by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
“They’re in love with each other, it’s that simple.” This quote, as expressed by Vice President Joe Biden at the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner was more than an anecdote in a story, it became a rallying theme for the energy of the whole evening and the rights of gay, lesbian, transgender people that were being celebrated.
Vice President Joe Biden
Biden’s story was about an encounter from when he was 17-years-old and saw two men embrace and kiss each other while his father drove him into town, and his fathered summed it up frankly; “They’re in love with each other, it’s that simple.” Biden said that since that moment, it has always been that simple of notion for him that love is love and that it doesn’t matter what size or shape or packaging it comes in. He humbly declined a label of being a political maverick or even being brave for his vocal support for marriage equality during a landmark year and said it was just who he thinks most people are and so he gave his voice to the cause.
“The speed at which things have changed since 2012 to today for marriage equality, where all marriages are recognized in all 50 states are not because of any national figure that spoke out. Not because any of the celebrities that you’ll have stand before you tonight and have stood before you for so long. It’s because of all of you, and thousands of faceless people like you who have had the courage to stand up and speak” summed up Biden of the bold progress that has been made for LGBT rights, including the Supreme Court ruling that essentially legalized gay marriage.
Jim Obergefell, the plainiff in that Supreme Court case was on hand to open the dinner and praised the achievement of the year. Obergefell married John Arthur in 2013, as Arthur was dying from ALS which sparked the case that went all the way to the highest court in the land. “They say, as Ohio goes, so goes the nation,” and Obergefell, who is from Cincinnati was glad to posture “I guess the nation can do nothing else but fall in line” when it comes to the battle for LGBT rights.
Jim Obergefell
Obergefell was just one of many bold and well-know advocates who were at this year’s dinner to mark the benchmark’s that have been achieved. Former NBA player Jason Collins spoke to the crowd of more than 3,500 guests as did transgender advocate Blossom Brown.
Jason Collins
Vice President Biden said that the gay rights movement “set free” millions of straight advocates who were scared to stand-up for the cause and that it ultimately “left the Supreme Court no choice.” Biden invoked the names of Harvey Milk and Matthew Shepard who were just a few big names who risked so much for the cause and who both died fighting for the cause. Biden was inspiring and charged full of political capital as many hoped he might announce a run for President, and cheers of “Run Joe, Run” came from the crowd through the early half of the evening.
There was no announcement, but the Vice President didn’t leave the opportunity to skewer GOP contenders untouched. At one point during his keynote he declared to Ellen Page, “you won that debate at the Iowa state fair,” referencing a video that went viral where the actress openly challenged Senator Ted Cruz on his stance on gay right. And of course, no need need to be subtle about it,”there’s homophobes still left, most of them are running for president I think.” A zinger that got thunderous applause from the traditionally liberal audience.
Tim Cook
The night was not all politics though. Recipient of the Visibility Award for this year was Apple CEO Tim Cook, who gained many headlines a year ago by coming out in an open letter where he said he was “proud to be gay” and that he thought the impact of saying so publicly would do more good than maintaining his privacy. As he took the stage, the tech leader couldn’t help the chance to stay on message, “I love to see the iPhones” as a sea of smart phone rushed into the air to catch a photo as he mounted the podium. Cook spoke deliberately and with great passion as he said the Supreme Court ruling on marriage was a “victory for equality, for perseverance and for love.”
Cook said that he wanted to lend his voice to the the millions who might not ready to publicly stand by their sexuality and that he is living proof that sexuality is not a limitation on what your options are or what you can achieve. As the CEO of one of the world’s biggest companies, he is in fact the definition of living proof. “We are closer than ever to the day that Dr. Martin Luther King dreamed of, when his children would only be judged by the content of their character. But that day is not here yet, because 31 states, more than half the stars on our American flag have no laws to protect gay and transgender people from discrimination.” Cook was adamant that bullying and discrimination because of who you love is still a broad problem and that the protections need to be written into law before we can truly move forward as a more perfect union.
Allison Janney
Echoing the passion of cook was actress Ellen Page, recipient of the 2015 Vanguard Award. Page was notoriously tight lipped about her sexuality until a speech at the HRC Time to Thrive Conference last year where she revealed she is a lesbian. The award was presented by Allison Janney who played Ellen’s mother in the film Juno, and that two have remained close friends. Janney leveled heaps of praise on the courage and strength and intelligence that Page shows as a young woman and that it was an honor to be a part of the experience.
Samantha Thomas and Ellen Page
“I can proudly stand here tonight, that since Valentine’s day last year, I am very very happy. And I am truly living my life,” said Page, referencing her coming out. Page said that it was painful to hold back her true self and that the experience since has been an eye opening and grateful time. She said that since then, she has lived a whole new set of firsts; “having my arms wrapped around my girlfriend Samantha while we walk down the street. Holding her hand on the red carpet. Kissing her in the ocean while we surf; yes, she has taught me to surf. And getting to say, in public, I am in love.” Page said that living authentically shouldn’t be a fight and that she is hopeful for the continued progress of our nation. “As it has been proven in 2015, love wins.”
Carly Rae Jepsen
The evening capped off with a performance from Carly Rae Jepsen, bellowing her hit tune, “Call Me Maybe” to an eager and energetic crowd, all on their feet to toast a year of progress, a future of hope and a feeling of love.
