Do Say Gay

I have married friends who apparently become “unmarried” as soon as they enter Texas. Why? They’re gay.

Fortunately, when same-sex spouses come to Massachusetts, they remain married. This interactive feature in the Guardian shows off our state’s strides in terms of gay rights by comparison to the rest of the country at a time when other states are having a tough time handling an “issue” that we’ve been through for years.

Given Obama’s recent remarks to ABC’s Robin Roberts, the president now supports gay marriage, too. “For me personally,” said the president, “it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Thank you, Mr. President. And seeing as Massachusetts was the first state to allow same-sex marriage, all of us — gay or straight — can give a great cheer of success because we helped make this happen.

But we shouldn’t forget another powerful testament from Obama on Wednesday, one that maybe has been a little overlooked. In the same interview, the president said, “I’ve always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally.” Over breakfast yesterday morning, my girlfriend pointed out that she couldn’t remember the last time a U.S. president used the words “gay” and “lesbian.” Given what we’ve seen recently from folks who are afraid to say “gay”, this is a great time for America to acknowledge sexual rights, no matter how we identify.

And I love to see a president openly changing his mind. What a great model for all of us to live by.