MORE Interpretation of Putting A Ring On It

Like Cabbage Patch Kids or eight ball pog slammers, I found a trend for y'all...

If you recall, I posted a few weeks ago about local Kansas jewelry store Tevol releasing a billboard that featured two men, one with his arm around the other, looking at some wedding bands. Just to recap, I was a tad bit annoyed with the fact they said the ad was open to interpretation and not coming out (no pun intended...JK LOL BFF it totally is) saying if it was or wasn't meant to be a gay couple.

Well, mamma's got ANOTHER local jewelry store that put out an ad featuring two women, and this time they flat out saying, "Why yes! It IS a lesbian couple! And?" Check out the picture of the couple below and head over to CBS Baltimore to watch the news story:

This time, it's local Baltimore jewelry store Charles Nusinov and Sons that ran an ad in various local newspapers with the headline "Let's Grow Old Together" featuring various couples, including lesbians! Vice President Sydney Nusinov stated his reasonings for including a lesbian couple: "I think same-sex couples just want the same American dream that straight couples want...From a business standpoint, I think it would help us to have a whole new subsection of customers getting married." Preach gurl...eh...man. He even says they're getting positive responses for the ad, and when the TV crew showed it to random people, all of them were not bothered by it at all. Now, not to say everyone feels that way, but it's great to see these people not really worry about how they're advertising to the LGBT community. 

Now, I've always thought local companies have a such an advantage/risk with advertising to the LGBT community. They have the a bit more freedom with their advertisements and the content they include, which is a plus, but also it's a bit more "risky" because the clientele is much smaller. So if a large part of the community doesn't like the fact they included LGBT figures in their ads, it could have a negative effect on them, which is horrible. I commend Charles Nusinov and Sons for doing this ad and standing behind the content. Even though gay marriage isn't legal in Maryland (yet) they still chose to tastefully support the community while opening up to a new type of clientele for their business. It's a great example for other companies looking to do ads like these that it CAN work and it CAN help the business. I mean, if more business' could think this way a) I'd have a lot more content for your viewing pleasure and b) it could help open people's minds to the subject and get us closer to the equal rights we deserve. 

Props to my sista from the SAME mista Elizabeth for sending me this!

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!