Written By: Mitch Perry

Although significant strides have been made in the professional sports world in recent years regarding gay rights (think of how many players and teams got behind the "It Gets Better" campaign created by Dan Savage), it's still not exactly an arena of progressive thoughts on such issues.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in June, that didn't mean that same-sex marriage was suddenly the law in Florida or the rest of the other states that haven't passed marriage equality legislation. Nor did it make same-sex couples automatically eligible for marriage-based federal benefits.

Equality Florida sets goal: Gay and lesbian marriage equality in state of Florida within three years

Straight Allies Advocate For LGBT Equality In Jax

A local ad campaign is encouraging the expansion of Jacksonville's Human Rights Ordinance and is getting support from local, regional and national groups.

A welcoming city prospers