President Obama, by stating that he supports my family’s right to equality, has given me hope that my son may grow up in a country where he is not disadvantaged because of anti-gay laws and attitudes. We’re still a long way from that–no laws have changed since he spoke–but I am optimistic that the President has set an example for others to follow. I am also delighted that he mentioned the positive influence of his daughters, who have friends with same-sex parents, and who accept them and their families as inherently equal. I believe many young people feel as they do, and that bodes well for the future.
2. The American celebrities are proud of their president! Ellen DeGeneres said, “There have been moments in history when someone has the courage to stand up for what they believe in, and that one action changes everything.” Neil Patrick Harris said, “Bravo, Mr. President, and thank you.” and our pal Jane Lynch tugs on the heartstrings with, “Pretty darn happy today. Thanks Mr President, for supporting the dignity of my family and so many others!” We love you Jane! Your family is beautiful!! Read more...
Being rendered legally insignificant makes losing a loved one impossibly hard
This video shows the story of Shane Bitney Crone and Tom Bridegroom, a young California couple who started a business together, shared a mortgage and enjoyed a loving relationship. Despite these solid foundations, this tale takes a heart-wrenching turn for the worst.
Shane’s family was happy for him, but Tom’s wasn’t; when he told them about Shane, his father threatened him with a gun and his mother wanted to get him medical attention. In spite of his family’s lack of support, Tom gave Shane a promise ring. Then, something entirely unexpected happened. Read more...
2. What do you get when you cross a Maggie Gallagher with Veruca Salt? A 14-year-old Maryland girl who asked her state legislators to vote “no” on gay marriage for her birthday . She argued it’s a choice and kids of queer parents are missing out and how dare some people challenge the definition of the word “marriage” and blah blah blah. We’re going to go out on a limb and say when this girl turns 18, she’ll meet more people, do a 180 and learn some compassion. Read more...
Judges’ panel find that Proposition 8 was a violation of the civil rights of gays and lesbians
Today an appeals court ruled 2-1 that a previous judge’s interpretation of Proposition 8, a ban on same-sex marriages, as unconstitutional, was correct. According to the Associated Press, backers of the same-sex marriage ban, the haters, will likely appeal this decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Although the Constitution permits communities to enact most laws they believe to be desirable, it requires that there be at least a legitimate reason for the passage of a law that treats different classes of people differently. There was no such reason that Proposition 8 could have been enacted,” the ruling states.
So, the good guys haven’t won the battle just yet. No same-sex marriages can take place in California until the haters miss their deadline to appeal. Fingers crossed that they just get some sense and let it go. But that’s not terribly likely. Say the haters, Read more...
It wasn’t pretty. Anastas’ older teenaged brother rebelled in a bad way and left home as soon as he could. Referring to his moms as pioneers, Anistas says: “We were pioneers, too, but only by proxy. We were not prepared for the savages behind the hedges and the front gates, their radar for what was different about our house.” Read more...