Homophobic conservatives lashed out at CNN after the network showed two men kissing shortly after the ball dropped in Times Square in New York City during their live coverage of New Year's Eve.
In recent years, openly gay TV hosts Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen have co-hosted the annual CNN show "New Year’s Eve Live," guiding American viewers into the new year amidst laughter and memorable moments, featuring the duo enjoying drinks, engaging in lively banter, and even interviewing the ghost of a Titanic victim
When the clock struck midnight, the vibrant crowd gathered in New York City’s Times Square celebrated the significant moment by exchanging kisses with their loved ones. Cameras captured the scene, and notably, the first kiss of 2024 broadcasted on CNN, ABC News, and CBS happened to be shared by two men.
The moment the kiss was showed was highlighted by Ryan Aguirre, a public relations professional who is currently the Director of National Publicity at Searchlight Pictures.
Aguirre posted footage and a screenshot of the kiss to his followers on X, formerly Twitter.
You can see the photo of the kissing couple below.
CNN
Almost immediately, the homophobes came out of the woodwork to condemn the romantic moment.
A few spoke about how their own families reacted to the footage.
Others, however, loved the moment.
Other nations joined the US in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community at midnight. Across the pond in the UK, a vibrant rainbow-themed firework display set to the tunes of the Spice Girls illuminated London's skies, commemorating 10 years of same-sex marriage in England and Wales.
Following the UK’s midnight festivities, a memorable rendition of “Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” unfolded, delivered by Rick Astley and Rylan Clark, brimming with undeniable energy and chemistry.
There's no doubt that many LGBTQ+ teens watching at home felt seen and heard during these pivotal moments and that's much more important than conservative hand-wringing.
@RonFilipkowski/X