It's important for people to know that gay and lesbian parents are here, that they exist, that they are raising children and that we, like all parents, want to participate in the great traditions of this country.

It is interesting only one state has filed a bill to ban gay adoption and, frankly, that's not where we expected to be.

I think it really tugs at the heartstrings of most parents. All we want is to participate fully with all of the same rights and privileges as other parents.

Approximately 9 million children are being raised in LGBT-headed households. Our parents live in every corner of this country, rural and urban, red states and blue states, and we strive like every other parent in this country to give our children the best opportunities, to shower them with love, to teach them respect and a love for the rich and diverse traditions America has to offer them. By participating in this American tradition we hope to show our children a great time while introducing our families to the American public in a genuine and respectful way. I know my four-year-old twin sons are going to have a terrific time and I invite anyone with children to come to this cherished event.

We're thrilled to recognize and further thank Capital One Financial for their steadfast support of Family Pride and LGBT parents. Capital One Financial continues to find innovative and creative ways to make LGBT people, particularly LGBT parents, feel valued in the workplace. Their commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality is admirable, and we're proud to honor them with the Corporate Community Responsibility Award.

And let's not make any mistake, or gloss over that fact: Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are at risk every day of their lives. Not only are we the group most at risk of violence, we are most at risk of job discrimination, losing our families; homophobia retains its title as the last socially acceptable form of bigotry.