Wanda Sykes Comes Out!

Comments

[John in PA]

you go Wanda!

[Michael]

This is so great, hearing Wanda Sykes talking about gay rights. I knew there were gay actors/actresses, but I didn't figure as big as Wanda Sykes. It makes me feel so amazing to know that we have such high place gays/lesbians. Thank you Wanda. You're my hero.

[Skyknight]

Elton John, Sir Ian McKellen, Nathan Lane, Rosie O'Donnell to name a few others.

[Ryan]

Now let's go get our damn equal rights!!!!!

[Jason P]

I admit. I'm a very simple person, I stay out of the gay scene I just have my day to day.
But THIS Prop 8 affects us ALL.
Wanda is right. I agree with her totally!
Lets raise some hell and GET OUR RIGHTS!
WANDA YOU ROCK!!

[yungd1]

Its about time that she came out. Its great to end speculation. I'm happy to see that the African American Queer community is standing up and finally getting some recognition... we have a long tough battle ahead of us and we have to remain unified and dedicated if we are to succeed.

[Thomas Joseph]

"I'm proud to be a woman, I'm proud to be a black woman, and I'm proud to be gay.."

I've never heard a more beautiful sentence

[Mario]

Is she proud to be American? Oh, that's right. Can't be that. Not a good old fashioned socialist. No. Better to be French, the most racist people in the western hemisphere, after the Brits.

[Bill]

Wanda is right, we should be able to just live our lives. Not hide the fact we are gay, and not be forced to shove it in someone's face either. But, as she said, now we are forced to do just that. Thank you Wanda!

But when she said Florida banned gay marriage on Nov 4, 2008, she was wrong. Florida banned gay marriage a long time ago. What Amendment 2 banned was all other legal unions that are treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof. This means Florida banned domestic partnerships and civil unions, in addition to their previous bans on gay marriage. Unlike Ca, gay people in Fl have no rights at all. No marriage. No civil unions. No domestic partnerships. No adoptions. No rights at all.

And to Mario, it is obvious by your comments that you are the one who is the racist and a biggot too.

[Chicago Guy]

Go Wanda!! What a great surprise it was to see this. I'm looking for a husband, so Chicago guys, hit me up!

[Phule]

OK , i know this will piss some people off and all but, couldnt we just let it go for a bit . We all know the Prop h8 wont stand in a court , and the new guy in the big chair wants to very progressive things for everyone gay or str8 . Healthcare , energy , if we could let it go,, only for a little while , we might come out better off .

[HT]

Oh good. The woman who makes it big by using scatological and other bodily function comedy is part of the "community" now.

Just like Madonna claiming to support us, we don't want her representing us.

Of course, other gays I know say folks like Liberace and Paul Lynde were "sexless" and "capitulating to a hetero world" so therefore they shouldn't count. Maybe they had something called "self-respect", "respect for others", and/or "basic civility"? Like most people, they got on with life and did not thrust their private lives day in and day out as if that was the only thing in their lives. Therefore I find them to be of much greater character.

[Dan]

The self hate coming from these people being negative almost oozes off the screen.

[Cee]

i knew Wanda was gay! LOL No surprise.

[Mike F]

I totally agree with Wanda on everything. I really can't see why people can't be civil and realize that marriage is for people who love each other. SIMPLE AS THAT

[JiminQueens]

Wish we'd known this a few years ago, Wanda. You see, when you said that Bill Parcells "looks like a lesbian," I assumed you were being homophobic. Now I know you were just in your self-loathing closeted stage.

[Glenn Lennox, Texas]

The non white gay community has let us down badly. All this still claiming to be bisexual or on the dl stupidity is epidemic - particularly in the black community. We needed them to grow some balls and come out BEFORE this vote was held. It's great that Wanda has come out now but we needed non white celebrities and non white gay celebrities to speak out before the vote. They chose to stay in the closet and now we all pay the price for their cowardice and selfishness.

[Me]

Um... Asian is non-white and they voted 51% against prop 8. Some northern asians have white skin but I don't think that counts as white.

[para_pro]

Hurray!! its when they voted it in that we as a people will really realize our rights!! she is right!! we will have equal Rights in ever state of the United states! they did us a favor ,it will come to pass!! I know it and its public figures that will be there to represent us is a positive light!!thank you Wanda

[cK]

What a great speech Wanda Sykes gave and she will certainly be a strong, outspoken addition to our community. I gladly welcome her into "our family". It's sad to see the negative comments some bitter people in the community post about her support. I feel that the majority of "straight" America is having a hard time with the whole "gay marriage concept". The very term/idea or imagery leaves a bad taste in a lot of str8 Americans mouths. However if we sell it as a civil union or domestic partership that things will be much easier for str8 America to swallow. Let call on the best marketing people in gay, bi and lesbian community to sell this to America.

[Stephen]

Wanda is an amazing human being.

[Jon]

That's awesome - way to go Wanda you rock.

[Todd]

No surprise that Wanda is gay -- and I suppose not such a huge stretch that she'd come out face of the Prop 8 debacle. Wouldn't it be gratifying if all, and I mean ALL gay people would just come out and be themselves openly, without fear? Some of us have families who just don't understand or have strong religious negativity toward us, of course, and it's a lot easier to just stay in the closet. But if we don't educate our families and anyone else who's homophobic in our lives, these issues will NEVER be without controversy. We have to challenge assumptions and beliefs openly in order to change them.

[Matthew]

I'm proud to be gay too. Thanks for standing up for our rights Wanda! And in response to a comment posted by Mario. Yes I'm proud to be an American. Where I have the right to fight for what I believe in... and who I am. WE are this country. Not the land we live on or the borders we've made. We elect those who represent us and who we authorize to reflect our needs and priorities. WE have the right and ability to change our country. Save your slander and disrespect for Russia or maybe some country south of the border, ran by drug lords. And to those who state "we" don't want people like Wanda and Madonna representing us... Madonna isn't gay and whether gay or not... I'll take anyone who supports equal rights. They don't need to sound over-stuffed and full of pompous s@/#t to impress me and that's certainly not a requirement to be part of the gay community. I didn't realize it took more than being gay to be part of the community. I didn't realize we were in such a great position to turn down help from those who are not gay who want fight for the rights of gay Americans. This why our progress is often denied by ALL of America. We first deny those who would help because they're not like us? WOW Can we practice what we preach??? And for the rest of us that know better... thank you. Its time for us to stand up with the rest of our fellow Americans and help them understand the injustice that's beating down their brothers and sisters. Its time we focus on equal rights for all Americans. Gay, straight, black, white, born here, moved here, young and old, man and woman, east cost, west cost and anywhere else liberty can be taken to.

[jade1014k]

I highly recommend the documentary "Tying the Knot".

Having said that, I find it nothing short of SURREAL most of us in the GLBTQ community don't question the misogynistic, materialistic institution of "marriage". Nonetheless, I am on our side. But make no mistake, as far as I'm concerned, it's not about "equality", it's about what to do with money and other material possessions when we die.

Also, why do we need gay celebs to come out anyway? After the catastrophe of "outing"!?! Some gay mega-superstar isn't gonna help me with my day-to-day, and no one helped me - or any of my other gay loved ones - come out. This iconization and fetishization of our struggle really concerns me.

[jade1014k]

I highly recommend the documentary "Tying the Knot".

Having said that, I find it nothing short of SURREAL most of us in the GLBTQ community don't question the misogynistic, materialistic institution of "marriage". Nonetheless, I am on our side. But make no mistake, as far as I'm concerned, it's not about "equality", it's about what to do with money and other material possessions when we die.

Also, why do we need gay celebs to come out anyway? After the catastrophe of "outing"!?! Some gay mega-superstar isn't gonna help me with my day-to-day, and no one helped me - or any of my other gay loved ones - come out. This iconization and fetishization of our struggle really concerns me.

[woodcl5]

we need celebs to comme out just as much as the avarage people to show that we are everywhere and that we demand to be treated just like every one else. this has nothing to do with helping you with your day to day. we have cowwered in the shaddows for farr too long as we have been told to and being as quiet and patient has only had more of the equal rights we should have taken away, and we will not get anywhere untill we demand it get loud about it. look at the past all of the other rights movments. wanda is right.

[TJ]

THANK YOU WANDA!!!

[Donnie B]

I love wanda so much !!!

[sher]

I am the mother of a 35 year old gay man & I want my son to have all the same rights heterosexuals have pertaining to a life mate. The thing I don’t understand is this…straight people don’t go around exclaiming ‘I’m straight! I’m straight!’ so why do people think gays should let the world know they are gay? Other than their sexual orientation, they are no different than straight people. It’s like Hitler making Jews wear a Star of David on their chests & that sucks!!!! I read where Wanda said that in her world, whoever ‘needed to know’ she was gay, did & she didn’t find it necessary to have to proclaim it to the world. I stand behind Wanda, Ellen & every other gay & lesbian in support of them. G-d bless them all & help them to live a life like everyone else does. REPEAL PROP 8!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Patrick]

Wanda you have always made me smile. Today, my smile just got a little bigger. :)

[skyjock66]

Who the hell is Wanda Sykes??? Not impressed.

[Tom M]

Wanda Sykes is the best comedian out there.

You must have been hiding in a cave or something LOL

WANDA ROCKS!!!!!!

[David]

Hey "MARIO": Come OUT of YOUR CLOSET already! You sound just like all the other closeted, miserable, lonely, insecure gay men out there. Do NOT take out YOUR personal problems on the rest of us who have been OUT for over 20 years now. Mario: THERAPY.....STAT!

[jade1014k]

LAST POST PROVES MY POINT. Someone else needing for a "star" to come out. The pathology of it and this need to be on equal footing with straights boggles the mind.

[Tabitha Golt]

Hurray!! Its when they voted it in that we as a people will really realize our rights!! She is right!! we will have equal Rights in ever state of the United states! They did us a favor, it will come to pass!! I know it and its public figures that will be there to represent us is a positive light!!Thank you Wanda Sykes!

[AfemmeInIndy]

I admire you so much! I just knew it! Smiling, ear to ear! I could sit and watch you on television forever! I am glad you are OUT. Thanks for taking a stand! There are not many who have the courage to do so. In today's world, those around us make it so hard. I feel the best way to acceptance is exposure. You don't have to like us or love us, just treat us equally. Love ya Wanda!

[dee]

Thank you, Wanda! And honestly...some of the vile, racist, self-loathing comments here are stunning. In case some of you bigoted folks in the community haven't noticed, gay comes in all colors, not just white. And we are just as visible and vocal as the next person. Oh, and in case you weren't aware, there are segments in ALL ethnic groups that are homophobic as much as there are segments of our gay community that are racist. Get it together, people!

[Chuck D]

Go Wanda!!!

[TL]

Is anyone familiar with the Gay and Lesbian Straight Alliance? It GLASA! It's not just about being gay, but about equality and the support of EVERYONE. And I do agree that Prop 8 was a huge defeat for California gays, but let's take a look at the rest of the country as well. At least in Calif., gays are more readily excepted. And I posted a comment on a separate website that said, maybe with marriage the people in the gay community would stay together and work on relationships. The legal union of "marriage" would make it more difficult for couple to separate maybe making them think longer about splitting up so easily. And oh, I don't know, working on relationships? Instead of just thinking that things should be peachy keen 100% of the time? Packing up and leaving is too easy and too rampant in the gay community.

[Ms. Jozy]

Very Good Wanda ! We here in Massachusetts fought long and Hard to get Equal Marriage for all. We intend to support all of these United States as well! Gov and Religion should be taken out of the Bed Room, Living Room and Dining Room to name a few. Love is the Greatest Gift of all , Love is Peace & Love is Beautiful. This Country should be more concern about Love than Hate. Jozy Spinelli Massachusetts (were Love is Equal)

[Susan Cutler]

You go GIIIIRRRL! Gay a choice? Ask them why we would choose to be a minority in relative powerlessness?

[WANDA]

I am proud to have the same name of such a powerful person. Wanda Sykes couldn't have said it better. I'm a proud, Puerto Rican gay woman and I am willing to do anything to fight for our rights. Me and my wife are going to CONNECTICUT to get legally married. If straight people can show their love why can't we. let's show everyone that we are human beings with feelings whether gay or straight.

[Chemosh]

I have been a fan of Wanda's for some time and it comes as no surprise at all that she was a lesbian. She has always made some allusions to the fact.
Her being out and loud is wonderful but for me it changes little or nothing. I am not diminishing her bravery at all but the fact is: famous folks are just entertainment. Unless of course your like Brad Pitt and you give $100k to the cause. But unlike Jake1014k I think everything adds up. Wanda, Brad and the rest of us will finally prevail. But why do Brad and Wanda seem to make more of a difference? Just think of Howard Beale's question to "god" when asked why he was to be a "latter day prophet railing against the injustices of our time"? BECAUSE YOUR ON TELEVISION....STUPID!

[Kristi Ambrose]

Unfortunately I cant watch this right now because my computer keeps skipping, however, I will watch it later on tomorrow. I love Wanda shes awesome, always makes laugh! I kind of knew she was gay anyway, I have gaydar like a freaking hawk, but that's cool that she finally came "out" officially!

Peace

[RA]

Jade, it's NOT all about what happens when you die. It's about what happens when you LIVE! I want the same rights everyone else has. Yes... I want to be able to participate in my partner's life the same way straight married people do. I want to be able to participate in health care decisions. I want to be able to visit her in the hospital and be TOLD what is going on if she can't tell me herself. I want to be able to have her covered under my health care benefits, and vice versa. I want her to be able to get my social security benefits. I want to be able to file joint taxes and for us to be treated as a couple in every sense of the word. Just as straight married people are. If it was just a question of who inherits what after we die, we'd just write wills.

[Davie]

Is it me or is the word "marriage" the only dividing line here. I live in MA. and helped in the fight to legalize gay marriage. A grass roots effort on the South Coast. But you know, it seems to me the as long two peole are together and love each other call it what you want. Marriage, Civil Union, whatever. Just have a Will and Health Care Proxy and file it with the courts. We have enough stress in this society, let's just relax.

[outnaboutnewyork.blogspot.com]

I think its so great to see so many people come together for our cause. I went to the Prop 8 demonstrations in NYC and was overwhelmed by all the support we have from everyone, to get equal rights. I also think that as more and more celebrities come out, people will begin to see that we are a driving force, and that being gay is no longer "abnormal" but a part of every day life.

[des]

hmmm video says it is no longer available wtf? Just got the email today

[Greg]

Props to Wanda! Your words could not be more true. Now let's go get our damn rights!!!!