Are you tired of the debate over DOMA yet, because I know I am (if you don't know what it is, the Defense Of Marriage Act was signed into law in 1996 as a federal law which stated that a marriage would only be recognized if it was between a man and a woman and which placed restrictions on federal marriage benefits; in a same-sex relationship, you do not receive the same rights married couples are granted [shared health insurance, your spouses employment benefits, joint tax returns, immigration (you cannot sponsor your spouse for a green card), and in same-sex marriage to a military personnel, their spouse is not granted the same access to post, legal counseling, or housing as opposite sex marriage spouses are]). Currently, even though your same sex marriage may be recognized in your state (if you live in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Washington, or the District of Columbia [Rhode Island does recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and California conditionally recognizes same-sex marriages]) it is still not recognized at a federal level (you can be married in your state but, in the eyes of the federal law, you're not married). Basically, it's an outdated law and it's ridiculous that we're still screwing around with it (ridiculous laws get overturned all the time. Less than fifty years ago, interracial marriages were illegal; you don't want to be on the ignorant side of history).
Regardless of your personal beliefs, it's silly that I was born with the right to marry some man I haven't met yet while my best friend has to fight against the prejudice and laws made by people who know nothing about how great of a person she is, just so that one day she might have the right to marry the woman she loves.
Before I get too far off the informational path and delving into my personal opinions, let me just jump into the part that makes this post justifiable on a music blog. Artists have been putting out great videos lately and I can't get enough; here are some of the best.
Todrick Hall's "Cinderfella" is just fun (centering on the idea of a happily ever after in a traditionally heterosexual environment [Disney fairy-tales]).
Darren Criss always puts on a good show and his performance at this year's GLAAD Awards was no exception.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Same Love" (featuring Mary Lambert) may be my favorite of these videos; even though Todrick Hall is terribly gorgeous and Darren Criss has an amazing voice I just can't get enough of this amazing beat and these beautiful lyrics.
- E
