What an election: the joy and amazement of Obama’s victory, the heart-breaking passage of Prop 8 eliminating same-sex marriage in California, and the uncertainty of the Alaska Congressional races. The country moves forward with Hope and Change, but Alaska may be stuck with Ted and Don, and Californians betrayed their own neighbors.

The fight for gay rights will continue. Lawsuits have been filed to block Prop 8, and legal groups are preparing to defend the 18,000 same-sex marriages that were performed in California. Gay and lesbian couples can be legally married in Connecticut starting Nov. 12. Other New England states elected supportive legislatures and governors. Gay and lesbian candidates and allies around the country won races for the US Congress, state legislatures, city councils, school boards, and judicial positions. President-elect Obama supports the repeal of the ‘Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell’ military policy, and the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA.) Our issues aren’t priorities like the economy and the wars, but these bills will eventually move through Congress and we believe that Obama will keep his word and sign them.

Two steps forward, one step back . . . another step forward . . .