Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: LGBT Discrimination

I am really happy John Oliver decided to tackle a huge misconception that's out there. Now that gay marriage is legal everywhere in the United States, nearly 70% of Americans believe that it is illegal to discriminate against gay people. But the sad and surprising truth is that it is actually still legal in 31 states to do just that. Gay people may be able to marry the person they love and that is wonderful, but until we pass laws that protect gay people from being fired, evicted, or refused service for no other reason than they are gay we should not rest. So yes, let's do celebrate the fact that marriage equality is now the law of the land, but let's not get too complacent yet. As long as restaurants kick gay people to the curb because they "don't like fags", florists and cake bakers refuse to supply their goods for gay weddings because they feel like they are participating in something they do not believe in, and pediatricians turn away the children of same-sex couples because it offends their religious beliefs, we'd better quit tipping the champagne and get back to work. We are definitely not done yet.

How Sitcoms Handled Homos in the 70s and 80s

Watch Matt Baume's fascinating analysis of the evolution of gays' roles in television from the 70's on through the 80's. Matt really puts it all into perspective. I just wish he'd showcased more shows and more decades - taking it right on up to the present. This is a most enjoyable watch. Take the 7 minutes it takes to watch this, you'll be glad you did.

Que Magnifico: Mexican Supreme Court strikes down gay adoption ban

From the Washington Blade: 

The Mexican Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled a law in the state of Campeche that bans same-sex couples from adopting children is unconstitutional.

The 9-1 decision comes against the backdrop of the debate over marriage rights for same-sex couples that continues to gain momentum in the country.

Matt Baume's take on last night's debate responses on Gay Marriage questions

Well worth the time. It's fun watching Matt hold the usual suspects' feet to the fire.

Note: Matt is not as happy with John Kasich's response as I was (in the post below). I guess I'm just so starved for all gay issues to no longer be issues at all for this goofball Party that I'll take whatever I can get.

Credit where credit is due

My my, what a difference a few years can make. Megyn Kelly asks John Kasich what he would do if one of his children was gay. And Kasich answers from the heart. And that answer was music to this mama's ears, but even more therapeutic was the audience's reaction to his response. One thing is for sure, there's certainly been a sea change in attitudes on this subject in the past few years. Huffington Post recaps an ugly incident back in 2011 that still hurts to recall:

The crowd cheered Kasich’s response. The reaction contrasted starkly with a 2011 Republican presidential debate in which audience members booed Army Capt. Stephen Hill, a gay combat veteran, for speaking favorably about the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, but I wish Republicans weren't such slow learners. The agony they've caused so many ...

Update: Arghs! I forgot how hideous Rick Santorum was as well. What a sanctimonious buffoon! Here is the clip of that ugly 2011 incident.

This speaks for itself

Picture via Brian Dye