Wanda Sykes Comes Out
Monday November 17, 2008
I admit that the passage of Prop 8 in California depressed me. And made me angry. But as time goes by, I'm starting to see that its passage was not the worst thing in the world. Because it's gotten people fired up. Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets this weekend to voice their disappointment and anger over the fact that civil rights can be put up for a popular vote. Our allies, such as MSNBC Commentator Keith Olbermann, Christina Aguilera and Madonna and many others have all spoken out in for marriage equality and gay rights. And comedian Wanda Sykes used her anger and disappointment as an opportunity to come out. "I am proud to be gay!" Wanda declared Saturday in Las Vegas.
I can't say that I'm happy Prop 8 passed. No, the opposite. But I do think some good will come from this. What about you?
© Toby Canham/Getty Images
Hi!!! It’s so pitifull that the American People are So worried about us gays getting married.It’s our choice,our business,our life!!! Worry about what’s really going on like the two wars were in,gang violence, and the fact that America is broke and besides us gays and lesbians can adopt and get health care benefits for our gay partners so why can’t we get married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In spite of the hurt that Prop 8 has caused, a lot of good has come from it. This LGBTQ and ally community has grown stronger in its commitment to ensuring that discrimination stops here and justice prevails.
Also, there has been a great deal of visibility for this community and I think that will bolster our position.
On a side note, I am inspired by Wanda Sykes. I am glad that she’s is giving a voice to lesbians of color. Especially since the Black community played such a pivotal role in the passage of prop 8.
Be Strong. Be Hopeful. Be Proud. Always
-Heather
I am thrilled that Wanda Sykes came out. When I saw the news, my first thought was “This is going to be on the next Lesbian Life newsletter, I just know it.”
I’m imagining a time when we will have a lesbian president of color whose time in the Senate has made it illegal to discriminate against us in any situation. A world where bigots don’t confuse my religion with their hate. A world in which my daughter gets paid as much/or more than her male peers. She already doesn’t know a country without Title IX or a black president. We still have so far to go to be the best people and country that we can be and it’s a way better time than when I was born, 1966.