2007  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

||   2007   ||
Results for the following question: Was 2007 a turning point for gay rights?

Yes
 18.6%

No
 68.3%

Undecided
 13%

Total Votes: 843

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Anonymous
It was a turning point in both a good and bad way... a good way as we saw an unprecedented number of states pass new protections, but a bad way when we saw a willingness by some in Congress and in our own community to leave transgender people without anti-discrimination protections.

Anonymous
No. Everything is done at the State level and the Federal Government has turned its back on us and its attention to granting those who entered our country illegally rights. In light of history, where civil rights for African Americans were not given in every State until a Federal law was passed, I don't believe candidates for 2008, who are lawyers, don't realize this. Was there a turning point for Dr. King? It didn't matter to him he kept up the battle until it was done. We need to maintain his determination because in society there always seems to be another matter that moves ahead of us. The first turning point will be when after States pass laws for civil unions we don't end up in court. That once a committed relationship is recognized in one State we can have that same recognition and rights in another State at both the State and Federal levels. When a candidate for office doesn't dump the decisions on States.

Finn Clarke
2007 was not so much a turning point as a positive continuation of the gay rights movement as noted by additional states offering civil unions and greater equality under the law. There have also been some sad set-backs, the fact that DOMA and the Don't Ask Don't Tell policies still exist only proves we have a long way to go.

Brad Hamilton
i think so... we saw matthew shephard act and the legislation that tried to get GLBT protected status a reality.. i know in my state fairness is winning the battles that it needs to in cities like Louisville, and Lexington... so yes i think it was a promising year for GLBT Rights but the fight isn't over and more work is to be done!

Anonymous
How I wish I could know that all the homo-haters of the world were an extinct breed. Sadly, that is NOT the case and our rights seem to be up for grabs by whomever is in power at a given time. So what ELSE is new? Seize what is ours day by day! We are citizens just like any and every other citizen!

Jonathan
What it did bring out, however, was the current attitude among gay people in Amercia - 'ME, ME, ME, RIGHT NOW!'. I want MY gay marriage rights; forget about all other gay community issues. GLBT homeless, suicide, addiction, HIV problems? Hey, they asked for it, right? Why should I concern myself with them? This current attitude within our community of 'I want what I want right now and screw everyone else's needs' is sickening.

Michael Guilford
Nope. A few steps forward, a few other steps backwards. I still become irate when others are going to vote on my civil rights.

JAKE
THIS TOPIC IS B-O-R-I-N-G!! THE ANSWER IS NO.

patricia cannon
it is sick we vote for gays to have rights, but yet the gov is taking rights away from us christians. gays can kiss, hold hands and what ever in public, but pity on us if we offend one of them. gays can adopt, can sue if offended, and are even trying to pass laws, so they can marry. but what about the christians rights, what about how they don't worry about offending us, what abouut our freedom of speech. if men can marry and go against the bible eor if women can marry then us christians needs rights, we need to take a stand.

Anonymous
More and more people came out of the closet. One major shift was that instead of it being mostly people in the music industry or those usually behind the scenes in the other arts, major sports stars(the final frontier)also outed themselves. Along with that, and really the best, is that people in all walks of life are proclaiming themselves,including me. Hopefully, because of this feeling of not being alone it will keep trickleing down and everyday more queer like me souls will feel secure enough to tell their families and friends about themselves without the fear of being shunned or abused.

Jen
NO, we have a long, long way to go before we arrive at the turning point and I assure you 2007 is not it!

roger
With Bush and the veto, none of "our" bills are going any where and most States and still on a stop same sex mrriage at any cost.

Tim in Denver
Definitely not! If anything, 2007 was an especially discouraging year for the future of GLBT equality.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Steve H
Naaah, it was a win-some, lose-some year. A real 'turning point' would be pretty much all one or the other.

de nieuwe nederlander
No Justice, no peace-- and not even a shred of Equality either. Land of the free, home of the brave my big hairy arse. Let's see- Still legal to be fired for who you sleep with. Can't sponsor a spouse for immigration. Not even allowed to finish a public secondary education. Pathetic, truly. Maybe that's why I left Yankeeland?

Doug Blossom
We won't have any turning points until Bush is out of office!!

A. W. Crabtree
I feel that, The Don't Ask, Don't Tell certainly did bring our issues to the forfront of mainstream America. Did it change anyone's opinion? I don't think so. Leaving in OH, I am continously discriminated against.

Carl
Which WAY it ultimately turns, is another question. Right now, if we don't garner support from as many level-headed citizens as can be convinced, I fear the turn will be for the worst [at least in the short term.

Jim Dick
I did not find anything this past year that has made a difference in the lives of gay and transexual men and women. As long as this country is stupid enough to elect a Republican President and congress nothing will change. Maybe 2009 will make a difference if gay people will get to the polls and elect a Democrat for president and give him or her a democratic congress to work with.

Anonymous
I'm so happy that this year was focused so much on gay rights... I've been waiting a long time for my father, a gay man, to be considered equal to straight citizens, and if this all pulls through, I will also be equal, and I will finally have the courage to come out of the closet myself... to declare how proud I'll be once rights are impartial.

Jared
Not much happened! Sure we all made ourselves feel nice by ALMOST passing things but the fact is that once again we were let down.

Anonymous
Don't know, I gave up years ago hoping for equal rights and as a result I find my life is much more peaceful now. Guess I just dont have much faith in people anymore because historically we always have a social group of people who we choose to persecute, and when gay rights are achieved then there will be someone else unfortunatly, who will have to fight to gain equality. Maybe it would be better to try to make an across the board anti-discrimination policy so that we are all equal. I will always believe that it is extreemly pittiful that GW Bush has sold out the gay portion of americans to gain votes from the uninformed portion of americans. he is an asshole.

Anonymous
its hard to say when you think about it. some of the 48 states still have gay marriage bans and the fight for equality still cotinues but all in all, id say there were some positive changes for the glbt community. honestly im waiting to see what happnes in the 2008 elections and im things will be good or gays and lesbians in this brand new year.

Marc Fanelli
I believe that gay rights have moved backwards under the Bush administration. GLBT people need to carefully read positions of political candidates and vote wisely. It's also time for all GLBT people to come out of the closet to their families and friends so that we have more straight allies. It's much easier for them to vote against an issue than a person they love.

JerLD
2007 was no turning point and neither will be the next 8 years unless every good queer out there gets some logic in their spine and votes for Kucinich.

Qris J
Undecided. Does the Larry Craig scandal count? Or similar "outings" of various right wingers? It seems the media is more concerned with whether these guys are gay (or bi) than with the fact that they are closeted hypocrites. '07 was, perhaps, more of a "spinning" point than anything else.

Anonymous
Not especially. While domestic partnerships and civil unions saw a rise in popularity, the failure of the anti-gay hate crimes legislation to be put into law (no thanks to Bush) definitely set us back for awhile.

SouthJerseySteve
We need more gay closeted anti-gay voting Republicans arrested for bathroom sex or paying for male-on-male sex with prostitutes! Let's not forget the Catholic priests having sex with boys, we need all the publicity we can get to let the country know how silly homophobia really is.

Anonymous
I feel gay rights were in the spotlight this year more than any year I can remember, try I am still pretty young, but I feel things are looking up and can only get better in '08!!! Happy New Year everyone!!!

Anonymous
When gay marriage is legally recognized nation-wide, then we will have reached a turning point.

Erik Janse
As you may know we have gay marriage in the Netherlands for some years. Since half a year we have a new government, including 1 right wing Christian party; part of the coalition deal was, that government employees are free to refuse to do a gay marriage if it is against his/hers conscience. People: beware of these unashamed Christian dogs and religion in any form! Next time they will ask not to marry blacks, Jews etc. In this society a real turning point.

David
A few small state to state victories countered by bad press on a massive scale this year. I still haven't felt a single positive side effect, and have gotten a lot more negative stereotypes. So that's a no.

ROBERT MARTIN
I KEEP HOPE IT WILL BE

Guy
Not yet. Though some gains were made in 2007, they weren't that significant. The gay leap year will be when we are allowed full marriage rights. Other turning points would occur when we are not discriminated against in regards to housing, employment, parenting, hospital visitation, advertisement, legal proceedings, group leadership (including Boy Scouts), and military enrollment, to name a few. We still have a long row to hoe!

Anonymous
By "turning point" it's suggested that we were headed down a negative direction, and are now suddenly headed in a positive direction. I think neither has occurred. There is no defining moment from 2007 to suggest there's been a giant cultural shift in the favor of the LGBT community. If so, then I and my friends certainly missed it.

Anonymous
It was a huge turning point for my partner and I when we got "married" with 36 other couples as soon as New Hampshire's civil union bill became law on January 1st in front of the state capitol in Concord.

justin
of course NOT!!! what a stupid thing to say!

John W Beck
It seems every year for the past 10-15 years has been a "turning point" of some kind. Every year brings the continuing breakdown of older, more homophobic past laws, beliefs and practices and more inclusive activities. Every year or 2 brings another US state to pass Civil Union type laws, and in time, more states will follow the example of Massachusetts and allow for gays and lesbians to marry. 2007 WAS the year that question was at last answered in Massachusetts, and it is settled here now. It is here to stay, barring some tragic decision by the US Supreme Court. I'm not sure what they'd have to say on the matter though - marriage is a power given to the States in the US Constitution. Despite setbacks, things do continue to get better for queer folk in the US, overall.

Anonymous
same ol' same ol'

Anonymous
I think 2008 will be the turning point for our community.

Valorie Zimmerman
We made no large advances. Many smaller ones, yes, but that is evolution, not a turning point.

Anonymous
I was blackmailed by a straight woman who threatened me with homophobic violence and then after I called the police they helped her get away with it and turned the whole situation around on me...I now have panic attacks when I go outside and have to take prozac just to cope with day to day life.

DrFrankPatti
Gay Rights continues to be a volleyball the Right uses to win elections. The Republican and conservative Christian leaders are just as gay as everyone else, they just know that the knee-jerk voters in the fly over states would elect a chimp as long as he promised to continue beating up (taking away rights) of LGBT americans and their children. SUGGESTION: Take away aall financial benefits for couples who do not keep their first marriage together.

jeff
the gay rights movement has lost most of it's momentum in 90's in the u.s. europe and canada and australia are paving the way right now.

Anonymous
Because of all of the celebrities who chose to come out this year, I'd say it was a good year for the overall acceptance of gays in the media.

brian-ohio
Not even close.

brian-ohio
Not even close.

Jo Oberdier
In Colorado we got a mini ENDA, hate crimes legislation, and a bill supporting gay adoption... This was a great year!

Anonymous
There were some successful events but, for the most part, GLBT persons had little to celebrate. But each year is a bit better. I don't feel there will be a true turning point until Washington recognizes GLBT persons as full citizens.

Meowzer
Sure... a turning point backwards.

Jonby
Seemed more of the same, though inch by inch we are gaining.

Kirsten Cummins
Only time will tell if the few but large gains we made this year stay in effect for years to come.

Anonymous
you bet your sweet a%&!

Anonymous
There is still so much that needs to be done

Anonymous
3007 was 3 giant steps backwards, and 2008 looks like 5 steps backwards.

edgardo wolenz-salazar
No, 2007 was not a turning point for gay rights. It was merely more of the same bullshit from politicians and the gay cognoscienti, either of whom seek to impose their one-size-fits-all idiotic views on all of us. Gay rights will not advance in this country until people develop balls enough to take the war directly to the oppressors. GLBT people need to adopt the vicious tactics of the fascist right-wingers and fight back as though their lives were really on the line. I, for one, would love to take a machine pistol Rick Scarborough and all his Xtian Reconstructionist buds. As we used to say in the marines, "Kill em all and let God sort them out."

Chuck
I think we made some important strides in 2007... more gay elected officials, more states with civil unions, more positive gay role models in the spotlight. We are still under attack by the right wing radicals and are not afforded the same civil rights as heterosexuals. I wish I could say we reached a turning point... I wish I could say I believed a turning point is just around the corner. But from where I sit, there is still a long and difficult road ahead of us before we are treated as equals and are not made a lightning rod when the right wants to polarize the voting population against us. Signed, Sad in South Florida

70's rebel
What happened in gay rights? I don't see much happening, even when the clock ticks tonight it is civil union, not marriage. Before AIDS people were starting to come together in a grass movement fighting for rights. Now it is done by corporations fighting for us. Civil unrust works much better. Do you think that any other so called community would le their rights be on ballots in states? No! They would be marching and be contacting legislators demanding equality. Did the hate crimes bill pass this year? UH NO!

Cecil L Young
I say no, because at age 55 (so to be 56) I see gay liberation and gay rights as an incremental process. Though the year the Supreme Court struck down the state laws on sodomy I would have disagreed with my incrementalist position. Unless I missed something there was no equivalent event in 2007.

Alan Blake
Similar to the racial civil rights process, the next turning point will be "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ends so that gays and lesbians may openly serve in the armed forces, or when more than 6 states are seriously considering marriage or partnership benfits in the same legislative year.

Dave
over all I think the rights suffered. So yes it was a turning point. The Blessed Republican Nazis are still hard at work to strip any gains away from us. Will we ever really unify?

Ken
Hopefully in 2008 we will get an administration and government that wakes up to the 21st century; there are more important problems than constantly creating atificial divisions, we need to unify the US and that means starting with 100% Equal Rights for all Americans. Democracy does not solely mean "Majority Rule" it also means "Protecting the Equal Rights of the Minorities"; The government needs to enact and enforce the laws that will grant all Americans the same rights, regardless of the will of the majority. That is what seperates a Democracy from the "Rule of the Mob".

Anonymous
Slow, but sure...

Keri
I think Mitt Romney would make that best president for this nation.

troymariner
Not sure whether there was actually a noticeable turning point. I think it was a year in which we gained just a little more acceptance from society in general. I think this will continue. I predict that same sex marriage will be accepted in most states within the next ten years. I also predict that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy in our armed forces will be eliminated within the next six years and that gays will be allowed to enlist just like anyone else.

Roger Burr
While a few strides were made in the right direction, there is much left undone. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' is still in place and legal marriage is only available in one state. A few openly LGBT people have been elected to political office, but ENDA has not made much progress. We're headed the right way, but by no stretch of the imagination can 2007 be considered a watershed year. I'm looking to 2008 and a new democtatic administration to begin turing things around.

Anne in Ft Lauderdale
No - same stuff in 2007...as in 2006...as in 2005...as in 2004...etc...

Ray Adkins
The addition of Connecticut, New Jersey and New Hampshire to the states who recognize gay couples and the outing of some important celebrities helped the change the mind of the American people towards being more accepting of our reality.

Anonymous
THe removal of the Matthew Sheppard legilation from the budget bill was a major loss.

Colin
Absolutely. I really love The Advocate and I read the two views of 2007 in the recent Lance Bass issue. I think we need to remember to look around the world, not just in the USA, when we assess the progress made. Who would have thought that Uruguay would be the acknowledging gay relationships on a national level before us? But it's happening. The rest of South and Central America are not far behind. Take heart in the MAJOR progress that is occuring around the world that's where 2007 was the turning point.

Anonymous
No doubt there have been advances. The 'coming out' of so many in so many fields of life is making the event almost unnewsworthy. At the same time, there is a fierce push-back from the ultraright. Ultimately, the gay is out of the closet, so there's no stopping it, but things could get quite messy before they clear up.

Anonymous
What would be a turning point? Gay issues have taken a back burner as voters, including gay voters, have become less than interested in our issues or agenda.

Anonymous
Several states (Washington) passed gay rights legislation, but I don't think it was a banner year for gays overall.

John
There has been no "turning" point for Homosexual Rights. Ever. Events happen sometimes with glacial rapidity, but rarely faster. Keep the shoulder to the wheel, hopin that the path for those who follow is an easier one. John L. Turner, M.D. Deptford, New Jersey

MK
I don't believe 2007 has been a turning point for gay rights, we seem to be in a sort of limbo with all the politicos searching for the "acceptable" (with the exception of Kucinich). I haven't really seen anything decisive happen that would merit the term" turning point". Stonewall was a turning point....2007 was merely more of the same sluggish progress with a great risk of backsliding.

David Nall
Although we made great strides, I'm not convinced that we reached a turning point. That will be more clear after the presidential elections. Hopefully 2008 will be more decisive and clear as to what direction this country will choose.

Keith D. Elston
What we should really be asking is whether each of us has made our own positive contributions to the gay rights movement in 2007 and beyond. Did we speak out when we heard gay-bashing comments? Did we contribute financial resources to the incredibly dedicated and constantly underfunded organizations who are trying to advocate for us in Congress, in our state legislatures, in our town halls, and in our schools and communities? Did we seek to make a difference in a young lesbian or gay person's life by mentoring, volunteering with queer youth organizations, speaking out for safer schools and against bullying? There are so many ways each one of us can advance the cause of equality for LGBT people in this country. If we want to be able to point back at a year and call it a turning point, maybe that will be the year that a majority of GLBT and allied folks kick the homophobes out of the seats of power and demand that our interests be respected and reflected in the law of the land.

Robert Stiefel
In spite of specific advances, we barely held our own as American society became increasingly fearful, paranoid, and mean-spirited.

norberto
My opinion would be no. I say this because i fail to see what has happened in 2007 that would make this year a turning point. perhaps i've missed something but if so i would appreciate someone pointing out to me what it is. i took part in the Millenium March for Equality in 2000 (i think that was the year) and i feel we are still pretty much where we were then.

Anonymous
every year that something changes is a turning point year. The problem is instead of having a 90 degree turn this year, it was more like a we had a 3 degree turn.

Anonymous
2007 was not THE turning point, but it was definitely a turning point with regards to ENDA being taken seriously for LGB people. The most amazing part of this year was the way LGBT organizations stuck together and fought for ENDA to be trans inclusive. That was the most exciting LGBT rightsrelated thing I have seen in my 5 years of identifying as queer and bisexual.

Jonathan Clahan
Nothing really happened...

Matt
If anything it was a rightwing year for stalling progress.

Buzz
As a gay person, I don't see any change since 1/1/07. We remain the last miniority group which is politically correct to hate! The states and Federal government have failed to pass legislation adding sexual orientation violence as a hate crime. In most all states gays are still not permitted to marry and even civil unions are largely not legal. Gays are not pemitted to adopt children. The public at large would prefer to see children raised by a totally disfunctonal hetrosexual couple than by two loving and finacially sound same sex parents. Gays are still cast as being sexual preditors/pedophiles. When, in actuality, straights are the primary perpretators of child abuse. Gays are still not permitted to be members of the Boy Scouts. If their sexual orientation is discovered while serving as a Scout, they are automatically dismissed. Gays can be fired from most jobs and be denied housing solely because of their sexual orientation. The military still has the totally discriminatory policy of, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The majority of media persons can still use the word "fag" with impunity. Ann Coulter used the word "fag"when referring to Senator John Edwards without any penality. However Don Imus lost his job for using the "N" word. Many school districts have disposed of any books which the school boards feel portray gays in a positive light. I could go on, but won't. Anyone who answers "yes' to this question is living in a dream world. I remain pessimistic about our plight. As long as we have politicans like George Bush, Govenor Huckelbee, and Dick Cheney there will be no change. As long as we permit the "moral majority" to preach hate by the likes of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, and like minded Evangelists we are destined to remain second class citizens!! In many ways illegal aliens have more rights than the dispised gay!!

John Keasler
I would say that the clear saying we thought we would see with Bill Clinton was sucessfully scuttle by the Religious Right. They wanted us to pick gay marriage and we accomodated them. All marriage is a quagmire where no one can be certain. More and more hetro couples or opting not to marry. For we who are single, gay or straight, marriage is a tax loophole like none afforded any other group. We have the backing for military leaders that would allow us to bury DADT forever but we need to focus on it. The Demo congress may have the seats but they don't have backbones (to stand up to W) to put in them. From Obama to Hillary the canidates are shamefully distancing themselves from the gay bloc. That is, until they need our vote.

Anonymous
Yes, only very much towards the nagative. 'We' keep on being persectuted for what we are, not even for our actions. Many public figures have no scruples of the way they voice their opinions about gay righths. I wonder how the public would react if another minority group would be targeted in the same manner as the GLBT community.

Anonymous
Turning to or from what?

Ann
Not a turning point but part of a long steady movement forward. When DADT, federal hate crimes, inclusive federal ENDA are passed and federal DOMA is repealed then it will be a turning point.Conservative states have no incentive to pass gay inclusive state laws as long as there are no federal laws. Having the federal laws in place will make the difference. That will really be the turning point.

Anonymous
I don't believe 2007 was particularly bad, but it wasn't a breakthrough year by any means.

Anonymous
Why would anyone think it was a turning point - good or bad? IT WAS JUST MORE OF THE SAME!

Reese
I thank god for the rights and gains that have been achieved for the lgbt community. As far as 2007 being a turning point for gay rights, no it was not. We will continue to deal with the same issues which affect our daily living into 2008, taking each day one at a time.

OB
It's not a turning point. Not when the same old social conservatives ranting about "One-man and one woman" is stinking up the tiny tent called the GOP. No wonder they denounce the theory of evolution. It's because they are not capable of evolving!

Anonymous
There are still many issues to be worked out

Anonymous
It brought more issues to light, but I think there is still so much more to be done. In the next years, i hope to see more happen. This is not yet a turning point.

Larry
Only to a point. Not much has really happened to produce equality in America for GLBT people.

Ginelle
Yes, I do believe so, in some ways, and in some ways not. There seemed to be more visability for gay people in the media and on television, however, there were no major movies coming out with gay storylines such as Brokeback Mountain. On the political scene, sadly the Matthew Shepard hate crime legislation did not get far, as did the ENDA and DADT. America still has some roads to travel with Marriage Equality. I guess the good news in all of this is the "outing" of Larry Craig, the fall from grace of Ted Haggard, and the passing of mega-homophobe Jerry Falwell. On the good side of things, as well, we had wonderful news of some major players like Neal Patrick Harris, T. R. Knight, Jodie Foster and others coming out and one would hope "Proud".

EG
Here in Oregon the legislature was finally able to bring to the floor, discuss, and pass two new laws, including an anti-discrimination law that includes sexual identification and gender identity, and domestic partnerships. These will go into effect on January 1st. It's a step in the right direction.

Keith Andrews
Every year is a turning point for gay rights.

Keith Andrews
Every year is a turning point for gay rights.

Rachel
It was an encouraging year, perhaps because it finally put the republican hate-mongers back on their heels. As a transgender person though, I am worried about how casually we were tossed aside for political expediency. I think the demographics are in our favor. As the older folks die off and the more tolerant younger generation moves in, the acceptance grows. Time will tell.

Rick
No. 2007 was not a turning point for gay rights. The year the equal employment rights and hate crimes bills pass will be the turning point.

Brian
It was here in Washington State.

Clyde Harrelson
It was a good start, but nothing actually "turned."

Charles
It was another step in the process, but not a "turning point" like, say, 1969.

Anonymous
Every year is a "turning point." 2007 is no different than past years, and will be no different than the years to come.

Anonymous
Things have gotten nothing but worse. Since Bush got in the driver's seat, gay bashing and making a HUGE deal of it has become a big thing. The states that passed the anti gay marriage laws have become even worse to live in. I'm beginning to think only California and Canada are OK places to live anymore.

(Just) Mikey
There was nothing monumental in a dreadful decade of "Smears, Fear and Queers" as a Republican tactic to divide our society and we fell for it hook, line and sinker with Gay Marriage, Blaming Gays on Terrorism and the Oprah-fication of the Gay Black Man with the derogatory "Down-Lo" terminology demonizing closeted gay men because of the AIDS pandemic's disturbing trends in African-American communitites. Our leaders failed, HRC, the milquetoast Democrats and pedopholic Priests and GOP politicians who identified as "Straight" yet we were attached at the hip to these mentally ill high-profile sickos. An, then there are the Astronomical costs of AIDS and Healthcare. We haven't even bottomed out in this era of our "Stolen Democracy." 2008? The Gay Economy, stupid!!!

Scotty
Not to be negative, but things could shift either way. We cannot think that things will just flow our direction without being aware of what's going on. Keep our eyes and ears open.

anonymous
In 2007 gay rights actually became an issue that's being discussed. In 2004 gay rights wasn't an issue. Though there may be some negative opinions toward gays at least were talking about it now.

Gene
What a silly question! 2007 was a definite regression for gay rights. Retreats on all fronts with nothing more than smoke and mirrors posing as any gains. George Bushwa's christian crusade squelched any efforts to improve the quality of gay life in the USA and caused the deaths of many gays in the middle east because of his war mongering destroyed social structures that had allowed gays a semblance of life.

Travis Colten Yocom
I don't think much good happened in 2007. The anti-discrimination in employment bill was mashed in the fight over the Iraq war. A number of presidential candidates have been pretty open in questioning or insulting us. Politics has become a gray wasteland anymore, no wonder no one thinks any answers are on that road. Until I can get married to my husband, be treated equally at all levels of at least the civil government and cannot be fired for being out, then, no, it is not a turning point.

sraglin@bea.bz
Yes. I think that a lot of progress was made in bringing people around to finally trying to understand, and accept, gay people. However, it's up to us to keep this rolling. Having a blatant pornographic mentality is only going to create further stumbling blocks. I'm just about as open minded and accepting (and liberal - I'm no prude) as anyone, but I'm becoming increasingly miffed at the gay communities adoration of porn stars and that entire industry. Keep your shirts & pants on guys. Set a respectable example for how you want the world to perceive the gay community instead of all of the provocation being created to keep us from moving forward in a positive way.

Mary
When politicians feel safe endorsing the Matthew Shepherd law, then that will be a turing point. I hope I live long enough to see it.

Frank Erdman
The passage by the House and Senate of the hate crimes bill was a major step forward. However its removal from the final bill was a setback. Until there is a House, Senate, and President with the courage to support equality, it is hard to see how a "turning point" can be obtained, at least on a federal level.

Anonymous
2007 was not a turning point for lgbt rights, but it was one of several great years. new lgbt protections were passed in lots of places - for example, non-discrimination at school became law in california, and iowa passed transgender protections. we're in the midst of a several-year cycle of progress, but the real turning point is up the road a little with federal level legislation (hate crimes and employment protection for all lgbts, all letters inclusive) and widespread relationship equality.

Anonymous
At least it has become a front running issue for 2008 election!

John Bosch
Close but no cigar, we don't have the momentum yet to accurately call our community’s success a “turning point” -- too many hurdles left to conquer. We can count the number of states that recognize same-sex marriage on ONE HAND. Our turning point will be when we finally elect someone into the White House who firmly believes we deserve ALL the rights afforded to the straights -- Hillary is the closest candidate we have at this time but she’s not 100% into our camp (she still believes that same-sex marriage is a STATE issue/decision, somebody please remind her that states cannot change things like federal income tax filing status of married or single). We’ve made progress but I can’t regard 2007 as a “turning point”.

Anonymous
Certainly NOT in the U.S. We are stuck with judges and lawmakers from the Inquisition all across the country.

Bob Green
Advocate staff, Why would you even think that?

Anonymous
Yes, we took a turn in the wrong direction due primarily to the conservative right and a theocratic US Government.

Anonymous
It was a transitional year - we made some incremental progress, but it was far from the headiness of, say, 2003-2004, when same-sex marriage licenses were distributed in many places throughout the country and legally issued in Massachusetts (followed by the slew of constitutional amendments.) Neither the highs nor the lows were as marked this year. However, it was a turning point for the so-called "GLBT" movement, as I think a lot of us have clearer opinions on whether we're one big happy community. I for one have returned to considering myself a member of the "gay and lesbian" community, and have tired of advocating for the rights of people who don't want me to have rights unless they can have them at the exact same moment.

Tom Brown
While America is becoming more accepting of gay people, progress on the political front has been uneven and sometimes even lacking. Attaining equality will be a gradual and frustrating process.

Previous Polls

June 19, 2008
It Takes a Village
Is Your Family a Village?

June 4, 2008
California Weddings
Do you plan on getting married in California?

May 7, 2008
Religion
Do you still practice the same religion your family did when you were growing up?

April 23, 2008
Thomas Beatie
Did Thomas Beatie's going public with his pregnancy hurt the transgender movement?

April 9, 2008
Cleaning Up the Planet
Who is most responsible for cleaning up the planet?

March 26, 2008
LGBT Artists
Are you more likely to support an artist if he or she identifies as LGBT?

March 14, 2008
Caution in Expression of Identity
Should LGBT teens exercise caution in expressing their identity?

March 6, 2008
Politics
Would you vote against a pro-gay GOP senator to seat a Democrat?

February 22, 2008
MRSA
Have you ever had a MRSA infection?

January 25, 2008
Hate Speech
Do you think hate speech in the blogosphere should be censored?

January 14, 2008
Taking HIV Seriously
Do you think people are taking HIV less seriously now that they see it as a manageable disease?

December 18, 2007
2007
Was 2007 a turning point for gay rights?

December 10, 2007
Your Vote?
Who are you backing for president?

November 16, 2007
Health Insurance
Does your company offer domestic -partner insurance?

November 7, 2007
Candidates' Antigay Stances
Are the candidates' antigay stances genuine or a ploy to get votes?

October 19, 2007
Halloween
Do you feel that straights spoil the gay Halloween experience?

October 5, 2007
LGBT Policies
Do you research a company's LGBT policies before buying?

September 24, 2007
Sexual Fluidity
Is sexuality naturally more fluid for women than men?

September 11, 2007
Craig a lawbreaker?
Do you think Sen. Larry Craig is guilty of committing a crime?

August 24, 2007
Sexual harassment
Are gay bosses more vulnerable to sexual harassment charges than straight bosses?