Please enter your date of birth to proceed.
Hilary Duff Wants to Celebrate Marriage Equality
On the heels of her newest album, Breathe In, Breathe Out, pop singer Hilary Duff explains why she’s happy that marriage equality is now a reality for her gay fans all over the country.
Raffy Ermac
www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2015/06/26/hilary-duff-wants-celebrate-marriage-equality
Replicating Our Victories
It’s the question everyone working on nearly every progressive cause wants to ask, and hopes can be answered: “How do we win on our issue as quickly, and as convincingly, as the LGBT movement has?”
At some point over the past few years, I’ve been asked that same question, in one form or another, from advocates working on gun control, the death penalty, climate change and immigration reform, to name just a few. The rapid progress our country has made for LGBT people — from repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to today’s landmark Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality — has captured the attention of our allies in other movements who want to know how they can replicate that success.
Part of the equation, of course, is putting together talented people to lead the way. Brilliant minds — like Mary Bonauto, the architect of the legal fight for marriage equality — planned and persevered when even many in our own community doubted the prospects for success. Visionary thinkers — like Dixon Osburn and Michelle Beneke, who skillfully explained the domino effect that open service would have on other rights – understood that hard data and compelling stories could move even the military to charge. And even entertainers — like Ellen DeGeneres, who knocked down television’s closet door even when it sent some advertisers running – played a critical role in moving public opinion on equality.
Yet, even with such forward-thinking leaders working on the cause, the fight for equality often required serious collective soul-searching among advocates who faced formidable roadblocks and setbacks along the way. And ultimately, those are the moments that can teach us the most about how to win.
Take 2008, for example. As the country and the LGBT community were celebrating the election of our country’s first African-American president, voters in California, Florida and Arizona blocked marriage equality in their states. At the time, they joined 27 other states that had already done so.
Those losses at the ballot box, especially during the 2004 election, when 11 states passed marriage bans, led many to look to the courts for victory. Even as they did, however, opponents of marriage equality began peddling the idea that “activist judges” were poised to overturn the will of the people and “impose” their views on the country.
What happened then was remarkable.
As couples began filing suit to have their relationships recognized, their stories made headlines in the national news. These new faces of the movement – couples who had spent decades together, raising families, building businesses and serving their country and their communities — ushered in a sea change in public opinion. As their suits were filed, and their stories were told, more and more of the public understood that these families were just like all families.
The courts, in eloquent and often passionate rulings, cited these same experiences of same-sex couples who were simply asking the court to recognize that their families were entitled to the same protections as other families.
Using the power of stories, the courts went from over-ruling public opinion to helping shape it.
(Just today, Justice Kennedy noted in his majority opinion bringing marriage to all 50 states that, “As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves.” He went on to write that, “Their stories reveal that they seek not to denigrate marriage but rather to live their lives, or honor their spouses’ memory, joined by its bond.”)
Marriage equality, everyone quickly understood, wasn’t what the right-wing had been so effectively selling for years. In truth, it was about Edie Windsor, her partner of four decades and their wish to build and bequeath an estate just like their straight neighbors. It was also about Bradford Wells and Anthony Makk, who desperately needed the federal government to recognize their marriage so that Anthony, who was caring for Bradford as he battled HIV, would not be deported. And it was about the men and women in uniform who were fighting for freedoms abroad that they were being denied at home.
Their experiences, and the victories they helped make possible, tell us two things: First, that telling our stories, and standing up to do so even when the consequences may be dire, has immense power. And secondly, that the courts must remain open to, and working for, everyone because they have a pivotal role to play not only in protecting our constitutional rights, but also in shaping how we see our country and its pledge of liberty and justice for all.
Today, a majority of Americans support marriage equality. That’s in large part because LGBT people came out, spoke up and asked for change. But it’s also in part because the courts did their job, too.
Moving forward, these lessons can continue to lead us to greater equality still.
Even as the Supreme Court has recognized this historic tipping point in our nation’s history, other issues are still at their starting point. The marriage equality blueprint – of stories told hand-in-hand with smart legal strategies – can help there as well.
At Public Justice, we’ve seen that when brave students, for example, speak out against bullying, their stories can move courts and schools to make sweeping changes that help ensure others aren’t harassed and abused. That’s why we launched our Anti-Bullying Campaign in 2013. We’ve worked with students who have been bullied, harassed and assaulted based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, and religion to create change in local school districts that can be a road map for national progress. It doesn’t matter why a student is targeted; the solutions for addressing and preventing bullying are the same.
And as states struggling against the tide of change answer the Supreme Court’s ruling with new laws designed to implement new forms of discrimination against LGBT people, an effective response will be critical to battling those attempts in the courts and in communities.
That, in essence, is how we can replicate the marriage equality victory and win other fights for LGBT equality and other issues, too. Telling our stories – to our neighbors, our co-workers, the media and the courts – has the power to change history and change many, many minds, too.
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
We’re Worried, People: Did Rick Scarborough Stick To His Guns And Set Himself On Fire?
Not to scatter rain clouds on everyone’s parade, but while slugging down flutes of pink champagne and hurdling fistfuls of confetti in the air, a troubling thought occurred to us: Have any of you heard from Rick Scarborough? As we reported Monday, the pastor promised — we’re imagining on a stack of bibles — to set himself on fire should American homosexuals win the right to marry.
Well.
It’s been several hours since the announcement was made, and yet we haven’t heard a peep (or sky-piercing death rattle) out of him. (Even Wikipedia is on Christian Deathwatch today.) If any of you live near Texas, could you pop ‘round the pastor’s pad and let us know if you find his charred husk chillaxin’ on the front stoop?
Related: Rick Scarborough Breaks New Ground in “Christian” Guilt
Please exercise caution: the 65-year-old opined that “the preachers need to get out front, the leaders need to get out front, out front of these ordinary citizens and say, ‘Shoot me first.’” You may find yourself trapped in a hail of gunfire, so dress accordingly. Vigilance is key.
If he does happen to set his pants on fire today, it could be another landmark event: The first time a Christian fundamentalist practiced what they preached.
Derek de Koff
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s Anti-gay Group Defiant In Face of SCOTUS Marriage Equality Ruling
The Foundation for Moral Law, the Montgomery-based foundation started by Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s, is pledging to defy the Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing marriage equality, saying that “the battle for traditional marriage will continue.”
WSFA reports:
The High Court’s ruling was illegitimate, according to the Foundation, which believes “at least 2 members of the Court’s majority opinion were under a legal duty to recuse and refrain from voting.” The Foundation has previously stated that Justices Kagan and Ginsburg should step aside because they have personally performed same-sex marriages. […]
The organization’s leaders say they believe churches, businesses, and individuals “are likely to come under attack for following their moral and religious convictions about same-sex marriage.” Executive Director Matthew Kidd went on, “When they are attacked, the Foundation will be there to defend them.”
The foundation is currently run by Moore’s wife Kayla.
The post Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s Anti-gay Group Defiant In Face of SCOTUS Marriage Equality Ruling appeared first on Towleroad.
Kyler Geoffroy
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore’s Anti-gay Group Defiant In Face of SCOTUS Marriage Equality Ruling
Weddings Already Taking Place in Georgia
Couples are receiving licenses in Fulton County, home of Atlanta.
Neal Broverman
www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2015/06/26/weddings-already-taking-place-georgia
These Prideful Pets Celebrate Marriage Equality In Rainbow Gear
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Friday that it’s legal for all Americans, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, to marry.
And while we humans are ecstatic about this monumental decision, who knows universal, unconditional love better than our sweet pets? Friday is a day to celebrate, and these animals are showing pride in all sorts of adorable ways. Check out this roundup of some of our favorite Instacuties who prove that #LoveWins.
Check out some furry friends below, who are all about marriage equality.
Hooray for today! #proudtolove #lovewins #marriageequality
A photo posted by Lilly The Aussie (@lillytheaussie) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:35am PDT
we interrupt your regularly scheduled igstagrams to join the celebration of #scotus’ decision on marriage equality!!! #loveislove #lovewins #marriageequality #history
A photo posted by iggy smalls (@igstagrams) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:04am PDT
Joshy and I couldn’t be happier about the Supreme Court’s ruling on same sex-marriage ❤️ #lovewins #loveislove #MarriageEquality #TakeThatBigots #NoH8 #lgbyally #lgbt #lgbtrights #yay #GuineaPigsForEquality
A photo posted by Rachel Santana (@rachhh_santana) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:04am PDT
#loveislove #pug #lovepug #proud #happy #joy #woohoo #ssm #gousa #letsgetmarried #marriageforall #rainbows #happyday #equality #marriageequality
A photo posted by steph lynn photo (@stephlynnphoto) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:05am PDT
#PenniferAniston and I can get married if we want to!!! #LoveWins #EqualityForAll #SCOTUS #BeyonceThePug
A photo posted by Beyonce the Pug (@beyoncethepug) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:34am PDT
This is #Meatball’s happy face. Same-sex marriage is now legal in all 50 states in the U.S.! Happiest of Fridays! #LoveWins #MarriageEquality #LoveIsLove
A photo posted by Meatball (@meatballhedgehog) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:06am PDT
A photo posted by kaitlinabrams (@kaitlinabrams) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:07am PDT
@shrampton knows what’s up!! #lovewins
A photo posted by Lindsay Grenawalt (@lgrenawalt) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:01am PDT
#marriageequality #scotusmarriage #dogsofinstagram
A photo posted by marajvan (@marajvan) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:06am PDT
Because #LoveWins. #pug #pugs #puggod #pugstagram #pugbasement #pugsofinstagram #puglife #pugsnotdrugs #love #equality #rainbow #speakpug #instadog #instapet #instapug #instacute #instagramers #pets #PetsOfSummer #pets_of_instagram #dog #DogLovers #dogstagram #dog_features #dogsofinstagram
A photo posted by Daisy The French Bulldog (@daisyfrenchbulldog) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:34am PDT
#love #pride #sfpride #MarriageEquality #SCOTUS #LoveWins
A photo posted by @yomilly on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:06am PDT
Because every LION has #Pride! #LoveWins #SCOTUSMarriage #Pride2015 #NYCPride
A photo posted by LI Orchestrating For Nature (@lions4mercy) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:33am PDT
Woke up in a world with #marriageequality. Good morning. #lgbt #equality #corgi #corgimix #corgicommunity #dogsofinstagram #supreme #pride #ally #lovewins
A photo posted by Jelena Woehr (@embracingreality) on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:21am PDT
LOVE is LOVE. Simple as that. #parkerthechiweenie #lovewins #freedomtomarry #marriageforall #marriageequality #chiweenie #dashund #dogsofinstagram #puppiesofinstagram
A photo posted by @parkerthechiweenie on Jun 26, 2015 at 9:20am PDT
Can’t hide my excitement because LOVE WINS!! #equality #lovewins #finally ✌
A photo posted by Dakota The Goldendoodle (@dakota_thedoodle) on Jun 26, 2015 at 8:33am PDT
Like Us On Facebook 
Follow Us On Twitter
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
Republican Candidates Lead The Pack On The Wrong Side Of History Of Marriage Equality
A day that for so many will be remembered as an affirmation of love, respect and equality will for others go down as a blight on our downward-spiraling society. And who are these sticks in the mud?
Namely, social conservative Republicans and other bee-in-their-bonnet antigay activists.
When the inevitable DLB penned, Gus Van Sant directed (or some similar combination) Oscar-winning film chronicling the journey to American marriage equality is produced, these are the people who will cringe when they’re cast as the villains.
But hey, maybe it’ll be a period piece in 100 years and they’ll never have to deal with it.
Either way, they’ve secured their spots on the wrong side of history:
Mike Huckabee just couldn’t contain himself:
#SCOTUS has spoken with a very divided voice on something only the Supreme Being can do – redefine marriage. t.co/3qcnV7Dz9C
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
This irrational, unconstitutional decision threatens religious liberty – the heart of 1st Amendt. Congress must act. t.co/riQTyCl1Nl
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
The Supreme Court can no more repeal the laws of nature and nature’s God on marriage than it can the laws of gravity.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
Five lawyers on #SCOTUS can no more repeal the laws of nature and nature’s God on marriage than they can the laws of gravity.
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
#SCOTUS #OneManOneWoman t.co/OBkGoPwi0U pic.twitter.com/UXbO0Q7byW
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
We must resist and reject judicial tyranny, not retreat. t.co/mlzIBw4VoZ
— Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) June 26, 2015
Tony Perkins went on a similar tirade — maybe he and Huckabee should just cut through the tension and go on a date:
#SCOTUS #marriage ruling is shocking abuse of power, and will never be accepted t.co/OM0ZgyP1gw
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
No court can overturn natural law. Nature & Nature’s God cannot be usurped by the edict of a court, even #SCOTUS
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
It’s folly for #SCOTUS to think it resolved #marriage issue. By disenfranchising 50 million Americans SCOTUS has supercharged it.
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
#SCOTUS has set our govt on a collision course w/our cherished #religiousfreedom, explicitly guaranteed in 1st Amendment.
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
Americans will not stop standing for transcendent truth and never accept the legitimacy of this decision. #SCOTUS #marriage
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
We’ll keep speaking uncompromisingly about what #marriage is, has been, and always will be: the union of one man & one woman. #SCOTUS
— Tony Perkins (@tperkins) June 26, 2015
Rick Santorum offered his expected brand of close-mindedness:
Today, 5 unelected judges redefined the foundational unit of society. Now it is the people’s turn to speak #Marriage
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) June 26, 2015
The Court is 1 of 3 coequal branches of government & they have an imperfect record. Stakes are too high to cede marriage to unelected judges
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) June 26, 2015
The Court has ruled but now the People must speak. Join me & fight for marriage t.co/M79BOMyBgo #RICK2016
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) June 26, 2015
Bobby Jindal weaseled out these thoughts:
Marriage between a man and a woman was established by God, and no earthly court can alter that. t.co/1Kfw9l0KMG
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) June 26, 2015
I will never stop fighting for religious liberty and I hope our leaders in D.C. join me. t.co/1Kfw9l0KMG
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) June 26, 2015
Talking to reporters in Urbandale, IA about the Supreme Court’s disturbing ruling. #IAPolitics pic.twitter.com/GnTBt3cu33
— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) June 26, 2015
Scott Walker thinks he knows best:
I believe SCOTUS’ decision is a grave mistake. 5 unelected judges have taken it upon themselves to redefine the institution of marriage.-SKW
— Scott Walker (@ScottWalker) June 26, 2015
And then there are the Republicans clinging to the states’ rights argument as if it weren’t a thinly veiled way of saying “screw you, gays”:
Statement on the Supreme Court’s decision on marriage: t.co/ZzggeRMQiR pic.twitter.com/qT0nA9LndY
— Speaker John Boehner (@SpeakerBoehner) June 26, 2015
Jeb Bush:
“Guided by my faith, I believe in traditional marriage. I believe the Supreme Court should have allowed the states to make this decision. I also believe that we should love our neighbor and respect others, including those making lifetime commitments. In a country as diverse as ours, good people who have opposing views should be able to live side by side. It is now crucial that as a country we protect religious freedom and the right of conscience and also not discriminate.”
Chris Christie:
My statement on today’s #SCOTUS ruling pic.twitter.com/UalM0QnBuF
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) June 26, 2015
Here’s our response to all of the above:
Dan Tracer
Gay Wine: 5 Things Not To Miss In Sonoma
Discover white, red, rosé …. and rainbow-tinged wine of gay-popular Sonoma County. From San Francisco drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and an hour through beautiful rolling hills to a darling little town called Healdsburg, a former farming village and the most charming of many lovely towns in the County.
As recently as 15 years ago, there wasn’t much to speak of around these parts but then the Hotel Healdsburg opened in 2001 and world-famous chef Charlie Palmer came to town; soon two Michelin stars followed, transforming this one-horse town into a two-Tesla vacation haven with fantastic wineries.
It’s but one hamlet in a county of charming inns, farm fresh food, boutique shops, plenty of wineries and a surprising number of LGBT residents, winemakers, chefs and business owners, without the tourist crowds of neighboring Napa.
If you plan a trip, here are five things not to miss, especially the number-one time for gay people to visit next year.
1. Hotel Les Mars: Healdsburg is centered around a main town square, while all around it you’ll find
restaurants, bookstores, artisan crafts makers, boutique shops, and hotels. The Hotel Les Mars is the best hotel around, a Relais & Chateaux French maison-style hotel with ornate rooms full of dark wood armoires, antiques, 17th-century art, and shelves of tattered books along with a new restaurant, Chalkboard, a hip, rustic chic dining room that was once the Michelin-starred Cyprus.
2. SHED: In this progressive, sun-drenched, farm-to-table lunch spot next to Hotel Les Mars, market, and green space, the owners are lifelong farmers who’ve blended their philosophies on fresh produce with the simplistic virtues of California cooking. SHED has its own garden and also sources fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market across the street. It’s among the most innovative and artful lunch counters in the state with nice options.
3. Hamel Family Wines: South of Healdsburg you’ll find another Sonoma Country gem. Hamel Family Wines is an elegant, modern vineyard offering winetasting of their mostly Bordeaux varietals paired with locally sourced foods. It’s only been open for a few years but it’s already known for high-quality wine production, passionate winemaking and a decidedly warm welcome to LGBT visitors.
4. Corner 103: In the city of Sonoma, you’ll find this elegant, modern tasting-room opened spring 2015 by Lloyd Davis, a highly-respected winemaker who happens to be gay. You’ll enjoy seven wines with perfectly paired food offerings, in an unintimidating and intimate environment, served by handsome waiters. Be sure to walk around the gorgeous town square across from the restaurant.
5. Gay Wine Weekend 2016: This year’s version of the event just concluded but it’s not too early to plan to attend next year, perhaps making it part of a visit to San Francisco or a longer road trip along California’s gorgeous coastline. It includes three days of events for LGBT visitors and locals (and their straight friends). Celebrate with world class wine and culinary delights, music and dancing in a private estate vineyard, VIP receptions, wine tasting excursions, champagne brunch, and a wine auction and pool party among your new best gay and lesbian wine-loving friends.
This weekly travel column is brought to you by ManAboutWorld, an immersive digital gay travel magazine for iOS and Android devices from Billy Kolber, Ed Salvato, Kenny Porpora, and nearly 75 Global Correspondents.
For even more insider recommendations in California and other destinations in the U.S and around the globe, download ManAboutWorld Magazine on iTunes (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
ManAboutWorld is now on the iPhone and Android phones! To download for the iPhone, click HERE. For Android phones, click HERE.
Image credits: All photos courtesy of Mark Vogler of Gay Wine weekend. Top: Toasting at Gay Wine Weekend; Middle: Sonoma chefs; Above: Sonoma Vineyards
The post Gay Wine: 5 Things Not To Miss In Sonoma appeared first on Towleroad.
Ed Salvato
You must be 18 years old or older to chat
