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| Phyllis Lyon, left, with her partner, Del Martin, who died in
August just months after their wedding. Lyon said she took solace in
knowing the two got to have their decades-long relationship formalized
before Martin died. |
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Summer
There are many new movies to choose from throughout July; gays direct two films but no movie addresses gay and lesbian life.
Summer
There are many new movies to choose from throughout July; gays direct two films but no movie addresses gay and lesbian life.
In memoriam
Notable deaths of 2008
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HOME > ENTERTAINMENT > FEATURE
By: LAURA DOUGLAS-BROWN COMMENTS
 
From the historic presidential election to the bruising ballot fight in California, politics and marriage dominated headlines for much of 2008.
But in between the partisan barbs and protest chants, the famous — and infamous — also found time to sound off on topics from sports and pop culture to religion and coming out.
And what year would be complete without its share of celebrities finding creative ways to say they’re not gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that)?
“I think we need a constitutional amendment so that a foreign-born [person] can run for president, but not against gay marriage. That would be a total waste of time.”
Calif. Gov. trong>Arnold Schwarzenegger, speaking to the Log Cabin Republicans, on his opposition to Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage. (San Francisco Chronicle, April 12)
“[R]etaining the traditional definition of marriage and affording same-sex couples only a separate and differently named family relationship will, as a realistic matter, impose appreciable harm on same-sex couples and their children, because denying such couples access to the familiar and highly favored designation of marriage is likely to cast doubt on whether the official family relationship of same-sex couples enjoys dignity equal to that of opposite-sex couples.”
California Supreme Court, ruling 4-3 that marriage cannot be limited only to heterosexual couples in the state (May 15)
“I think there are times when doing the right thing means not playing it safe.”
Calif. Chief Justice trong>Ronald M. George, a moderate Republican, on the gay marriage decision he authored. (Los Angeles Times, May 18)
“We have waited more than 50 years for the opportunity to marry. We are thrilled that this day has finally come.”
Phyllis Lyon, 83, a plaintiff in the California marriage case with her partner of 56 years, Del Martin, 87. (Lambda Legal statement, May 15)
“May equality live long and prosper.”
Actor trong>George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu on “Star Trek,” after he and his partner received a marriage license in California on the first day the licenses were widely available. (Associated Press, June 17)
“It is because of me — I definitely think [my show] has helped the movement. Before it came out, everyone was still a little apprehensive about [same-sex relationships]. Then they realized, ‘Wow, everyone is really into this stuff, and it is fine.’ The next thing you know, [gay marriage] is legal.”
Bisexual MTV reality star trong>Tila Tequila, whose show, ‘A Shot at Love,’ features men and women competing in often humiliating tasks for her affection. (US Weekly, June 12)
“I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed.”
Phyllis Lyon in a statement on the death of her wife, Del Martin, 87, on Aug. 27. The couple was married June 16 in San Francisco, the moment the California Supreme Court’s ruling allowing the marriages took effect. (San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 27)
“I got a taste of what it must have felt like to be Rosa Parks. I got that powerful feeling that what I’m doing today could change history.”
Beth Kerrigan, who with her partner, Jody Mock, was turned down when applying for a marriage license in Connecticut four years ago. They were the lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit that ended in October with the Connecticut Supreme Court ruling that gay couples have the right to marry. (Hartford Courant, Oct. 12)
“I don’t mean to get too personal here, but there is a lot I can do with the extra half a million dollars that I will be keeping instead of handing it over to the state of California.”
Lesbian rocker trong>Melissa Etheridge, in a blog explaining that since California voters on Nov. 4 passed Proposition 8 to ban gay marriages, “I am taking that to mean I do not have to pay my state taxes because I am not a full citizen.” (Daily Beast, Nov. 6)
“If the ban on marriage equality was unconstitutional in May, the ban will also be unconstitutional when the Supreme Court makes its decision in January.”
Incoming California State Senate President Pro Tem trong>Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) at a Nov. 22 rally at the state capitol against Proposition 8, the ballot measure approved by voters Nov. 4 to strip gay Californians of the right to marry. The state Supreme Court is now reviewing the amendment. (Associated Press, Nov. 22)
“Eighteen million of you from all walks of life — women ...
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