<p>Solidarity Sunday began in 1995 when the Board of Directors of DignityUSA recognized that 70&ndash;80% of American Catholics supported equal rights for gays and lesbians. It was decided to invite these people to join in solidarity with us and to work with us to end verbal and physical abuse.</p><p>The first Solidarity Sunday was observed on October 8 that year and approximately 35000 participated. The project rapidly expanded to include people from all denominations and organizations as well as individuals who have joined with us. Since 1995 the number of participants has grown steadily and Solidarity Sunday has now been observed in almost every state in the country. In addition Solidarity Sunday has received the acknowledgment and proclamation of the following distinguished individuals and groups</p> <p><b><img width=198 height=198 align=right src=/dignityu/sites/default/files/images/breakthechain.gif alt=Let us break the chain: How to end verbal and physical gay bashing /></b></p><ul><li>President Bill Clinton (<a href=http://www.dignityusa.org/solidarity/clinton.html target=_blank>letter of support 1997</a>)</li><li>Vice President Al Gore (<a href=http://www.dignityusa.org/solidarity/gore.html target=_blank>letter of support 1997</a>)</li><li>Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)</li><li>Gov. John Rowland (Connecticut)</li><li><a href=http://www.glaad.org/ target=_blank>Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)</a></li><li><a href=http://www.newwaysministry.org target=_blank>New Ways Ministry</a></li><li><a href=http://www.pflag.org/ target=_blank>Parents Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)</a></li><li>Bishop McCarthy Diocese of Austin TX</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p>