LGBT Predictions for 2012

Obama Wins Second Presidential Term
When the Republicans finally settle on a candidate, the American people will realise that a second term for Obama is the only reasonable choice. The Tea Party will take a big hit in the election. A slightly improved economy will help Obama's cause, as will his record on Libya, bin Laden, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and the fact that his opponent is simply unelectable. An Obama win will protect the LGBT community from unfriendly appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court and a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. DOMA repeal and ENDA passage become possible.

U.S. Supreme Court Agrees To Take On Prop 8
When the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upholds Judge Walker's ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional, the proponents of Proposition 8 will appeal. That appeal will eventually be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The actual hearing likely won't take place until 2013, but news that the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the issues of same-sex marriage and ballot-initiated constitutional amendments banning gay marriage will be huge for the LGBT community.

Tammy Baldwin Becomes First-Ever Openly LGBT Senator
Having been the U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district since 1999, Baldwin will make history in 2012 as the first-ever openly LGBT U.S. Senator. She will prove to be a strong voice for Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate and an equally strong voice for equality. Sadly, as she enters the Senate, Barney Frank will be leaving the House of Representatives, having recently announced his intention not to stand for reelection.

'Twilight' Star Comes Out
When The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 came out a few weeks ago, the Internet was abuzz with news that one of the film's stars wanted to come out during the film's press tour. Allegedly, he or she was "pressured" into waiting until after the release of the franchise's final instalment. With the fifth and final film due for release Nov. 16, 2012, it could happen next year. Alas, it's unlikely to be Taylor Lautner or Kellan Lutz. My money was on Peter Facinelli, who plays Carlisle, until I found out he has a wife and three kids. Who will it be?

LGBT Diving Victory At 2012 Olympics In London
In July and August all eyes will be the guys in trunks at the 2012 Olympics in London. Will Australia's adorable, and openly gay, Matthew Mitcham successfully defend his gold medal in the 10-meter platform event? Will Britain's Tom Daley pip him to the post? Though there's nothing apart from a pleasant demeanour and a love affair with spray tans to suggest Daley is gay, were he to come out, there could even be an LGBT 1-2. I predict at least one medal for the boys on our team.

Ricky Martin Gets Married In Spain
Having recently been granted Spanish citizenship, speculation abounded that Martin was about to marry his partner, Carlos Gonzalez, in Spain, where same-sex marriage has been legal since July 2005. Since he's appearing on Broadway, in Evita, from March, expect this to happen sooner rather than later. The recent election of Mariano Rajoy as Spain's Prime Minister should add to the urgency. In the past he's voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage. It's unclear whether he can reverse the legislation that made same-sex marriage in Spain legal, but he could well try.