“It took me a while, but tonight I’m here and I want to say that I want to add my voice to yours. And I’m so happy to be part of this community.”

— Pop singer Ricky Martin, who recently came out after years of speculation, in remarks as the surprise opening speaker at the national Human Rights Campaign dinner. (Advocate.com, Oct. 10)

“I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don’t want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option — it isn’t.”

— Carl Paladino, Republican nominee for governor of New York, in an Oct. 9 campaign speech to Jewish constituents. (Politico.com, Oct. 10)

“It’s a terrible tragedy and it has turned a harsh spotlight on an issue that often doesn’t get the public attention it deserves: the struggles of LGBT youth, the enormous pain that too many experience as a result of bullying and the desperate, tragic decision by some young people who feel that their only recourse is to take their own lives.”

— Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to President Obama, responding to the recent rash of gay youth suicides, during remarks to the Oct. 10 national Human Rights Campaign dinner

“I know what it’s like to be bullied and teased every single day, and I know that it may seem like there is no chance of happiness left. But I promise you there is a world full of acceptance and love just waiting for you to find it.”

— Actor Chris Colfer, who plays Kurt Hummel on “Glee,” in a PSA for The Trevor Project, a national 24-hour, toll-free confidential hotline for gay and questioning youth. (TrevorProject.org)

Top photo: Pop singer Ricky Martin (by B. Proud/Human Rights Campaign)