This morning the Gay, Lesbian, Allied Senate Staff (GLASS) Caucus held a forum on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender/transsexual (LGBT) public policy agenda at the Russell Senate Office building.

Participants at the forum included both Democrats and Republicans, with a fully engaged crowd consisting of equally diverse members. Black and white, male and female, many people came out to discuss the future of gay rights.

The caucus focused on uniting its often philosophically different participants. Issues covered included the HIV/AIDS epidemic, hate crimes, and the forthcoming presidential election. "We are a truly united LGBT community," said hopeful public policy advocate David Stacy. As the forum concluded, messages such as these suggest a hopeful future for the LGBT.