2012 marks changes toward equality
Tuesday, Nov. 6 was a historic day as Americans witnessed the re-election of our nation’s first African American president. While the re-election was certainly a significant event, this day was also historic as it marked the first time in our nation’s history that marriage equality won at the ballot box.
Prior to Nov. 6, voters in 31 states had been presented with decisions on marriage and equality lost 30 times. But the losing streak finally ended on Election Day 2012 as voters chose to legalize marriage equality in Washington state, Maryland and Maine, while voters in Minnesota voted to reject a proposed anti-marriage equality amendment.
This year the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has seen a great deal of adversity in its fight for equality starting in May, as my home state of North Carolina took a major step backward by passing a constitutional amendment banning marriage equality. This summer we witnessed rallies of support for Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy for openly voicing and funding strong opposition to LGBT equality and rights.
Despite adversity, 2012 provided reason for supporters of equality to feel hopeful as President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to openly voice support for marriage equality in the spring. On election night, the LGBT community and its allies witnessed history in Wisconsin electing the nation’s first openly LGBT U.S. senator and in marriage equality going undefeated at the ballot box. Although we still have a lot of work left to do, in making the American dream a reality for all, someday we may look back at 2012 as the turning point when equality finally started winning.