On Sunday evening the world saw something which several years ago it would never have seen. At The Grammys' hip hop act Macklemore & Ryan Lewis were joined not only by Madonna, Mary Lambert and Queen Latifah but by 33 couples who chose that night to publicly declare their love for their partners by getting married on prime time US television. It was the fact that these couples were made up of same sex and mixed sex couples which sent a clear message to the world, love is the same, gay or straight.
Many people reacted with indifference, not really understanding what all the fuss was about. But the reaction that came from those who opposed 'same love' gives us the message that people still have strong opposition to full equality for same sex couples. Thousands took to twitter to denounce the event.
"CBS. Shame on you, the Grammy’s is supposed to be a family friendly show. It was disgusting, and sick to have gay marriages," one Twitter user wrote.
"Total mockery of God on the Grammys tonight! The world has gone gay-mad! And it is sickening!" another wrote.
"These Grammy’s turned out to be a damn fag/queer marriage festival. #gross," another tweet reads.
"Grammy’s are pathetic.. I boycott from now on. A gay marriage on tv is disgusting and uncalled for," a user wrote.
Many people reacted with indifference, not really understanding what all the fuss was about. But the reaction that came from those who opposed 'same love' gives us the message that people still have strong opposition to full equality for same sex couples. Thousands took to twitter to denounce the event.
"CBS. Shame on you, the Grammy’s is supposed to be a family friendly show. It was disgusting, and sick to have gay marriages," one Twitter user wrote.
"Total mockery of God on the Grammys tonight! The world has gone gay-mad! And it is sickening!" another wrote.
"These Grammy’s turned out to be a damn fag/queer marriage festival. #gross," another tweet reads.
"Grammy’s are pathetic.. I boycott from now on. A gay marriage on tv is disgusting and uncalled for," a user wrote.
It would be easy to underestimate the impact of a performance like this one. To those of us who have strove for equal law for LGBT people for many years something like this can really help us take giant strides. There will be young LGBT people in America and across the world who will feel a great weight lifted from their shoulders after watching this performance. They will no doubt have a greater sense of self worth, understanding and acceptance. Sure, Madonna has always been in our corner, but mention of religious unity and hip hop alongside same sex marriage have been nothing but distant dreams for many years. Sure, it's just a song, but it can be an anthem for a generation of LGBT people. And for each voice that speaks against there are a 100 more holding their hands up for equality.
"My face hurts from smiling. That was one of the coolest things I've ever gotten to see. Much much love. Well done, Grammys." - Neil Patrick Harris
"That was one of the coolest things Ive ever seen on TV. Macklemore & Lewis, Queen Latifah, Mary Lambert & Madonna. #SameLove #GRAMMYs" - Dwayne Johnson (aka. The Rock)
"#SameLove was incredible. Love to @Macklemore, @RyanLewis, @MaryLambertSing @Madonna & @IAmQueenLatifah for a beautiful performance #GRAMMYs" - Ellen Degeneres
"My face hurts from smiling. That was one of the coolest things I've ever gotten to see. Much much love. Well done, Grammys." - Neil Patrick Harris
"That was one of the coolest things Ive ever seen on TV. Macklemore & Lewis, Queen Latifah, Mary Lambert & Madonna. #SameLove #GRAMMYs" - Dwayne Johnson (aka. The Rock)
"#SameLove was incredible. Love to @Macklemore, @RyanLewis, @MaryLambertSing @Madonna & @IAmQueenLatifah for a beautiful performance #GRAMMYs" - Ellen Degeneres