Every time I head out to a protest this is the song that I have playing in my head. Gay rights is probably not exactly what Mraz was thinking when he wrote the song but I can’t help but be moved by the lyrics in that context.
“No I won’t hesitate no more, no more / It can not wait / I’m sure.”
It was wonderful seeing familiar faces and new faces alike last night. The crowd was an angry group of people happy to cherish their diversity, queer or otherwise. There was one thing we all shared in common though – we were all human, and we were all equal.
The California Supreme Court just upheld Proposition 8 but also ruled that the existing 18,000 marriages that were performed while gay marriage was legal will remain valid.
I’m still waiting for the PDF to load so I can read the full opinion but I’ll offer more of my opinions after that happens. If you would like to view the full opinion find it here: California Prop 8 ruling (re-hosted as official link is nearly impossible to load)
It seems that at least some of the judges realize the stupidity of Prop 8 and the horrible discrimination that it codifies-
“our task in the present proceeding is not to determine whether the provision at issue is wise or sound as a matter of policy or whether we, as individuals, believe it should be a part of the California Constitution”
The ruling is essentially making the argument that because civil unions are still valid the only change that Prop 8 presented was a change in the “designation of the term ‘marriage’” and that Prop 8 does not, in fact, deny “the constitutional right of same-sex couples to ‘choose one’s life partner and enter with that person into a committed, officially recognized, and protected family relationship that enjoys all of the constitutionally based incidents of marriage.’” Clearly this court has never explored the hell that was racial segregation during our country’s “separate but equal” period.
PS -- I don’t hate Jesus or Christians. I chose this photo as a representation of what the religious wrong have done -- used a religion that is supposed to preach harmony and love for your family and neighbors to impose completely unrelated ideals on others. Each and every person who uses religion as a tool for their own personal gain and to discriminate against others should be horribly ashamed of themselves.
The NY Times has been publishing an amazing number of Op-Eds in support of gay rights lately. Saturday’s installment came in the form of “La Cage aux Democrats.” Frank Rich discusses the lack of movement from the current administration despite growing public support for equality for gay couples. Interestingly he chose to frame the article with Adam Lambert’s performance of “A Change Is Gonna Come” during the American Idol finale, which, by the way, was an spectacular and moving performance.
In other news Hillary Clinton made a very classy move in announcing that gay American diplomats serving under the State Department will be offered equal benefits. Thank you Hillary! Full story, again, at the NY Times.
And from me – a very special thank you to all those brave men and women who have fought for our country. And extra thanks to the gay service-members who have not only fought for us but have done so while being forced to hide yet still gave their best.
This wholly awesome editorial from the NY Times delves into the massive complications that our fragmented marriage laws and DOMA have forced us into. I found it particularly interesting to learn some of the irregularities involved in transgender marriages. For example, in Texas, gay marriage is the only option for transgendered people. So progressive! 
On the photo tip: Drew Van Acker. Um, yum!
It looks like Illinois may be the next state to legalize civil unions for gay (as well as straight) couples. While it isn’t full marriage rights, it is moving in the right direction. Read the full story at Joe. My. God.
The California Supreme Court will issue it’s ruling on Prop 8 on Tuesday, May 26. Keep your fingers crossed for good news, whatever you think that is. And by whatever you think that is I of course mean if you agree Prop 8 needs to be overturned. If you don’t agree with me go back to reading Ann Coulter’s blog or something.
I couldn’t find any new pics of cute couples on short notice, so here is a completely unrelated photo but fully acceptable photograph of one incredibly hot man.
I love this man. At least someone in the news industry has their head on straight. I’ll leave all the talking points to the video but suffice it to say Miss California got told! Oh snap!
And I can’t stand Carrie Prejean.
I’m sure you’ve read the stories about how she got breast implants for Miss America. If that weren’t enough, check this out:
If you are going to be crazy and use religion as an excuse to discriminate you better be a saint. As you can see Miss Prejean isn’t exactly the splitting image of morality here. I personally don’t see anything wrong with taking risque photos . Then again I don’t see anything wrong with two consulting adults marrying each other.
