A Look Back at Gay History From 2008

 

 

April 8, 2008 - A singer who goes by the name of Lady Gaga releases her first single, Just Dance.  Nine months later it would reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

May 11, 2008 - On ABC's Sunday drama Brothers & Sisters, Kevin and Scotty get married.

 

May 15, 2008 - Three months after San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, California's Supreme Court overturns the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

May 20, 2008 - Portland, Oregon elects a gay mayor, 44-year old Sam Adams.

May 30, 2008 - The first Sex & the City movie opens, four years after the TV series ended its run on HBO. 

Aug 21, 2008 - Hallmark introduces a line of wedding cards celebrating same-sex marriage.

Aug 22, 2008 - In a major upset, Australia's openly gay diver, Matt Mitcham, wins a gold medal in the 10-meter diving competition at the Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Sept 8, 2008 - The Rachel Maddow Show debuts at 9PM on MSNBC.

Nov 4, 2008 - By a narrow margin, voters in California overturn the state's Supreme Court ruling that same sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, thus putting somewhat of a damper on Barack Obama's election as U.S. president.

Nov 15, 2008 - Beyonce performs a hilarious Single Ladies skit on Saturday Night Live with three men as her backup dancers, one of whom is Justin Timberlake.

Nov 26, 2008 - The movie Milk opens in theaters.

Nov 27, 2008 - A giant helium balloon honoring graffiti artist Keith Haring makes its first appearance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Nov 30, 2008 - On a segment of 60 Minutes Anderson Cooper challenges Olympic swimming phenom Michael Phelps to a race but disappoints by wearing dorky swim trunks instead of a slinky Speedo like Phelps'.

Dec 13, 2008 - Hong Kong holds its first Gay Pride Parade.

 

(To read about LGBT history from other years double click here.)