New Jersey 14th State to Legalize Same-sex Marriage

Yesterday, the legalization of same-sex marriage in the state of New Jersey has become reality! 

The Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie fought vehemently to delay the process from moving forward, but the highest court in the state had the last say and recognized same-sex marriage as constitutional under the law. This makes New Jersey the 14th state to legalize same-sex marriage.

A spokesman for Christie said that he will comply with the ruling, though he doesn't like it. 

In the end this was indeed the most lawful thing to do. Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Cory Booker who's headed to the U.S. Senate after winning a special election to fill the seat of the late Frank. R. Lautenberg, is only the 4th African American to EVER be elected to the U.S. Senate and will marry his first same-sex couple on Monday at 12:01am.

With liberty and justice for all. #JerseyPride

2013 LA

Kleenex for Amazingly Beautiful Wedding Nuptials

The nuptials between these two guys Devon and Jordan, was so emotionally beautiful I just had to share with you. 

Click here to view video of the heart-string pulling wedding vows, between two people very much in love.

2013 LA

Father Disowns Daughter for Disowning Gay Son

This letter from a concerned father to his daughter, disputes her claim for kicking her son Chad out of the home. In the letter the father disowns his daughter the way she disowned her son, simply because he came out to her as gay. 

Many kudos to this parent for taking a stand for gay rights, while teaching his daughter a meaningful lesson in the process.

The letter reads - Dear Christine: 

"I'm disappointed in you as a daughter. You're correct that we have a "shame in the family", but mistaken about what it is. Kicking Chad out of your home simply because he told you he was gay is the real "abomination" here. A parent disowning her child is what goes "against nature. "

"The only intelligent thing I heard you saying in all this was that "you didn't raise your son to be gay." Of course you didn't. He was born this way and didn't choose it any more than he being left-handed. You however, have made a choice of being hurtful, narrow-minded and backward. So, while we are in the business of disowning our children, I think I'll take this moment to say goodbye to you. I now have a fabulous (as the gay put it) grandson to raise, and I don't have time for heartless B-word of a daughter."

"If you find your heart, give us a call."

-Dad

2013 LA

2nd New Mexico County Makes History

It took one couple to ignite the change for marriage equality within a New Mexico county, and that couple is Jen and Angelique Neuman! 

This couple devoted 20 years of their lives together and now that Jen (seen-r) is faced with life-threatening brain cancer, forcing the couple into precaution mode they sought marriage justice for the sake of their family.

This couple is amazing to me and I thank NCLR, for helping this family attain not only protection for their family, but also for the many others who will come after. This is one of those bittersweet moments, when there's triumph and sadness at the same time. Where something good comes from the bad. 

To this loving couple of 20 years, words probably can't express completely the grief that is now upon you, but I am truly grateful for your contribution to our American society. Thank you for making your bad/good. Congrats!

#Humbly #Sadly #SendingPrayers

2013 LA

The Supreme Court Overturns The Defense Of Marriage Act

Today the U.S. Supreme Court made history yet again, overturning the "Defense of Marriage Act" and rejecting anti-gay activists' call for California's Proposition 8. 

It is now law of the land that all married couples share the same rights, benefits, and treatment under federal law. All 13 states that currently allow same-sex marriage, are now required under federal law to recognize all marriages as equivalent.

It has been a long time coming but change finally came, oh yes it did; only 37 more states to go! Sheesh.

2013 LA

Brittney Griner: 100% Lesbian and Unapologetic

All American women's basketball player Brittney Griner, who was the number one pick to play professional basketball for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA (Woman's Basketball Association), is 100% lesbian and unapologetic about it. 

Although Griner publicly came out this past April, her heroism is still a hot topic just as NBA player Jason Collins still is. 

Brittney told her heroic story of having to keep her sexuality to herself while attending Baylor University, a decision her coach said would "protect her". The 6 foot 8 athlete simply says, "Don't worry about what other people are going to say, because they're always going to say something, but, if you're just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don't hide who you really are." 

When asked was it hard for her to come out Griner stated, "It really wasn't too difficult," she said. "I wouldn't say I was hiding or anything like that. I've always been open about who I am and my sexuality. So, it wasn't hard at all. If I can show that I'm out and I'm fine and everything's OK, then hopefully the younger generation will definitely feel the same way. Just being bigger, my sexuality, everything," she told the AP. 

"I overcame it and got over it. Definitely something that I am very passionate about. I want to work with kids and bring recognition to the problem, especially with the LGBT community."

Griner finished her four-year Baylor career as the second all-time scorer in women's NCAA history with 3,283 points. 

She is the top shot-blocker ever, shattering both the men's and women's college marks with 748. She also had a record 18 dunks -- including 11 this season.

This young activist is poised to change the game of women's basketball, and no doubt will be a strong voice for the LGBT community.

Two enthusiastically thumbs up from me Brittney!

2013 LA

Jason Collins Advances LGBTQ Progress

HUGE props to Jason Collins the Washington Wizards Center, who showed the enormity of his bravery and courage by proclaiming to the world that he no longer chooses anxiety over aptitude, and chose to be completely honest about his sexual orientation.

April 29, 2013, Collins unlocked the closet door that contained his deep-rooted secret of homosexuality, while waiting patiently for the world to react. 

The world reacted better than he had hoped and illuminated the positive progression of LGBTQ rights, not only in America but all around the world! 

This is a new day and people are becoming more tolerant of those that differ from them, and refuse to allow the fear of the unknown to mimic their lives.

Although Jason Collins isn't the first black gay athlete to be out and proud, he is the first in our generation and that alone carries tremendous weight with a great deal of heroism.

Some question whether Collins' NBA days are numbered due to his recent confession, but the man's talent and humility obviously speaks for itself.

2013 LA