MSBNC talk show host Keith Olbermann devoted his "special comment" tonight to the issue of gay marriage, asking those who voted for Proposition 8 and similar measures, "Why does this matter to you? What is it to you? In a time of impermanence and fly-by-night relationships these people over here want the same chance at permanence and happiness that is your option."

It's a powerful and emotional speech by a straight person directed to other straight people — and that's exactly what's needed if we're going to win this fight.

First, the good news: Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.

After winning on overwhelming majority of the Electoral College votes (and a slight majority of the popular vote), president elect Obama and his family, along with vice-president elect Joe Biden and his family, spoke to a crowd of 60,000 cheering supporters gathered inside Chicago's Grant Park, with another 100,00 gathered outside.

This is a more powerful moment for America than I can properly describe, so I will just quote Rachel Maddow, who summarized on MSNBC tonight as we watched images of Americans celebrating his win around the country, "to have a moment that means this much, that you can put alongside the emancipation proclamation in our history, in terms of what the idea of America is, and what the relationship of Americans are to one another, so that we can speak to the rest of the world ... it's sort of worth crying about."

I'll confess I shed more than one tear myself tonight, and as I write this in my apartment in New York well after midnight, there is still loud cheering in the streets outside.

Now the bad news: American gay rights were delivered a blow tonight, as propositions and amendments that deny or prevent the legalization of same-sex marriage were approved in Arizona and Florida, and marriage rights were actually taken away in California. Arkansas also made it illegal for gay couples to adopt (thanks to doublescarlettfan for the tip).

This also makes me want to cry, but not tears of joy.

A night of mixed emotions, to be sure. We can only hope this is a short-term setback, and that President Obama will help usher in a new era of acceptance for gay rights. Including a mention of gay people in his inspiring acceptance speech is a promising start. … continue reading

It’s been a good week to be gay. It’s been a particularly good week to be gay and in California. Looking through all the pictures of happy couples getting their gay marriage on this week has been an absolute joy. No, I’m not crying. That’s something in my eye. Really, I’m not crying. Fine, who has some tissue?

All these nuptials naturally got me thinking about wedding traditions and, more specifically, the first dance. As luck would have it, Yahoo Music just posted a list of the “Top First-Dance Songs” according to a new survey. The results can only appropriately be called schmaltztastic. I mean it, “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men, “I Swear” by All-4-One and Aladdin’s theme?

Really, straight people? Really?

Of course I agree with some of them. You can’t go wrong with the classics: Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong. Uh-uh-uh, not so fast Celine Dion. But I think we can still do better – much, much better. How about we make our own list? Some of the picks I share with our chapel-bound straight friends. But the rest, well, they’re just another reason it’s good to be gay.

The Top 10 Totally Gay First-Dance Songs (click each to play):

1) “At Last,” Etta James

At last, indeed. Wrap your heart up in clover, lovebirds.

2) “All You Need is Love,” The Beatles

It’s all you need, it’s all that matters.

3) “I’m Coming Out,” Diana Ross

Hey, who says a first dance can’t be disco? … continue reading

This is not entertainment-related at all, but this video is so moving I had to blog about it.

AfterEllen.com reader Manon des Sources brought to our attention that Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders held a press conference last night to announce a surprise reversal on his anti-gay marriage stance (in his 2005 mayoral campaign, he publicly supported civil unions but not same-sex marriage).

In explaining his decision to support a resolution challenging California's — a resolution he had promised to veto up until 24-hours prior to this conference — he revealed that his daughter is gay (further research online told me she came out to him four years ago, and is in a committed relationship) and that he has "personally wrestled with this decision" (the fact that 62% of his constituents are against gay marriage couldn't have helped), but ultimately he decided to "do what I think is right and to take a stand on behalf of equality and social justice.”

Here's a somewhat blurry photo I found of Sanders with his wife and two daughters in 2005 (Lisa's in the white shirt in the middle):

He was close to tears at several points in the press conference, particularly when he mentioned his daughter and how he wants for her and the gay members of his staff to fine someone they can grow old with together. “In the end, I could not look any of them in the face and tell them that their relationships — their very lives — were any less meaningful than the marriage that I share with my wife Rana."

My first thought? Bravo to Jerry for going with his conscience, even if that will piss off 62% of his constituents.

Second thought: Thanks Lisa! For the reminder of what a difference you can make just by coming out to your family.

Lastly, what is the world coming to when even Republicans are supporting equal rights for gays and lesbians? I might have to actually start being optimistic about the future of this country...

Thanks to the internet, we have the full, unedited footage of the conference (the broadcast news outlets only showed a few clips from it). Watch it here: … continue reading