I wasn't sure if I was going to post today because I feel like death warmed over, but a trip to UNCW reminded me of an easy topic: tomorrow's runoff election.
I am beyond happy to announce (and still quite surprised) that both candidates fighting for the Democratic Nomination for US Senate are pro-equality. I'm not going to post, who I'm voting for or try to influence any potential voters with the post, but I am happy to say that both candidates are both looking at--and worth schlepping yourself to the polls for.
I urge everyone to look closely at Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham in order to make an educated decision.
Post by Gabby
Labels: Gabby, June21, National Pride Month, Politicians, Politics
With the W0rld Cup starting today, I was concerned that I wouldn't be in the right frame of mind to post today, but I managed to find a little nugget that made me smile to myself that I just had to share with you guys.
Iceland approved gay marriage today. I realize that on its own that is exciting news, but it gets better. The vote was unanimous in our favor--one political scientist of the island nation described the issue as not being a big deal or controversial.
It warms my heart that in on an island of 320,000 people, there wasn't a major protest or a big media war, but rather with more of a whimper than a KABOOM, we found another place to get married.
It is notable that Iceland is the only nation on the planet with an openly gay head of state. In 2009, the nation elected a lesbian Social Democrat as prime minister of the nation. Go Iceland!
Post by Gabby
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Labels: Gay Marriage, Iceland, June 11, National Pride Month, Politics
So, I've already tackled coming out and how important it is, but with the huge victories in the primaries last night, I couldn't help but gloat.
This year, the Victory Fund backed 21 candidates in the primaries. Of those 21, 17 are moving on to General Elections; that's roughly 81% for you statistic junkies out there.
81% of out LGBT candidates backed by the Victory Fund have a chance to serve Americans in states across the country. Candidates like Steve Pougnet and Bryce Bennett. Pougnet is the openly gay mayor of Palm Springs, who will be facing Congresswoman Mary Mack Bono, Sonny Bono's widow, in the California 45th. Bryce Bennett is a 25-year-old running for the Congress. Bennett worked for the DNC in Montana during President Obama's campaign, and he also worked against Montana's CI-96, which unfortunately passed.
While the fact that 17 out politicians are running with help from the Victory Fund, we can easily see that that it is not enough. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have more community members in the room with a voice and a vote when things like DADT, ENDA, and DOMA are on the floor--that means more allies too.
But I'm not complaining. 17 isn't enough, but it's a damn good start!
Post by Gabby
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Labels: Coming Out, Gabby, June9, National Pride Month, Politicians, Politics, Victory Fund