That time of year has arrived for some personal lists and I am not
immune from creating them! In fact, I love reviewing the year and
measuring our enormous progress as a community.
1. The Supreme Court DOMA Decision
Without question one of the most historical moment in the history of
the American LGBT community. Because of this decision, we have seen
cases being filed all over America. Even more amazingly the courts are
becoming activists in granting LGBT Americans their Constitutional
Rights. No were is that more clear then the recent decision legalizing
marriage in the state of Utah.
Also this case sealed Edie Windsor as the Rosa Parks in LGBT history
and as "Person of the Year'. We could not have asked for a better person
to file the DOMA case.
2. The Supreme Court Proposition 8 Decision
Another powerful decision from the United State Supreme Court which
granted marriage equality to the largest state in America. Californians
flocked to get married. While we wish it could be broader, coupled with
the DOMA decision it changed LGBT history.
3. Russian Oppression of Their LGBT Citizens
The persecution of Russian LGBT citizens by both the government and
Putin's Punks brought the plight of LGBT citizens around the round to
the attention of the media, activists and governments.
4. Severe Penalties Being Passed Against LGBT Africans
The horror facing LGBT Africans is among the worse in the world.
While not getting the attention of what is happening in Russia, the
passage of severe laws against homosexuality is appalling. Uganda has
just passed life imprisonment. Africa's largest country Nigeria also has
passed outrageous laws against their LGBT citizens.
5. Marriage Equality Passes in More States
Marriage Equality swept the nation this year and we saw Minnesota,
Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Jersey, California, Hawaii, New
Mexico and now Utah all become marriage equality states.
6. Pope Francis Shifts From Social Issues
The impact Pope Francis shifting from social issues to economic
issues can't be underestimated. His famous "Who am I to judge" statement
was the beginning of the end of the persecution of LGBT citizens by the
Catholic Church. We all have to pray for a long life for this Pope so
his policies have time to take hold in the church and he is able to
appoint lots of new Cardinals.
7. Prime Ministers Picked in Belgium and Luxembourg
At one time to have an LGBT mayor was considered historical but now
we have two Prime Ministers in Europe who are open. Iceland led the way
but now it is simply no big deal.
8. Mayor Races Across The Country
Politically it was the race for Mayors that attracted the LGBT
community's attention this year. We were successful in picking up a
mayor in Seattle, re-electing one in Houston and being disappointed in
New York.
9. President Obama Continued Advocacy and Appointments
The President has been relentless in advocating for freedom and
justice for LGBT citizens not just in America but around the world. His
appointments continue to amaze although we still are looking for that
first LGBT Cabinet member! Nevertheless, appointments of Ambassadors to
top tier nations like Australia, Denmark, Spain and the Dominican
Republic is a real victory.
10. The Embrace Of The Democratic Party
LGBT Americans have been fully embraced by the Democratic Party
especially after the DOMA decision. Only three Democratic United States
Senators do not support marriage equality, the entire leadership of the
Party is for it and the Democratic ticket in Virginia ran on it and
defeated a hard line anti-LGBT ticket! Times have changed!
Runner-Up (Emerging Big Story for 2014): The Emergence Of LGBT Athletics and Allies
All over the sports worlds we have seen
athletes come out of the closet. This was the year of Jason Collins and
so many others. We still have yet to see an active player in football,
basketball and baseball play in a game doing the regular season.
Count on 2014 delivering on that milestone!
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