The iconic musician reflects on the signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, a historic win for LGBTQIA rights
BY GEORGIA DIMDORE-MILES, IMAGE BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Respect for Marriage Act has just been passed in the US which federally protects same-sex and interracial marriage rights. This comes at a crucial time, with a rise in violence towards the LGBTQIA community and the devastating overturn of Roe V Wade.
However President Biden and the democrat party have prevented the same-sex marriage from being subject to the same revision, winning 258-169. As he signed the bill he said:
“America takes a vital step toward equality, liberty and justice … Not just for some, but for everyone.”
5,000 guests attended the signing including Matthew Haynes, the owner of Club Q, the LGBTQIA club where five people were killed last month in a shooting as well as a star-studded list of LGBTQIA icons including the singers Cyndi Lauper and Sam Smith who both gave emotional performances.
Cyndi announced to the White House briefing room “Americans can now love who they love.”
The lesbian singer Hayley Kiyoko and her girlfriend Becca Tilley were also in attendance. Hayley is a worldwide singing success, now referred to by many in the sapphic community as “Lesbian Jesus”, she first came out in 2015 upon the release of her hit tune Girls Like Girls.
Hayley said to Them magazine, discussing the launch of the single: “I was so nervous because so many outlets didn’t want to premiere it because it felt too — ‘explicit’ even though it’s just queer love.” She continues, “I was like, is anyone going to watch this video? Is anyone gonna relate to it?”
It is safe to say that people did relate to song and 2022 Hayley seems to prouder than ever of living her authentic queer life. Clearly moved by the event and the historic signing, after the day’s events she took to social media and posted a meaningful message to her younger self:
“I wish I could tell my younger self – a closeted biracial girl searching for acceptance – that one day I could live authentically and choose to legally marry whomever I love regardless of their race or sexual orientation…”
“The Respect for Marriage Act secures the safety of so many unions around the country, and it was an honour to be there today to witness history.
“Today was an excellent step towards progress. At the same time, my LGBTQIA+ community is still very much under attack both abroad and at home.
“I look forward to the next steps we will take together to ensure continued justice for the entire queer community.”
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