When I got to work this morning I did my daily check in on my e-mail, blogger, twitter and Perez Hilton. I had seen from twitter that Perez was up in arms about the gay marriage situation and Miss California. I didn't know what the fuss was because really, I haven't watched Miss USA since around 1994 when my cousins would sit me down in full hair and makeup and make me pretend I was one of the contestants. I'm totally serious.

I read more into the situation and eventually found the video via http://www.perezhilton.com/ and I get it. It was the question/answer portion of the contest and Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was up to talk. She took a question for the very openly gay Perez and he asked her if she thought every state should legalize gay marriage. She, as politely as possible for a girl wearing a WHITE FUR TRIMMED GOWN, said no. Obviously. And now that's what all this drama is about today. He went on his blog and called her a "dumb bitch", which I hate to admit, I fucking love. Because well, I agree. And I hate to be that person that agrees with that, because I think its tacky. But I do, wholeheartedly disagree with Carrie.

Marriage between a man and a woman only, and this point in time, and in the world around us IS A JOKE. I can't believe that in 2009 this is still even a topic of discussion. You want to make me mad, tell me that two people who are deeply in love, in committed monogamous relationships cannot recite vows to one another. Cannot have a wedding anniversary. Cannot exchange rings or kiss the brides, or the grooms. Tell me how you think that is fair? Its in the bible? sorry, that's not a good enough answer. Does the bible also not say to love one another regardless of race, age, GENDER?

I was not raised in a political family. My parents had different views, and politics were NEVER a topic of conversation. What my parents taught was love, equality for all, patience, and understanding. My brothers and I formed our own opinions on matters of politics and relationships and matters of our own hearts, but we all came to the conclusion that love is love. Even my very Republican, John McCain lovin older brother thinks that the definition of marriage should include homosexual couples.

The topic of gay marriage, more than any other topic surrounding politics, gets to me more than anything else. When Mike and I walk down the aisle it will not be taken for granted whatsoever. Because the friends that we share, and we love, are not able to do the same thing that we are in the State of Arizona. Because for some ungodly reason the people of this state voted down Proposition 102, much like Prop 8 from Carrie Prejean's state of California.

I know one day equal rights will indeed be equal for everyone. I think this will happen soon, in the next ten years. People will finally open their ears and hear something they never understood. The next generation, even my generation, will be more brave. People won't be afraid of the consequences of what their "friends" and "family" might say if they back gay marriage.

I encourage conversation and debate. I'm not afraid of talking about this with anyone, anymore at least. There was a time in my life, not too many years ago, where I was stuck in a very small office with a lot of other people who didn't encourage conversation, only intimidation. For years I sat in that small office, pretending to be someone I wasn't, for the sake of making myself feel better. It hurt, and I still regret it, that why I try to do as much as possible to get involved. The two links below are awesome resources to learn more, and get involved:
http://www.couragecampaign.org/
http://www.equalityarizona.org/