The Obama Administration has been silent in regard to gay rights. Why? The answer may surprise you. Check out my columns here on OutImpact.com!

During his victory speech, Obama said, “…to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.”

It was a brilliant line, one that was surely dismissed by those for whom it was intended. The Hillary supporters who abstained or voted McCain in protest, or the Palin groupies who want the U.S. of A to be a Christian Theocracy, both believed Obama was an empty suit: a man full of beautiful rhetoric without the substance to back it up. To them, his words were meaningless.

However, he’s been going out of his way to prove that he wasn’t just blowing smoke.

Do you agree w/ gay leaders that Rick Warren was a bad choice by Obama? Vote in our poll!

Barack Obama’s presidential acceptance speech was remarkable for many reasons. I felt a personal connection to his words, as he acknowledged gay Americans and spoke of his desire to incorporate a canine companion into his first family. Obama stated the first daughters “have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the new White House.” This exclamation provoked my speculation as to the exact dog Barack and Michelle will choose for Sasha and Malia. Will they seek out a breeder to acquire a pure-breed dog, will they peruse the shelters to bring home a mixed-breed dog, or will they utilize a rescue organization to find a pure-breed, mixed-breed, or hybrid dog? Regardless, the decision to bring a new dog into their home must be well thought out in order to satisfy his family’s requirements and the scrutiny of the media.

When one of my clients, friends, or our new president expresses interest in adopting a dog, I suggest taking into the considering the following criteria…

Read More: Healthy Pets & People with Dr. Patrick: Choosing Barack Obama’s “First Puppy”

Californians Against Hate has researched and named the top 12 financial contributors to the “Yes on Proposition 8” campaign that heavily influenced people in key states to discriminate against and take away the rights of LGBTQ people in America. For those of you who haven’t been paying attention, Proposition 8 is an amendment to the Constitution that restricts same-sex couples from marrying. Despite all the efforts and progress which allowed and recognized same-sex couples the right to marry, and despite the many same-sex couples who did get married, Proposition 8 overrides all of those marriages. It is amazing to me that our Country still has such a conservative mindset even after electing President Obama, who views all people as equal no matter their sexual orientation.

Recently we asked for reader feedback on why they are against Prop 8 and for gay equality. For more information on this open call for participation and using YOUR voice: Why Are You Against Prop 8? Share Your Stories. Keep your submissions coming, here is Volume II!