Equal rights

Elton John's concert last night, in which he played 16 songs for more than 90 minutes, raised $3 million for the American Foundation for Equal Rights, the group challenging Proposition 8 in federal court.

Sir Elton did more singing than speaking, yet made clear that he recognized the political ramifications of the event and his role there. He is openly gay and, as he noted, he and his partner had a son on Christmas day. He was at turns politic and caustic in his description of politicians and church leaders who oppose gay rights.

“As a gay man, I think I have it all: I have a wonderful career, I have my health, I have a partner of 17 years, and I have a son,” he said. “But I don’t have the respect of the church or politicians who says I’m less worthy because I’m gay.”

In the picture above: Adam Lambert and Republican presidential hopeful and activist Fred Karger, in a photo he tweeted from the event.