The Today Show's Modern Wedding: Now With More Gay

by Maia Spotts · 2010-07-08 17:51:00 UTC
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As reported on this very site a few days ago, The Today Show was put to task by a number of LGBT groups, over the rules of this year's "Modern Wedding Contest," which limited applicants to those eligible to legally wed in the state of New York. Meaning no gays, no how, according to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Good As You.

What a difference two days, and a lot of pissed off NBC viewers, can make. This afternoon, The Today Show issued an apology. According to the statement, the intent "was not to be discriminatory or exclusive" and the contest is now open to anyone, gay or straight, who is looking to apply. The Today Show has also promised never to be so stupid in the future.

Initially I thought, why didn't they think of this beforehand? If The Today Show is such a "long time supporter of the LGBT community," and if they can readily consult with GLAAD on these matters, how did such a snafu happen in the first place? But the truth is, if what "The Modern Day Wedding" intends to deliver is a gorgeous, billowing legal marriage, it was the government — New York and Federal — that got in the way.

I applaud The Today Show for their quick and satisfying response. I hope the offices are flooded with applications from same-sex couples (the deadline has been extended to July 12, apply here!). How great does it feel that we spoke, and they listened? As GLAAD put it, "Today Show's ‘Modern Wedding Contest’ now recognizes what most fair-minded Americans have already concluded — a wedding celebrates love and commitment, whether the spouses are straight or gay." One that is truly modern.

Maybe it's financial, maybe it's for ratings — who cares? Today The Today Show stepped up and did something our "modern" government is still too chicken to do: listen to the people, recognize an inequity, and move swiftly to rectify it.

Photo credit: MizterForbz

Maia Spotts is one part of a two mom, two kid household and hopes to change the way in which this country defines the strong American family.
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