Ellen DeGeneres States the Obvious: Marriage Equality Needs to Happen, Like, Now

Gay marriage needs to be legal. That’s not a question, but rather a statement. While I’m hopeful that it will happen within my lifetime not only nationally but worldwide, there’s still some hurdles to get over, and it only helps the cause when celebrities – gay and straight alike – speak out in support of legislation which grants equal rights to all couples, regardless of gender. Ellen DeGeneres, who has been married to partner Portia de Rossi for four years, did just that on her official website this week, addressing the Supreme Court in a heartfelt and hilarious letter that’s worth giving a read:

California’s Proposition 8 is headed to the Supreme Court. Hundreds of companies and families as well as Republicans are submitting briefs urging the 9 judges to allow gay people to marry. I thought that was ridiculous. Why would judges want all of that underwear? Then, after a quick talk with some people, I found out what a brief was.

I’ve never filed a brief to the Supreme Court, so I thought I would post mine here. I’m sure someone will tweet it to them.

Portia and I have been married for 4 years and they have been the happiest of my life. And in those 4 years, I don’t think we hurt anyone else’s marriage. I asked all of my neighbors and they say they’re fine.

But even though Portia and I got married in the short period of time when it was legal in California, there are 1,138 federal rights for married couples that we don’t have, including some that protect married people from losing their homes, or their savings or custody of their children.

The truth is, Portia and I aren’t as different from you as you might think. We’re just trying to find happiness in the bodies and minds we were given, like everyone else.

Coming out was one of the hardest things I ever did. I didn’t intend to be on the cover of Time magazine saying, “Yep, I’m gay.” The truth is, I don’t even remember saying that. I mean, I definitely said the “I’m gay” part. It’s the “yep” I don’t remember. I’m not really a “yep” person. “Yes siree Bob” maybe. But not “yep.”

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “We’re here, we’re queer, get over it.” And there’s another famous quote that says “A society is judged by how it treats its weakest members.” I couldn’t agree with that more. No one’s really sure who said it first, so if anyone asks, tell them I said it.

I hope the Supreme Court will do the right thing, and let everyone enjoy the same rights. It’s going to help keep families together. It’s going to make kids feel better about who they are. And it is time.

*I was just told Benjamin Franklin did not say that first quote. I apologize and see that I have a lot to learn about stuff.

Ugh, I love Ellen and I love her love for Portia (and Portia’s love for her) and there’s just too much love here, OKAY? In all seriousness, it’s absolutely ridiculous that giving all people equal rights is still a conversation we’re having rather than something that’s guaranteed to everyone. I can’t tell you not to own 56 shotguns, but you can tell me who I can and cannot spend my life with? F-ck off. Let’s get this shit changed, stat.