Sen. Ted Kennedy

The team fighting for equal rights lost one of its co-captains this week in the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Not only was he in the forefront of equal rights in general, but he was outspoken in his support of gay rights, justice and HIV/AIDS awareness. There has been a comparison of Kennedy to Obama, wondering if his legacy will live on through our current President. Obama has promised to not leave these issues untouched, but now, I hope that the death of such a strong fighter for equality challenges President Obama to bring issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," The Matthew Shepherd Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to the table and deal with them finally, positively and equally. Here are some excerpts that reveal Sen. Ted Kennedy's dedication and impact.

Kennedy was our 'greatest champion,' says gay activist
from CNNPolitics.com, August 27, 2009

"Thank you Sen. Kennedy, for making a future for us all that is more compassionate, more equitable, more just -- for LGBT people, for immigrants, for people of color, for those living in poverty, for every one of us. Your passion for justice and your fight burn on in us all." - Marc Solomon, marriage director of Equality California

Kennedy co-sponsored the 1990 Ryan White CARE Act, which passed the same year. Later in 1996, he co-sponsored a bill to reverse the discharge of HIV-positive members of the military.

Kennedy was a key sponsor of the 2009 Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, named after young gay man who was killed. The bill was approved by the Senate in July.

If you're not as much of a reader, here is a VIDEO of Ted Kennedy's life to fill you in...