What NOT to Say at a Same Sex Wedding

Here is a great post by The Knot about what to avoid saying at a same sex wedding. People are well meaning, but they sometimes can inadvertently say something that can dampen the mood on such a happy day.

Support for Marriage Equality is Growing

A recent poll shows that a strong majority of New Hampshire voters support marriage equality. It seems that support grows by the day. Conservatives in the legislature tried and failed to repeal the marriage law in NH earlier this year.

I know equality is coming, but until DOMA is repealed, true equality won’t happen. I should be more patient, but for me and my husband the clock is ticking. His student visa ends when he finishes his degree in 3 years. Come on America, keep the momentum going!

Read the article about NH here.

Eight Years Ago Marks the Beginning of Marriage Equality

Today is the 8th anniversary of Marriage Equality in Massachusetts. Since then, LGBT Americans have been allowed to marry in more states. I was fortunate enough to marry my soul mate this March in New York City. That ceremony and little piece of paper has changed everything for me.

My husband and I still don’t have any legal protections because of the discriminatory and unconstitutional law, DOMA. We can can’t file taxes, we have no inheritance rights, social security benefits, in fact there are almost 1500 rights we don’t have.

But we’re happier. Being married has given our relationship a deeper and more profound meaning to us both. The anti-equality bigots scream that the term “marriage” has a special meaning. They’re right. And all Americans are entitled to it.

From the Metro:

“In the eight years that same-sex couples have been marrying in Massachusetts, we have learned that our communities are safer, happier, and healthier when all families are respected, supported and celebrated,” Kara Suffredini, executive director of MassEquality, said in a statement. “As time goes on and even larger majorities of Americans come to support marriage equality, we look forward to the day when all Americans can enjoy the freedom to marry.”

Read the entire article here.

Jay Z States Supports Marriage Equality

Rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z publicly supports President Obama’s and endorses marriage equality. In recent days many other public figures have done so as well, but this one stands out to me.

Jay Z and wife, Beyonce Knowles are very influential with young people in general and African American youth in particular. Right now, when so many African American ministers are denouncing the president and calling for something akin to Biblical Law to replace our constitution, it’s nice to see someone identified as one of the most influential people in America standing up for gay rights.

In a recent interview, Jay Z said:

“What people do in their own homes is their business and you can choose to love whoever you love. That’s their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination plain and simple.”

Facebook Co-Founder offers $100,000 Matching Gift to support Marriage Equality in Maine

Chris Hughes and his fiance, Sean Eldridge are offering a fundraising challenge to fund Mainers United for Marriage , a marriage equality group. Maine will be voting again this fall on whether to offer marriage equality to all in the state. The matching grant is pledging $100,000.

In 2009, the anti-gay politicians, clergy and hate groups deluged Maine with the usual lies about gays and what granting them equality would mean.

The overall message was that if it happened, all kindergartners would need to be taught about anal sex, and Christians would be shackled and silenced and be forced to marry gays, ducks and myriad farm animals… Oh yeah, and brothers and sisters would be lining up to get hitched.

Raising money to combat the bigotry of the GOP and evangelical ministries is vital. Mr. Hughs and his fiancé using their notoriety and fortunes to educate Maine about how important, necessary and inevitable movement toward Liberty and Justice For All will help drown your the shrill lies from the right.

The matching program runs until June 7 , 2012

Read an article drone the Bangor Daily News here.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock Responds to GOP Blocking Civil Unions

After the Colorado GOP lead congresses’ shameful mockery of the largest active process last week, Mayor Hancock

Statement From One Colorado

Official statement from the Colorado based LGBT advocacy group:

“Not once but twice, House leadership has made a mockery of the legislative process.” #coleg http://t.co/eEwlFrud

Sadly, I’m not surprised. The far right wing of evangelical leaders have taken over the republican party.

My Response To Speaker McNulty

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Mmmmmm… Donuts!

Colorado Civil Unions Bill Killed by Republicans

Despite efforts by Governor Hickenlooper to have the Civil Unions bill debated on the House floor, a GOP controlled House committee killed the vote in a party line vote 5-4.

So gays are still second class citizens in Colorado. I hope Speaker McNulty is proud. He did what he set out to do. I’m sure history will judge him harshly… I know I do.

Nic Garcia of Out Front Colorado has an excellent article documenting the Bill’s rise and fall here.