As I type this, there are just two states that haven’t been called, Missouri and North Carolina.  Obama has won 349 electoral votes to McCain’s 147.  McCain took Georgia and the Senate race is still a toss up.  With Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss at 52%, Democrat Jim Martin at 44% and Libertarian Allen Buckley at 4%, and with many votes still uncounted, we could be looking at a run-off.  I hope that happens.

However, most of the propositions and initiatives aimed at LGBT people passed.  Arizona’s amendment to their constitution to ban same-sex marriage, Prop 102, passed, 56% to 44%.  Arkansas’ Initiative 1, a ban on gay couples from adopting children, passed 57% to 43%.  Florida’s Amendment 2, a constitution amendment banning gay marriage, needed 60% to pass and it got 62%.  California’s Prop 8, a ban on gay marriage, is still undecided, but it leads 52% to 48%.

(Break)

There are many other interesting initiatives that were voted on here in then US, such as banning affirmative action in Colorado and Nebraska.  It passed in Nebraska, but is at 50/50 in Colorado so far.  Arizona’s Prop 202, a ban on hiring illegal immigrants, failed.  Abortion limits failed in South Dakota and hasn’t been called in California, but is losing so far.  Colorado’s Amendment 48, defining life beginning at the moment of conception, failed miserably, 73% to 27%.  Michigan had two interesting propositions, Prop 1 allowing medical marijuana use and Prop 2, allowing stem cell research, passed 63% to 37% and 53% and 47% respectively.  And, Washington State becomes the second state allowing doctor-assisted suicide.  Oregon is the other.

History was made last night, and I got to see it, as I have seen many others in my lifetime.  Hope has come to this country.  Change has come to this country.  Respect from the rest of the world has come back to this country.  As a transgender activist, I have more hope than any time in the 11 years of being involved in this community.  This day after is one I will never forget.

Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and help to move this country forward for everyone.  I am thrilled.