Rapper and Seattle native Macklemore, along with creative partner Ryan Lewis, yesterday released the music video for SameLove. SameLove supports family acceptance and marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, specifically in Washington State, where voters will soon be voting on marriage equality. Referendum 74 aims to legalize marriage equality in Washington State.
The video for SameLove tells the life story of a gay man, dealing with his struggle for family and social acceptance, finding love and happiness, and eventually having the opportunity to marry his partner. The video closes with the couple in the hospital as old men, holding hands so that their wedding rings are prominent and their dedication to each other – just like any other couple – is evident. Macklemore’s aim with SameLove is distilled in four lines at the end of the second verse:
I might not be the same
But that's not important
No freedom 'til we're equal
Damn right I support it
All Pilgrim’s Christian Church, located in Seattle, served as the setting for the wedding in the SameLove video. The church, which affiliates with both the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ denominations, is an Open and Affirming Church, in line with both denominational affiliations’ commitment to justice for all people.
Using music videos to convey support for marriage equality is one of many ways to reach out to those who are undecided about marriage equality. In Minnesota, representatives from 40 Catholic congregations throughout the state joined together in April to sing “For all the Children,” a hymn written by David Lohman, the Faith Work Coordinator at the Institute for Welcoming Resources, in support of LGBT equality and against Minnesota’s so-called “Marriage and Family Protection Act” which would outlaw marriage equality.
GLAAD is always thrilled to see support for marriage equality coming from a wide variety of sources, especially when those sources recognize that many faith groups and congregations are welcoming and affirming.