Barney Frank, the gay former congressman from Massachusetts, said recently that there is one major reason the tide of public opinion has shifted in favor of LGBT rights. That reason? More LGBT people have come out!

The more LGBT people who come out, the more likely it is that someone will personally know someone who is LGBT. It's much easier to explain and support LGBT issues and rights to someone who personally knows someone who is LGBT. In fact, that LGBT person might someone they love, perhaps a sibling or other close family member.

So while there are many other factors that have impacted the LGBT rights movement, Barney Frank certainly has a point.

Do you agree? What do you has been the biggest influence on LGBT rights? Let us know in the comments!