Dad.

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Dawn Ennis

October 23 2015 11:49 AM EST

October 23 2015 12:01 PM EST

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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.

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"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."