IMHO "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List" (5.8): Norma Gay

Bravo's Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List has always been the most gay-positive show on TV, but last night's episode went above and beyond, and while it was short on laughs, it was a must-see for anyone fighting for marriage-equality.

Look below to find out why Kathy Griffin retains her crown as "Queen of the Gays".

Kathy is furious that Prop 8 passed in California, and decides to become a full-fledged political activist. But she needs some advice on how best to go about it, and seeks the counsel of Power Lesbians Melissa Etheridge and her wife Nicole Julian Tammy Lynn.

The most interesting part of the show is when Kathy visits some gay young people at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. The kids (who actually live at the center after being shunned by their families) are eager to learn, and Kathy gives them a crash course on Prop 8 and ... Matthew Shephard.

I have to admit to being shocked and disappointed that most of the kids didn't know who Matthew was, then I remembered that it's been over a decade since he was killed, and as Kathy pointed out, it might be a "generational thing". She completely nails it when she says "these kids need to know who Matthew Shepard was the same way I needed to know about Stonewall, and you need to pass this movement on to the next generation."

Up next is an attempt at "canvassing" , as Kathy goes door-to-door to ask people how they voted. What's interesting is how quickly she finds out that many people were confused by the wording on Prop 8, and may have voted in favor, when they meant to oppose. Possibly. It's easy to cry "confusion" when you're on camera being pressed by Kathy Griffin. Of the people who did vote yes on Prop 8, Kathy has some success getting them to second guess their decision, except for one Santa looking guy.

The rest of the episode is quite emotional, as Maggie becomes overwhelmed by a Matt Shepard tribute, and a couple named Frank & Joe make the most compelling case there can be for needing the benefits of marriage. Frank is in desperate need of health care, but Joe's union will not cover him. This scene should be required viewing for anyone who says "civil unions are enough".

The episode ends with Team Kathy and the kids marching in West Hollywood in the aftermath of the California Supreme Court decision, as she proclaims herself Norma Gay. Take a look ...

I don't think there's anything left to say about how fabulous this episode was. In one hour, Kathy covered just about all that needs to be said about marriage-equality, and why it's so important ... and she did it in her own, well, Kathy way.

What did you think?