Fame Friday - Making its Return on BrandFabulousness

"It is up to us to live up to the legacy that was left for us, and to leave a legacy that is worthy of our children and of future generations." -Christine Gregoire

"Time"

I'm so happy over the progress made recently with advancing toward marriage equality in Washington and Maryland, but so angry over what just happened in New Jersey that I wrote this poem to express this unique feeling of excitement and anger:

Time

Do they know

How it feels

When a stranger can pull a lever

And cancel your wedding

What are they forgetting

When one man can veto your dreams

To further his career

When your hopes are so near

But rest on a popularity contest

Do they know the difference

Between their blind faith

And our deserved place

In a society that promised us humanity

Yet we settle for this insanity

Our rights to life

Liberty

The pursuit of happiness

Are passing us

Can’t they see through the stained glass

Of those houses that profit from spreading false fear

Can’t they hear

Our silent cries

The plight of our pride

The meaning inside

What kind of liberty is this

When they can deny our existence

Exclude us from chapter 14

And frame it a political scene

How can they be so selfish

The struggle may be different

Than in 1967 from those who were black

Of our mothers and grandmothers from 92 years back

But our dreams are the same

And all that stands between us

Is time

Because we have a voice

Because we have a say

They’ll tear us down again

But we won’t go away

One day they’ll look back

In history in shock

But that day will come sooner

The more we stand up and talk

So come my brothers

And sisters

Even further on out

Let’s get mad

Let’s get together

Let’s scream and let’s shout

Take your passion from every pride parade past

And live it and breathe it each day – to the max

I know we can do it

I know we’ll be fine

But let’s hurry because

It’s about time

Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional (Again)

Read the full decision here:
Ninth Circuit Prop. 8 decision

Fortune Best Companies List Hits LGBT Milestone

For the first time in history, all companies on Fortune's best 100 companies to work for list have sexual orientation nondiscrimination policies. Google tops the list. 

A Call for Digital Activism from Edna Jean Robinson

Oh how I miss seeing her perform at JR's in Dallas. Kudos to her for this inspiring video. 

2011 LGBT Year in Review

70 U.S. Companies Formally Oppose DOMA

70 U.S. businesses are part of an amicus brief opposing the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in Gill v. OPM. The companies point out that DOMA forces them to treat their employees differently based on their sexual orientation, and as a result, the businesses assume an administrative financial burden to correct the inequity. Here are some of those companies: 

For the full list, click here. 

New Documentary on Maine's Marriage Equality Vote

This looks quite good...

Next Round of Prop 8 Trial to be Televised

When the California Supreme Court hears arguments on September 6 to determine if the bill's sponsors have grounds to appeal the decision Judge Vaughn Walker issued last year -- deeming the measure unconstitutional -- the action will be broadcast for all the world to see. Read more here. 

The Top Reasons to Ban Marriage Equality in Minnesota

Obviously more of an effort to energize progressive young people than to change minds of those on the other side:

Beyond Better: A Manifesto for Queer Youth

Here's an outstanding video that was made by the students of Margaret Himley's Queer Writing class at Syracuse University last year. The course is part of Syracuse's LGBT Studies minor (which I proudly hold), the first of its kind in the United States.

Interactive Marriage (In)Equality Timeline

The L.A. Times has a fantastic interactive timeline that shows how same-sex marriage has evolved across the country over the past decade. Click on the link here and then hit play at the bottom left corner of the graphic. Notice how many states turn red in November 2004, when Bush was re-elected. You can also watch the timeline for any individual state.