HELP MAKE MARRIAGE EQUALITY HAPPEN FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME!!!

• ** Sign up to make calls at www.20MillionMore.org *** Now you can make calls from your kitchen or couch for marriage equality this fall! Starting Nov.3 and every day through Nov. 6 you can help the marriage equality fights in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota and Washington by making calls to these states to help supporters get out and vote in this critical election! All you need is a computer, internet, and a way to make phone calls (land line, mobile, computer, etc.). Sign up TODAY at www.20MillionMore.org This effort is being coordinated in cooperation with the four state campaigns as well as the over 50 local and national partners of the Campaign for 20 Million More Visit the 20 Milliion More Facebook page.

FLASHBACK: WILL YOU MARRY ME? - PAULA ABDUL

Two of my nearest and dearest friends, Jason and Michael, got married in NYC this past weekend and it was the FIRST gay wedding I've attended. Not counting mine, of course. It was perfect and lovely and this song kept popping into my head. Paula recorded Will You Marry Me? and released it fromher 1991 album Spellbound as it's fifth and final single. The song hit #19 on the Hot 100, which is pretty impressive for a simple little love song and the fifth song released from the mega-hit album. The video is totally cute too. But the reason it kept popping into my head this weekend, obviously, is because it's unusual in that the girl is asking the boy to marry her. So she says, "will you marry me, boy". Duh! Okay, here is the lovely little tune and I hope it gives you a case of the lovies like I had all weekend. I LOVE MY HUSBAND TOO!!

JAY-Z SAYS OBAMA'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY ENDORSEMENT IS "THE RIGHT THING TO DO AS A HUMAN BEING"

Jay-Z is speaking out to CNN about President Obama's recent statement in support of marriage equality. The mogul/rapper says that discrimination against gays is "no different than discriminating against blacks". It's a great statement and could help change a lot of minds for someone as famous and important in the world of Hip Hop to support the LGBT community. Many do now, and Jay-Z is certainly not expressing this for the first time. But every time a huge star speaks out, minds are opened. Thanks for your continued support, J.

OBAMA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR GAY MARRIAGE

FINALLY!!! What a glorious day in the USA. In an interview with Robin Roberts which aired this afternoon, President Obama said the following:
"I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don't Ask Don't Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married..."
YES!! It looks like our President has come to the conclusion that every American really should be equal. What a historic day in our country. Congrats to him and all that follow him and maybe reevaluate their thoughts on same-sex marriage because of his leadership. Onward to the elections. You can read more of his thoughts HERE.

21-DAY CLEANSE: DAY 13

DAY 13: Started my day off with some water w/ lemon and an herbal tea. I got up at 7:30 this morning, so I sat and read my daily cleanse reading (inspiration, affirmation and focus) and then worked on my blog a bit. I went to the post office at 9:15, hit the gym at about 9:30 and then back home to make juice. Then it was off to buy a new blender. Turns out our 300 year old blender wasn't great for making smoothies, especially after I put a metal wisk in it by accident. Heehee. I'm pretty. So off to Macy's we went. We were looking for a Vita-Mix because everyone recommended it, but they don't carry Vita-Mix in-store. We had a gift card, so we ended up getting a Ninja and it is FANTAS-GREAT!!! We made Live Cucumber and Avocado soup, garnished with corn and red peppers. It was so fantastic and so filling I couldn't believe it!! Success on our first soup of the cleanse!!! Yay!!! After that my hubby went to the gym and I went to get my hair cut. I'm pretty again!! THEN..I tried on a shirt that I might wear tonight that I almost gave a way a couple of months ago because it was too tight AND NOW IT FITS....WITH ROOM TO SPARE!!! Yay! I'm shedding all of that stupid bloat I hate so much. Talk about feeling good! My hubby and I had a little used-to-not-fit fashion show dancing around our room to Madonna. So rom-com!! Anyhoo........Tonight is our best friends' "bachelor" party. We are doing it for both of them together because we're gays and that's how we roll. Ha. It should be lots of fun and we're allowing ourselves at least a drink to toast the couple tonight. So there will be a tiny bit of alcohol in the mix, but not enough to blow this thing wide open. Okay!! Doubt me not! Around 4:30 I started to need a little snack, but didn't want o snack until 5:30, so water w/ lemon and cayenne once again saved the day!!! So we made a delish smoothie with avocado, almond butter, banana, mixed berries, agave and E3Live and romaine. It was scrumptious! All right, now I have to get myself put together for the bachelor party festivities tonight. I'm not giving any hints in case the bachelors themselves see this before we start!!! They're sneaky bitches like that!!! I'll have to tell you what I ate tonight tomorrow. Okay. Into the nightlife we go. See you on Day 14!!!

7:30 AM - Water w/ lemon and cayenne
10:30 AM - Green Juice
12:30 PM - Live Cucumber & Avocado Soup
4:30 PM - Water w/ Lemon and Cayenne
5:30 PM - Smoothie of Death

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY, AND WE ARE FULLY STOCKED!!!

Tomorrow is the big day!!! Our (my husband and mine) 21 day cleanse that starts our Crazy Sexy Diet kicks off in full swing tomorrow morning. In preparation we went to our local (and so lucky to have) health food, organic, all around amazy corner grocery store, the Westerly Natural Food Market. Aside from having all the organic, raw groceries and powders and supplements we needed, they also MAKE a lot of the food so that on lazy days we can just buy it already made. Now you must know that you WILL spend a little more money if you are doing the cleanse because it's very specific in what you eat. Let's just say it's good we won't be eating out or spending money on booze for the next three weeks. Will you have to live that way for the rest of your life? No. You can ease up a bit after the initial 21 days, but the goal is to pay attention to your body and see how good it feels to treat it right. For the next 21 days, as you will read along with me, I will be avoiding wheat, dairy, sugar, caffeine, gluten, meat, animal products and ALCOHOL!!! I'm guessing the last will be the hardest! Ha. I am glad my hubby is doing it with me, and a lot of the reason why is because he wants to support me. He's awesome like that. But we are stocked and prepared. Off on a health adventure. Stay tuned for the Day 1 diary tomorrow evening. Should be entertaining. And don't forget to take a look into the Crazy Sexy Diet for yourself if you get a chance. It's a good read and you may be as inspired as I.

MY BROTHER-IN-LAW JON SANDS WROTE THIS AMAZING POEM FOR MY WEDDING

My brother-in-law, Jon Sands, is one of the most amazing, recognized and acccomplished poets in the world. His first book, The New Clean, was recently published and he travels the country teaching and doing workshops. He also has represented NYC in multiple National Poetry Slam competitions. Oh,and he rocks. Here is the amazing poem that he wrote just for my husband, Ben, and I for our wedding day. It's the story of our relationship and HE NAILS IT! Watch and love. You can visit Jon's website HERE and get his book HERE.

A BEAUTIFUL STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY

This video shows perfectly why EVERYONE should be able to marry. Here is an ad supporters have made and are trying to get on tv in Australia to help the movement for marriage equality in their country. It's absolutely beautiful. Try to not cry. I dare you. Get Up! Do donate, sign their petition or just to get more info on Get Up go to their website.

REVIEW: "STANDING ON CEREMONY: THE GAY MARRIAGE PLAYS"

Last night I attended Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays at the Minetta Lane Theatre here in NYC. The show is a series of short plays about the ongoing battle all over the United States to secure equal rights for the LGBT community to marry the person they love. Gosh, what will we want next? The right to vote? Ha. Anyway, SOC was truly an inspiring reading of nine different short plays with subjects ranging from figuring out how to write your vows ("civil unioned domestic partnered partner") to a supposed gay agenda in which the hilarious Harriet Harris played a woman who was a part of every "family" organization you can imagine, including "F*ck With The Family, You Die". Ha. There were several moments in each play that really highlighted the fact that "gay marriage" is really just marriage. Making the point that the LGBT community is no different than anyone else. We have our fears and wishes, our doubts and hangups. With marriage comes divorce, the loss of a spouse, the loss of being a whore every Saturday night. Eh, whaddaya gonna do? Each play told a different story from different parts and phases of relationships between gay and lesbian couples, their families and "friends", some of whom were not too friendly as evidenced by the play "On Facebook" by Doug Wright, taken from an actual conversation on someone's fb page. See folks; timely! This show is touring the country right now and will have a changing lineup of short plays, ever evolving throughout the life of the piece, with different actors filling in as it goes. This performance included stars of the stage and screen Craig Bierko, Mark Consuelos (whose wife Kelly Ripa sat across the aisle from me), Polly Draper, Harriet Harris, Beth Leavel and Richard Thomas. Pretty impressive, peeps! My hope is that as many, varying types of people possible see this production and that they will feel differently about the issue of gay marriage. Because, IT'S COMING WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT. So my advice (and I'm sure no one who is opposed to marriage equality reads MY blog, ha) is to get on board, people. We're here, we're queer, we know how to throw a wedding. . Also, Producers Joan Stein and Richard Frankel announced Nov. 9 that Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays will offer a special, one-night-only discount to young people for the Nov. 30 at 8 PM performance. Press notes indicate, "In an effort to help motivate the younger generation in the fight for marriage equality and expose young people to politically potent theatre." The Minetta Lane Theatre is located at 18 Minetta Lane. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.standingonceremony.net or visit their Facebook page.

WATCH CONAN O'BRIEN OFFICIATE A GAY WEDDING ON HIS SHOW

This is touching and awesome. Conan O'Brien presided over a lovely ceremony on his show, taping at the Beacon Theatre in New York this week, for his longtime costume designer Scott Cronick married his partner David Gorshein. Celebrity cameos abound!! It is really great that Conan did this and did it in a very straight forward, loving way for a dear friend. Watch

I'M BACK!!! LET'S GET THIS PARTY RE-STARTED

Hello, everyone. It's been a very exciting couple of months. I had a BIG birthday (a lady never reveals her age) and I got married!!! Yes, thanks to the good people of New York, my now-husband Ben and I were able to get hitched right here in NYC at the beautiful Soho House and had 83 degree weather to have our reception on the rooftop. We ended up, with many of our guests, jumping in the pool fully clothed! (as you can see in the picture I have posted) It was the most amazing weekend of my entire life. The only thing that made it bitter-sweet was the passing of my father on my wedding day. In my mind it was his way of being at the wedding. We had a contentious relationship for a few years, but I always knew he loved me, even if he didn't approve and couldn't open his mind to my life. I know he cleared the sky for my special week and made my sisters' visit as beautiful as possible. R.I.P., daddy. Now the next stage of my life begins as a married man. I'M FREAKIN' MARRIED, Y'ALL!!!!

PAUSE: I HAVE A WEDDING TO PLAN

All right. I am going on semi-retirement for the next few months from the blogging. While I will be posting here and there, my main focus (aside from my ACTUAL job, which I do have) will be not killing myself while planning for MY WEDDING!! Yes, now that it's legal in New York, my fiance and I are finally getting married....QUICKLY! So I have lots to do. GET OFF MY BACK!! Sorry, that was wedding stress talking. So check in with me and I may verball abuse you or a random celebrity to get my freak-outs under control. Fun!! Well, for me and hopefully for you too once in a while.

NEW YORK PASSES MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL

THAT'S IT. WE'VE DONE IT. NEW YORK HAS PASSED THE MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL. WE HAVE OVERCOME. ALL NEW YORKERS ARE NOW EQUAL IN THE EYES OF THE LAW AND A NEW DAY HAS COME FOR NEW YORK AND THE COUNTRY. EQUALITY IS COMING FOR EVERYONE!! THE VOTE WAS 33 - 29!!!

WATCH LIVE: NY SENATE TAKING A VOTE ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY TONIGHT

It's not happened yet, but tonight the New York Senate will take a vote on marriage equality, and even some of those Senators against it are saying that it is going to pass. Watch now BELOW.

nysenate on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

MY LETTER TO THE NEW YORK SENATORS

Dear Senator,

Hello. My name is Wendell Odom and I am a gay New Yorker. My fiance Ben and I have been together for almost three years and have been engaged since February. Marriage equality in New York is very important to us for many reasons, but most of all so that we are a family, with the same legal rights as any family. Aside from the simple statement of standing up in front of our friends and family and saying "I Do", we also need the security of knowing that LEGALLY we are there for one another in case, goodness forbid, something should happen to either one of us. This is not a religious argument to me. It is strictly legal. I would never dream of infringing on anyone's beliefs and religion, nor would I expect or ask anyone to perform a legal ceremony that was against their religious beliefs. I think the religious exemption added to the bill is an excellent step towards protecting everyone's freedom. Please, as a leader of the great State of New York, vote YES on marriage equality. It is the only way that ALL New Yorkers can truly be equal in the eyes of the law. I love New York and I want to be married in my HOME. New York is that home. As a state worker, I see the rights of people upheld every day. I want to be one of those people today. If you haven't already, consider the legal precedent we can set for equality for every region, not just in the US, but around the world. It's time for New York to a leader. Thank you for reading this and I hope to hear from your office.

Sincerely,
Wendell Odom

COPY AND PAST THESE EMAILS, BCC THEM, AND SEND AN EMAIL TODAY:
gball@nysenate.gov,
fuschill@senate.state.ny.us,
hannon@nysenate.gov,
lanza@senate.state.ny.us,
little@nysenate.gov,
grisanti@nysenate.gov,
saland@nysenate.gov,
flanagan@senate.state.ny.us,

PLEASE CALL THESE SPECIFIC SENATORS AND URGE THEM TO VOTE FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NEW YORK

The New York Assembly, as expected, passed the marriage bill yesterday in an 80-63, but we must call the senators who are still undecided or in opposition and let them know that New Yorkers, the MAJORITY of New Yorkers want marriage equality in the State! It's almost here! New York should be a leader in this country on equality and this is our chance to show that we are leaders. We believe in freedom and equality for ALL our residents. These are the Senators who need a little nudge:

Senator Gregory R. Ball of Putnam County (845) 279-3773 gball@nysenate.gov

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. of Suffolk County (516) 882-0630 fuschill@senate.state.ny.us

Senator J. Kemp Hannon of Nassau County (516) 739-1700 hannon@nysenate.gov

Senator Andrew J. Lanza of Staten Island (718) 984-4073 lanza@senate.state.ny.us

Senator Betty Little of Glens Falls (518) 743-0968 little@nysenate.gov

Senator Mark Grisanti of Erie County (518) 455-3240 grisanti@nysenate.gov

Senator Stephen M. Saland of Poughkeepsie (845) 463-0840 saland@nysenate.gov

Senator John Flanagan of Long Island (518) 455-2071 flanagan@senate.state.ny.us

I DID ANOTHER INTERVIEW FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN NEW YORK WITH NBC

My fiance Ben and I being interviewed by NBC 4 in New York. CALL YOU SENATORS, NEW YORKERS!!!!

I'M FAMOUS! HA. WATCH MY FIANCE AND I SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALITY ON FOX 5

Here is the interview my fiance Ben and I gave last night to Fox 5 News in support of marriage equality. Remember to CLICK HERE TO CALL YOUR SENATORS and get this passed. It's time for New York to lead the way to a better future for ALL Americans.

N.Y. Gay Marriage Legalization Closer: MyFoxNY.com

GOVERNOR CUOMO SENDS MARRIAGE BILL TO SENATE

He has said before that he wouldn't do it unless we had enough votes, so it's sounding good!! Governor Cuomo has sent the marriage bill to the senate for a vote. We heard earlier today that Republican Senator Alesi predicts the bill will pass with 35 votes. Included in the bill is a religious exemption that "guarantees that religious institutions and benevolent organizations such as the Knights of Columbus remain free to choose who may use their facilities for marriage ceremonies and celebrations or to whom they provide religious services, consistent with their religious principles." I think that's fine. Who the hell wants to get married somewhere that doesn't want them anyway. This is very exciting news. Call your senator NOW and push this through. HERE is contact info.

HOW WOULD ANN COULTER FEEL IF SHE HAD A GAY CHILD?

We'll never know because she won't answer the question. Once again, right-wingnut and all around evil (alleged) human being Ann Coulter shows that she is as fake as a Kardashian cheekbone when Piers Morgan asks her the question, "If you had a daughter or son who came to you and said they were gay, how would you feel?". Ann does her usual cowardly dancing around the question before finally refusing to answer. What she does say doesn't even make sense! Oh, Ann. You are so transparent. The sad thing about Coulter is that I don't think she actually believes most of what she says. She does it to sell books. But in the long run, it's more damaging than if she DID actually believe it. What a sad, sad woman.