The National Equality March, an event promoting equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, will be this weekend in Washington, D.C. No doubt this march will help further the cause of sexual equality in this country. But there are much simpler ways to promote equality among people of different sexual orientations, races and social classes.

You don’t need a march to treat people with respect, you don’t need a march to be accepting of others and you certainly don’t need a march to practice the Golden Rule. All you really need is an open mind, an open heart and a righteous voice.

March to your own beat when it comes to equality. Challenge people who use words and actions as a means of hate instead of a means of peace. Resist influences that discriminate against individuals who don’t fit a traditional mold. Let your opinion of someone be based upon that person’s character rather than his or her sexual orientation or skin color. And most importantly, be open to other cultures and beliefs.

No matter what anyone says, this country is deeply divided on a wide range of social issues and will be forever if we don’t do something about it. Instead of focusing on widening these divides, we as a nation must focus on narrowing them.

Inequality in American society is holding this country back from greater potential and, if change is going to happen, it’s going to have to happen with us.

People our age marched for civil rights in the 1960s, and they expressed displeasure with the Vietnam War in the 1970s. It may be hard to forget, but we did change the course of history with the 2008 election. No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, we changed the dialogue and tone of this country, and we could do it again. This time, let’s do it for equality, let’s change some lives in a positive manner and help turn this country around.

March in your homes, march in your parks, march in your classes, and if you get a couple of friends, march in the streets.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater’s editorial board.