Gay Ad Cheat Sheet: Top 7 Marriage Equality Ads

Okay people, I know we are all OBSESSED (and rightfully so) over the GetUp! Marriage Equality ad that is blowing up like J. Lo finding a red M&M in her bowl of only green ones.  Seriously, up until now I've had 30 friend post it on their Facebook and the media attention just keeps getting bigger. The Advocate even stated that it's "possibly the most beautiful ad for marriage equality we've seen." It really is an amazing ad and should still be constantly watched and shared to spread the word. If you need to be reminded, here's the ad once again below:

After seeing this, it made me think: what about other beautiful and powerful gay marriage ads that are out there? Well, I got inspired and new list is born...I know, it's just like winning the lottery. Here are 7 marriage equality ads that I gathered and ranked to reveal my personal favorites. Just call me the Carson Daily of marriage equality ads. Okay, let's get started!!

#7: "Marriage" - Johnnie Walker 

This ad comes from Australia (same as the GetUp! ad) and depicts two women on their very special day. The ad itself is okay, but I wanted to include it because it was made in 1997, which was very risky back then and way ahead of its time. 

#6: "The Edge of Glory: Marriage Equality"

Even though this was more of a viral video than an actual ad, it still gets you weeping like Tammy Faye. Created by Jason O'Ffill and directed by Sean Penberthy, it shows the anticipation from both grooms getting ready for their wedding day and the love they have for each other. Style wise, the GetUp! ad reminded me of this video a little, but each show different sides of marriage beautifully.  And it's to Lady Gaga...I mean...

#5: "Roy's Story" - marriagequality.ie

Just a warning, this one is a little darker than the rest, but this Irish ad for their marriage equality campaign really shows why it's so important for the LGBT community to have the right to marry. Also demonstrates the mind-boggling point that kids raised by gay couples can actually come out normal. Who knew!?!? 

#4: "Love For All" - Bjorn Borg

Famous Swedish underwear company Bjorn Borg created this very pretty ad for the support of marriage equality. The fact that it's two priests will clearly not settle well with some (Religion? Fashion? Gay? Sound familiar?) the ad is beautifully made and tastefully done. Also, adding to my to-do list to buy this "True Colors" cover... 

UPDATE! My insanely smart friend Maddie pointed this fun fact about the subjects in this ad:

"They are members of the clergy but not Catholic because the cross was not a Catholic cross and a woman married them. Episcopalians (part of the church accepts homosexuality) and Lutheran ministers both wear similar collars." Thanks Maddie!

#3: "Parents" - equalmarriage.ca

This commercial is one that brings humor to the subject in a great way. Part of the Canada's Equal Marriage campaign (which, you have to look at the website. Based on the look of it, it's VERY clear it because legal in 2005) this ad points out that gay marriages have the same problems as straight ones, even problems with future mother-in-laws... 

#2: "Permission" - MTV

I have to say, I think this is hands down the most creative marriage equality ad I've seen to date. MTV created this ad that puts the question all LGBT people put in the hands of voters in a very literal sense. The Irish campaign from above also recreated a longer version this ad, which you can check out here. 

#1: "Garden Wedding" - Let California Ring

So, when I was thinking about starting this blog and looking at a lot of so-so ads, I remember stumbling on this and being completely blown away. The ad was for Let California Ring and was released a little before Prop 8 blew up. Like the MTV ad, it turns the issue around and shows straight people what it would feel like if their rights got taken away, which I think is a brilliant angle. These are the people who's support we need, and this ad allows them to relate to our dilemma. The music, that actress (who truly makes you believe her), the way it's shot, it's over the top yet believable, it's creative, it breaks your heart...everything...just breathtaking. Okay, I'll shut my trap and let you watch...

Now, let's be real. Sadly, marriage equality is something that some people have, but most don't. Hopefully the attention of the GetUp! ad and ads like these will help people open their minds and join us in this fight so that one day we won't need these ads. Right now, there are many ways to help support the GetUp! campaign, such as sign the petition or donate to help get the ad on TV. For peeps in the US, you can head over to MarriageEquality.org, HRC, one that I'm affiliated with here in NYC called Swish, or find a local organization near your to see how you can help. 

Cause the more we get the word out, the quicker I can go crazy with my registry gun at Bed Bath & Beyond, dammit!

Orbitz and Go...GAY!

Huge congrats to our peeps at Orbitz!

Orbitz Worldwide CEO Barney Harford was recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and accepted the 2011 HRC Corporate Equality Award for their DECADE of LGBT advertising! You can watch the video here on Facebook. (Mamma could not find a YouTube video, therefore I can't put it on here. Fail.) If you can't see it, below are some some written highlights from his speech:

"For over a decade, Orbitz has recognized the importance of being LGBT inclusive. As CEO, I recognize the importance of our inclusive advertising and our policy of non-discrimination, not only in helping the Orbiz brand resinate with travelers, but also in helping change public opinion on LGBT equality...I hope that doing the right thing and respecting the rights of all employees is just the way things are done and we won't need to call individual companies like Orbitz."

He also reads a letter he received from a woman that a) thanks Orbitz for their humorous and inclusive ads and b) talks about the similarities to this and racial issues in advertising in the 50s and 60s. Coincidentally, my wonderful mother also sent me an email pointing out the same thing a few days ago! (She's just so with it. Love ya Mom.) She said as she was watching a TV ad I posted, a commercial before it featured an interracial couple, which today most people don't even think twice about, but back then it would've been a huge deal. The civil rights movement and issues with race have always been compared to the current struggles the LGBT community is facing now, and I think advertising is defiantly a great example to show the similarities of the two.

I think this speech is fantastic and really sums up why I started this blog. If you remember, it was an Orbitz commercial that first sparked my interest in this subject, so it's great to see them get recognized for their work. Their approach of using humorous ads in order to put the subject out there without being "in-your-face" and with the goal for these ads to not be an issue in the future is, just, brilliant.

If you're unfamiliar with Orbitz LGBT advertising, check out a few TV commercials below. (Found on YouTube. Score!) First is a great summary of their previous ads in TV, print, and radio, and the rest are a few newer TV ads. Also be sure to head on over to their website and Facebook page to learn more.

What do you all think? Do you enjoy these advertisements? Do you think the fact that Orbitz has done this for ten years has made an impact on LGBT advertisements?