There is really only one thing you need to do to be involved in this project. It may not even cost you a dime . . .

The only thing you need to do is to wear a purple hat on October 11. That's it! But there are some things you may need to do to prepare yourself before that day.

If you do wear something purple on your head that day, and you yourself are not gay, please be aware that someone who is gay may come up to you and tell you that they're gay. If you don't feel as if you know what to say or how to act, please, take time now to educate yourselves. Contact your local PFLAG chapter and get some information from them. In my humble opinion, the most important thing you have to do is to respect their privacy. If they tell you and only you, you can't tell anyone else. They've entrusted you with their peace of mind and you've accepted that responsibility by wearing your purple hat. Keep their secret as long as they need you to keep it.

If you choose to wear a purple hat on October 11, you may also need to prepare yourself to be insulted, spit upon, scorned, hissed at, taunted or even put in grave danger. There are some areas of this country where it is truly not safe to come out as a gay individual, and that may extend to those who support gays. You know the attitudes of your community. While it is honorable to stand up for the oppressed, you really can be more help if you remain alive and healthy. Too many people have died in this struggle already. We don't want to lose any more. You don't have to change the attitude of your whole town or school or place of employment. Even talking about the struggle for gay equality with one person will help. So please, BE SAFE!

The same warning also applies to any gays who are going to come out that day. If you're coming out to your family, I strongly recommend you read the book "Family Outing" by Chastity Bono. It gives some really good recommendations on how to prepare yourself for the who range of possible reactions by family members. Most importantly, make sure you have a support person you can turn to who is going to be available for emotional support should you experience your "worst case scenario". If you are dependent on your family for a place to stay, make sure that you have a back up place to go that is safe. And finally, try to not take the initial reaction too personally. This may be a big shock to your family and they need some time to adjust. You've had time to come to grips with it. They need time too. So try to remember if hurtful words are spoken to you that they may be acting out of fear and hopefully, don't really mean it.