I live in Maine.

Yesterday I was at a bar in Bangor with organizers from all over "northern" Maine as we debriefed and then watched the results come in. First we were optimistic - the numbers were in our favor. We watched as our lead shrunk, and then we fell behind.

I don't think I will ever understand how this can happen, much less how this could have happened 34 times at this point. I'm 22 and I have been fighting for equality since I was 12. Obviously I'm not going to stop fighting, but I just don't understand.

I cried long and hard last night as we drove back from Bangor to Ellsworth, and then as I drove myself back to Bar Harbor. And I know that, had we won, there wouldn't have been heartbroken people on our opposition's side crying. Their campaign was about fear and homophobia and lies. Ours was about love. I just don't understand, and I don't know I ever will.

I am so grateful for the amazing people I met during this campaign. Beth, Fran, Mkayla, Vince and Jeana are all amazing people and I feel so lucky to have them on my side. And I know we will win this. But, again, it hurts.

Even if you don't believe in marriage because it's a patriarchal institution, or it's not something you want for yourself or you don't believe that people should have to be coupled to get tax breaks or whatever you reasons - please be kind to your LGBT friends who do believe that marriage equality is important. I walked into the cafeteria today and a friend of mine took one look at me and just gave me a hug, and then her boyfriend did the same. It means so much to have supportive friends - let's all be kind for awhile here, and not play the blame game, yes?

Today New Hampshire became the 6th state with same sex marriage. Congrats, New Hampshire!

Here's an excerpt from the Boston Globe:
Traditionally conservative New Hampshire today became the sixth state in the nation to legalize gay marriage, after a bill was enacted by both the state House and Senate and then signed by Governor John Lynch.

"Today, we're standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities, and respect under New Hampshire law," Lynch said before signing the bill at about 5:20 p.m.

Lynch said it was a New Hampshire tradition "to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections, and that tradition continues today."

Gay marriage is now legal in Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts -- all of the new England states, except for Rhode Island. Gay marriage is also legal in Iowa.

The rest of the article can be read by clicking here.

I think I may have discovered the most amazing third grader in this country. His name is Ethan McNamee and he is from Denver. For a class project, Ethan arranged a rally for same-sex marriage. This kid has an amazing heart. "He was concerned about the issue after hearing about anti-gay remarks on the playground and then learning about a same sex couple in his neighborhood that couldn't get married." He believes that love is love, no matter who it is between.

Not only that, but what a great teacher and school to allow him to do this. I am sure many people would have htought it too controversial to do, and just not allowed it. To read the full article about Ethan click here.

The "marriage" tag has been getting a LOT of use lately!

Today Maine became the fifth state to allow same sex marrage - Governor Baldacci signed the bill about an hour ago.

We're getting closer to marriage equality here in Maine. Today the House of Reps passed the bill, without referendum, and now it's heading back to the senate, and then on to Governor John Baldacci.

Cross your fingers!

It looks like this might happen, folks. Any bets on how many states we'll have by the end of 2009?

Dear New Hampshire,

You're welcome to join the party any time.

Love,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Iowa

So, I've been under a rock and didn't know much about the whole Miss USA debacle until recently. Color me surprised when I found out it involved Perez Hilton, the diva blogger that has made a name for himself out of drawing obscenities on pictures of celebrities in MS Paint, asking a serious question.

If you're like me and live under rocks, here's a lowdown of what happened at the Miss USA pageant. Miss California, or Carrie Prejean, went up to the podium during the Questions round of the pageant and drew Perez Hilton as her questioner. A video of what happened after the jump.