Watch Billy & Alan: In life, love & death, equality matters.

When Orlando Weekly writer, Billy Manes, lost Alan, his partner of 11 years, he nearly lost his home, his car and everything he owned when homophobic "in-laws" swept in. They disposed of Alan's body, claimed his earthly possessions, and tried to take the wedding ring from Billy's finger. In the anti-gay State of Florida, where same-sex relationships are not recognized and are not afforded any legal protections, Billy had to fight to save everything he and Alan owned.

Billy Manes shared his deeply personal story in the pages of Orlando Weekly after learning that others had similarly experienced the devastating consequences of living in one of the nation's most anti-gay states. Now Billy is leading the charge in the fight for full equality because, as he tragically discovered, in life, love and death, equality matters.