At the Democratic National Convention in the year 2000, gay rights activists organised under the motto, "We're a movement, not a market." As the statement implies, visibility does not equal rights. Three years later queer culture appears more popular than ever, with TV programs like Will and Grace, Boy meets Boy, and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy grabbing ratings and headlines across the US. However, the popularity of gay culture has not translated into support for gay rights. Recent polls indicate that for the first time in a decade, support for important gay rights are on the decline. The majority of Americans now think that gay sex should be illegal, gay life is unacceptable, and civil unions should not be allowed.

Edward Alwood, a former CNN correspondent, writes for a variety of publications including The Christian Science Monitor. He is the author of Straight News: Gays, Lesbians, and the News Media.