From coast to coast tens of thousands of protesters take to the streets. One of the biggest stories of the day is in Las Vegas where Wanda Sykes confirms what many of us already knew. The comedienne publicly comes out as gay.
Everybody who knows me personally, they know I’m gay. ... I’m proud to be a woman, I’m proud to be a black woman and I’m proud to be gay.
Sykes also reveals she was married on October 25. "I want to have my marriage also recognized in Nevada, in Arizona, all the way to New York." Oh and the comedian slaps down the much-quoted meme that blames Prop 8's passage on black voters "because it’s just not true."
Congratulations to Wanda. You go girl.
I love and support you Wanda!
Posted by: Lavenderpop | 16 November 2008 at 19:09
I’ve always loved Wanda Sykes, but I love her even more, now that she’s part of my family.
Posted by: Travis S | 16 November 2008 at 22:54
Umm, is anyone surprised? I knew she was gay!
Posted by: ALTON | 16 November 2008 at 22:55
Kudos to Wanda! Welcome to the “family”. We are family! As of today, the gay “closet” has officially had its door taken off of its
Posted by: Danny Rivera | 16 November 2008 at 23:14
Dang…now that’s a blessing and a gift! I’m happy for her and her wife, I’m happy for her in so many ways, and I’m even more grateful for her coming forward now. It shouldn’t be anybody’s business, but it is what it is. She has the courage to be public, and I’m not gonna say that’s an easy path for a gay black woman. That’s raw strength.
Posted by: Bradley R | 16 November 2008 at 23:42
you go Wanda!!! always loved you and now even MORE!!!!
Posted by: colley | 16 November 2008 at 23:43
What a truly wonderful and blessed day to see the mighty come out with the meek, and to hear one small voice become a throng of humanity declaring “NO MORE”. NO MORE to inequality, NO MORE to discrimination, NO MORE to hate crimes, NO MORE to religion and it’s messages of hate! Throughout the annals of history, gay and lesbian people have been, and always will be a part of the human fabric. Gay and Lesbian people, along with their families and loved ones have arisen and will continue to rise up as once voice, united towards equality rights for each and every man, woman and child. Thank you Wanda for standing up and being counted!
Posted by: Grant | 16 November 2008 at 23:45
Good for her!!!
Saw her show a few years back. That’s one funny lady.
Side note:
Isn’t it odd that Gay men and women will say that it’s a personal choice to come out and people have to do it at their own pace but knock “celebrities” for not coming out sooner? It may help visibility when famous people come out but they also have the right to do it when and where they choose.
I hope more people follow her lead and do it.
Posted by: JBR | 16 November 2008 at 23:52
I had NO idea. I’ve always loved her and thought she was funny as hell, and so very COOL, but never did I think she was gay! How
Posted by: Colin | 16 November 2008 at 23:56
WANDA-LOVE YA, BABE,,,,,, AND THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT !!!!!ANYONE ELSE WANNA COME OUT???
Posted by: Padma | 17 November 2008 at 01:06
I love her closing statement:
“They pissed off the wrong group of people,” she told the crowd. “They have galvanized a community. We are so together now and we all want the same thing and we shouldn’t have to settle for less. Instead of having gay marriage in California, no, we’re gonna have gay marriage across the country.”
I could not agree more!!!
Posted by: FQ | 17 November 2008 at 01:10
Wow - I agree with most. I never cared about her sexuality. She is funny. This is the example we need. Such an inspiration to stand up and OUT. This is called passion.
Posted by: Lang B. | 17 November 2008 at 10:31
Good for, Wanda.
Now if only Sean Combs would come out.
And Jada Pinkett Smith.
And Kanye West.
And Tyler Perry.
And Will Smith.
And on and on...
Posted by: Farris | 17 November 2008 at 13:04
HELO OUT THERE ONE MORE COME OUT OF CLOSET I'AM COME WELL THE WELL NOT 1 TIME THEY COME.I AM FAN THE WANDA FOR MANY'S YEAR AND I PROUD THE SHE COME OUT.YOU GOT GIRL.LOVELY
Posted by: I'm Deep | 17 November 2008 at 13:06
It would never have occured to me all this time, that Wanda Sykes is a lesbian. I am extremely proud of her for being who she is and doing her thing as a comedienne. This doesn't make her any less of a woman or any less black because she loves women. I'm glad that she chose to express her opinion on something that was important to her. More people should.
For all those out there who are still in that old-fashioned homophobic, go to hell mindset, you're the ones that should be ashamed of yourselves, for being so judgmental against one of your fellow people. Why is someone else's sex life your business in the first place?
That's the problem with the world now. We spend so much time judging and tearing down others, instead of loving and respecting one another.
Posted by: Gina O | 17 November 2008 at 13:07
ok..so she came out of the closet. Why didnt she pull Queen Latifah out with her? Lets see what other big-name black females come out. i mean half the ones that do will only end the speculation of us already knowing.
Posted by: Tandio | 17 November 2008 at 15:36