Massachusetts state Rep. Carl M. Sciortino Jr., D-Medford, sponsored a bill to include gender identity in the state’s anti-discrimination and hate crime laws.

Howard Bayless is chairman of Equality Alabama, based in Birmingham, which works on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.

Paul Overstreet is the founder of MS Rainbow Alliance, which meets in Biloxi.

Christina Gilgor is executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance.

The Houston Transgender Unity Committee serves as a bridge for several area groups. Contact through the website.

Rand Hoch is president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council in Florida.

Ian Palmquist is executive director of Raleigh-based Equality North Carolina, which advocates on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents of the state, and chairs the national Equality Federation.

Mickey Hart oversees Ohio University’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center. He also serves on the board of Equality Ohio.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland on May 17, 2007, signed an executive order establishing a policy that bars discrimination against state employees on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Contact Keith Dailey, press secretary.