- Historic call for equality at Obama inauguration
President Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to use the word “gay” in an inaugural address yesterday, saying the nation’s journey toward a more perfect union will not be complete "until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law." In a reference to marriage rights for same-sex couples, Obama said, "if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." That line may signal that the administration is about to weigh in on a pending case at the Supreme Court that could determine whether the Constitution guarantees the right of same-sex couples to marry. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/21), Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model) (1/21), CNN/Political Ticker blog (1/21), Metro Weekly (Washington, D.C.)/Poliglot (1/21)
- Gay poet followed by pro-gay priest at inauguration: Openly gay poet Richard Blanco mentioned Americans “arrayed like rainbows” in his official inaugural poem. He was followed by Washington, D.C., marriage equality champion the Rev. Dr. Luis Leon, whose benediction prayer included a reference to gays. Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.) (1/21)
- Lesbian and Gay Band Association marches in Inaugural Parade: About 240 musicians from 32 LGBT bands across the country marched past President Obama's reviewing stand at yesterday's inaugural parade. Towleroad (1/22)