The Ryan Thomas Collection

I have watched the Academy Awards for many years, watching touching moments of winners who had dreamt of the moment from the time they were a young child. Tonight, Kate Winslet finally won her Academy Award for Best Actress, a moment she described as one she had thought of since she was eight years old. I never imagined winning an Oscar; I am no actor, nor I am I sound technician, cinematographer or a director. 2009’s Academy Awards ceremomy made me feel like a winner and made me feel like an American. Never have I watched an Oscar ceremony finding myself brought to tears because a dream, an American Dream, was propelled in such a way that afffected me, a gay American.

When I saw “Milk” I was brought to tears, tears of sadness and hope. It was a film that touched me to a depth no film had touched for as long as I could remember. Harvey Milk was and continues to be a figure that Americans, gay and straight, should look to for inspiration and hope. Watching this film reaffirmed my belief that I am a legitimate citizen of the United States and rightfully due the rights and privileges due to all citizens. The film reaffirmed my belief that one day the United States of America would live up to its promise of justice and equality for all.

Tonight, I watched the Academy Awards and saw a gay male, Dustin Lance Black, accept an Academy
Award for Best Screenplay for “Milk.” Brought to tears as I finally saw an openly gay male on national and international tv openly express his sexuality whist accepting an Oscar, he said:

If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours.

There has been a lot of changes in our nation in the last four months. President Obama has taken office promising change. I cannot remember a moment when a young and vibrant gay male took the national stage and reminded Americans, young and old, gay and straight, that the gay community are people; they are Americans, and they are equal and beautiful. This is something I have felt and believed for as long as I can remember. Some people are not so lucky to be raised in an atmosphere that fertilizes this understanding. A speech like this can and hopefully will speak to Americans, gay and straight, young and old, that we are “wonderful creatures of value.” 

The moment of inspiration and hope was built upon when Sean Penn won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in “Milk.” Personally, I felt that Penn fully owned his role and portrayed Harvey Milk in such a way that audiences would feel compassion and sorrow, yet hope for a brighter tomorrow. Fortunately, the Academy agreed. Penn took the stage and opened his speech of gratitude with, “You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.” Penn toys with the ideas of leftist ideas of equality and communism. One could almost say he draws upon J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI communist and homosexual fighter of the the 1950s and 1960s. Sean Penn’s Oscar win allowed a second international moment for gay equality:

For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it’s a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone.

As a young, gay American I watched this Academy Award ceremony like every other citizen. I’ve done this year in and year out. Everyone has that Oscar moment they will remember. For some it is the moment where Halle Berry won her Oscar. For others it will be when be the fact that “Slimdog Millionaire” won Best Film. 2009’s Academy Award ceremony has created a moment for me as a time that I’ll remember that me, my gay friends, and all my allies were recognized on an international platform. I am a beautiful creature of value. My gay friends are beautiful creatures of value. One day, we will be equal. Hopefully, this ceremony convinced one more person that this is our future; the future of the United States.

Popularity: 23% [?]

As the sun sets on November 2008, a look back on the action of the last 30 days provides great insight into the capabilities of the LGBT community and the future that lies ahead.

The onset of the month began with a final push against Prop 8 on Election Day. The final fight against the lies told by the prop’s proponents were not successful in its bid to convince a mere margin of 4.5% of the California electorate to support equality. Election Day brought on LGBT losses throughout the country with gay marriage bans taking wins in California, Florida & Arizona, with a final loss in Arkansas against gay adoption.

The backlash against these defeats resulted in the rapid mobilization of Californians and Americans, gay and straight, as though natural instincts of fight or flight took shape. Tens of thousands of people hit the streets of small cities and urban meccas alike, weekend after weekend. Within ten days of the election, a nationwide protest was planned and executed. Media coverage blasted images of thousands of Californians and Americans hitting the streets utilizing traditional free speech methods of protest. Proud moments erupted with the success of such strategies and continued efforts to place equality issues in the minds of Americans are taking form.

The swift grassroots street action intermixed with even faster legal action in California courts resulted in California’s Supreme Court acceptance to hear cases against Prop 8. One argument being made concludes that the proposition is a revision to the core values of the Constitution rather than an amendment. The other argument being made by minority rights groups (NAACP, and more) suggest that Prop 8 sets precedent for future amendments that could strip other “suspect classes” of civil rights through a simple majority. The victory of having the case heard quickly by the Supreme Court is a vivid statement that the Supreme Court validates the vital importance of this issue and understands the need for a fast resolution.

In line with this court win is the massive victory won by the LGBT community in the state of Florida on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving. Though press coverage lacked the height that Prop 8 received, the lower Florida court decision approving gay adoption in the state sets further precedent for gay equality in the eyes of the law. Florida was the only state in the nation to have a full ban on all gay adoptions. Other states currently have variations of the law, but Florida’s was considered the most extreme. The ACLU argued the case on the behalf of a gay couple wanting to adopt their foster children. Florida Judge Cindy Lederman stated that the adoption ban violated equal protection laws of both the children and their prospective parents, and that:

There is no rational basis to prohibit gay parents from adopting…It is clear that sexual orientation is not a predictor of a person’s ability to parent. A child in need of love, safety and stability does not first consider the sexual orientation of his parent. The exclusion causes some children to be deprived of a permanent placement with a family that is best suited to their needs.

The use of the equal protection laws in this case adds to the same principle used by California judges in May 2008 in their pro-gay marriage ruling. The exciting part about this Florida ruling is that Judge Lederman specifically stated that the equal protection laws of the children were being violated, in addition to the parents. It is recognized that gay discrimination laws affect both adults & children, despite their sexual orientation. Such an idea could be utilized in gay marriage equality cases, as well. As more and more gay equal rights issues hit state courts and judges continue to use the equal protection clause, the chipping away at gay-biased laws will get stronger and stronger. Ultimately, the federal Supreme Court will be able to take such principles set by these state rulings and use that in their ruling…hopefully in favor of equality.

The state attorney’s office plans to appeal the lower court’s decision and the likelihood the case will hit the Florida Surpeme Court is high. Opponents to gay adoption stated outrage at the decision calling the judge an “activist judge,” which tends to be the homophobic “go-to” for successful equality rulings. How considering a judge using set law in their ruling to be “activist” is beyond me!

The month comes to an end on the 30th anniversary of the murders of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor Moscone. Harvey Milk is credited with fueling the strength of the Gay Liberation Movement of the 1970s and providing leadership to the cause. An out and active gay man, Milk actively worked against 1978’s Prop 6, which would ban the LGBT community from teaching in schools. This prop was shot down. Many comparisons are being drawn between the Prop 6 battle in ‘78 and the Prop 8 battle only thirty years later.

Gus Van Sant’sfilm, “MILK,” hits theaters nationwide the first week in December. The film depicts Harvey Milk’s story and stars Sean Penn. Some believe the release of this film will help inspire a new, young generation of active gay citizens who can work to further equality issues. With the national launch approaching in the height of the holiday movie season, calls are being made to boycott the viewing of “MILK” at Cinemark Theatres, because its CEO, Alan Stark, donated $9,999 to Yes on Prop 8.

If possible, avoid viewings of “MILK” at Cinemark Theaters. Although the company does not have an official stance on Prop 8, with the CEO showing such avid support for gay inequality, it does not make sense to see a film advocating civil rights in such an environment.

November 2008 turned out to be a gay rollercoaster with more ups and downs than Mariah Carey’s album sales. It has proven to be a month where the GLBT community, and its allies, showed their faces and their pride. Shuttered by terrible loses at the polls, the community and allies have united for a new dawn of action. The release of “MILK” will undoubtedly increase the wave of action for equality.

Popularity: 8% [?]