When marriage equality was legalized on June 26th, the folks at Freedom to Marry couldn't have possibly been more ecstatic to lose their jobs. The organization, founded by civil rights attorney Evan Wolfson in 2003, has been one of the most powerful and effective voices this movement has seen, and their 'going out of business' party was an emotional culmination of the decades of intensely passionate work it took to make it to this day. At Thursday's overwhelmingly spirited event in New York City, the struggle this has been was reflected on with seriousness while the outcome was celebrated with nothing short of pure joy. Vice President Biden even made a special appearance to discuss his involvement in this journey, his pride in the outcome, and the work that now needs to be done to work for equality in the workplace. Performers Lena Hell (a Tony winner from Hedwig and the Angry Inch) and "Call Me Maybe" singer Carly Rae Jepsen kept the party going all night, and a truly wonderful time was had by all. Here's Carly Rae and Evan Wolfson himself, in front of a glorious, Advocate-adorned step and repeat!
We're not even quite sure something should be considered a party anymore if it doesn't have Joe Biden being inspirational and Carly Rae Jepsen singing "Call Me Maybe" live. Consider our standards raised. And for those of you who couldn't make it, hopefully you've been celebrating equality every day in your own way! Oh, and here's a video of Carly Rae with a dazzling rainbow background, just because why on earth not? We thank you for your hard work, Freedom to Marry, and we'll keep on fighting for equality in every way we can!
