We bring you the second entry of a weekly column by Kurt Oshiro, a 22 year-old student at Cal State Fullerton majoring in Radio, Television and Film, with career aspirations of becoming a television writer. Kurt will be participating in The Trevor Project’s Helpline Counselor Training in the Winter of 2009.

Kurt Oshiro

Proposition: Ellen
by Kurt Oshiro

It’s been one of the most talked about subjects during this political season in California. It’s an issue that receives passionate responses from both proponents and opponents. This issue is gay marriage, or what is currently known in California as Proposition 8. This is a proposition that, if passed, would change the state Constitution and eliminate same-sex marriage. A new section would be added to the state Constitution stating that: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This proposition has generated many high-profile opponents such as T.R. Knight, the cast of Ugly Betty and Ellen DeGeneres. They have joined the fight in trying to prevent an unconstitutional ruling from passing into California law.

Ellen DeGeneres in particular has made quite a public plea on not taking away the marriage rights from gay and lesbian couples. Not only has she made a commercial against Proposition 8, but she has also given her thoughts about a broader issue relating to gay marriage on her show. Upon discovering that vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, is in favor of a federal ban against gay marriage, Ellen took it upon herself to voice her opinions during the October 22 airing of her daytime talk show. “Basically she wants to change the Constitution…I don’t like it. I don’t agree! And maybe it’s because I’m gay that I think we should all be equal,” Ellen said of Palin and her thoughts on a ban against gay marriage (a clip of her speech can be seen here).

I applaud Ellen and her attempts to increase voter awareness about the discriminatory and divisive nature of Proposition 8. In many respects, it is best that such a prominent figure such as Ellen is publicizing her beliefs because she states them in a way that doesn’t put people off. She expresses her views with fun and levity and doesn’t force her opinions on other people. When she made the announcement on her show, she had the audience laughing throughout this political discussion.

Ellen DeGeneres and wife, Portia de Rossi

While I usually try to stay away from discussing political matters, I feel that this proposition needs to generate as much publicity as it possibly can. Even if my voice is heard by only one or two California voters, I feel it will all be worth it. With voting day being TOMORROW, I want to point out the absurdity of Proposition 8. To say that marriage is a right that should only be allowed between a man and a woman is not only ridiculous, it’s unconstitutional. It’s eliminating freedom and rights that should be allowed to EVERY person in America.

Obviously, I have a very bias opinion toward this subject, speaking as a gay man. I believe that I should have the right to the option of marriage if I should choose to be married someday.

In conclusion, I want to encourage everyone to hit the polls and vote, especially young voters. I know many young Americans feel it’s not important, but it truly is. We are the future leaders of America, and if we want change then it needs to start now. Whatever your political affiliation is, it’s important to take a stand in how our country is run.