Before anything else, I want to extend my personal prayers and thoughts with the families, friends, allies and community members of Orlando, Florida. Remember: love wins.
June 26th, 2015 actually marks the one year anniversary since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. The case, Obergefell vs Hodges, was ruled in favor of Jim Obergefell, which I will talk about in my list below. The day was historic and filled with pride all across the country. I personally remember watching weddings being shown on the T.V., along with pride rallies in countless cities. Plus, it was super sunny that day!
In honor of the Supreme Courts ruling- one year later- I have made a list of ten facts about the LGBT community. These range from statistics, pop culture, to music that celebrates LGBTQ pride. I hope you enjoy!
1) In Dallas, Texas, Jack Evans (85) and George Harris (82) waited over fifty years to get married. They were the first couple in Dallas to be married since the Supreme Courts ruling. The couple remains married.
2) Since the ruling, 7 states have actually refused marriage license's, including Texas, Kentucky and even Ohio. The individuals claimed their religious beliefs were being violated.
3) In November of 2015, there were approximately 972,000 registered marriages for same-sex couples. Looking at 2016, that number certainly has skyrocketed.
4) Majority of Americans approve of same-sex marriage!
5) Massachusetts was the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, in 2003!
6) Recent LGBT celebrity couples that got engaged in 2015 or 2016? Olympic diver Tom Daley and Academy Award Winning Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black were engaged recently this year. When Daley isn't training for Rio Olympics 2016, he is active in social media, making fitness videos on YouTube! Black has currently been working on the new film, 'When We Rise'.
7) My favorite LGBT celebrities are:
-Ellen DeGeneres(talk-show host, comedian, voice of Dory),
-Sir Ian McKellen (actor, most famous for playing Gandalf),
-Wanda Sykes Comedian and activist. Below is a hilarious clip of her stand-up.
-Tyler Oakley (YouTuber and LGBTQ activist; huge advocate for The Trevor Project )
-Gus Kenworfthy ( Olympian freestyle skier),
-Connor Franta (YouTuber and humanitarian),
-Lady Gaga (Queen of Pop, LGBTQ activist),
-Sarah Paulson (Actress, most noted for her roles in 'American Horror Story'),
-Troye Sivan (Singer, songwriter, and YouTuber),
-Hannah Hart (YouTuber and chef).
These individuals are not only astoundingly fabulous, but inspire so many people in countless ways. Check out their links for awesome articles, social media accounts and videos!
8) Jim Obergefell, the man who went to the Supreme Court and won, fought for millions of American's and their rights to marry. Below is a quote he said in response to President Obama calling him, personally calling to announce the victory:
"It was touching to see so many young people, well, people of all ages, lined up to cheer me, thank me, and simply cry as I passed by. The more we gain equality, the better our country will be."
9) The most LGBTQ friendly state is California, whereas the least friendly state is Mississippi.
10) Below are some of my favorite songs involving LGBTQ issues:
-'Heaven' by Troye Sivan ft. Betty Who
-'Born this Way' by Lady Gaga
-'Battle Cry' by Angel Haze
-'Same Love' by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Mary Lambert
-'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell
This week, I hope everyone will be proud of who they are. Love your friends, family, and cherish those who are different than you. You are a superstar, no matter what anyone has said. Be proud of your LGBTQ community, and spread kindness everywhere you go! Pride On!
