The Good Gays (and Allies)

As I've posted, Team Homophobia has the momentum in California, having out-raised the pro-marriage equality side by over $10 million. Yes-on-hate, I mean 8, proponents aired utterly despicable ads that are spreading fear through the populace, while the equality supporters are airing cutesy ads that just don't have the same effect.

As Kos says, if Prop 8 passes in California, the gay rights movement will be set back decades. He's no GLBT rights leader, but he's right. We'll be hard-pressed to get even Democratic politicians to 'risk' repealing DOMA and the NY State Legislature, which is a few State Senators from passing marriage equality, may be scared off. Meanwhile, if marriage equality stays, anyone could get married in California - opening it up to tens of millions of citizens. Stripping DOMA at that point would mean people all across America could get married and enjoy all the same rights and privileges, anywhere, even if they had to travel to California or Massachusetts to do it.

The disturbing thing is the fact that so many extremely wealthy GLBT people haven't donated squat. TR Knight, of the popular Grey's Anatomy, just donated $50,000. Brad Pitt and Steven Spielberg both donated $100,000 - and while they're not gay, they both profit greatly from gay audiences.

But where's Ellen? Rosie? Bryan Singer? Where's Kathy Griffin, Cher and dozens of other straight celebrities who depend on gay audiences? These are people who could donate hundreds of thousands alone - and host fundraisers that could raise millions. We're down $10 million and need to catch up soon if California is to protect marriage equality and the movement is to continue. I can't for the life of me figure out why these people haven't donated: at the very least, it's good PR. If Prop 8 passes and Ellen, Rosie and all of these people refused to contribute funds, then there's going to be a huge backlash against them that will cost them potentially millions of dollars in the gay community for the rest of their lives. Why would I ever watch Ellen or Kathy if they're not going to put their money where their mouths are? It would leave a bad taste in my mouth.