What do we want? EQUALITY!

My boyfriend, Steve, and I attended the No. On Prop. 8 rally last night at City Hall. Carol Migden, Mark Leno, Tom Ammiano, and I believe, the first lesbian couple to get married along with some others all spoke. It was a candlelight affair with cheers, whoops and hollers punctuating the speeches. At one point we all sang a song. Can't remember which one, but it, along with the gathering of the LGBT community and its supporters in this civil rights movement was comforting in our recent loss and inspiring to continue onward and fight for equality. It was all fine. Mostly it was hard to hear with the helicopters buzzing overhead and then kind of lackluster and seemed to just fizzle out.

What happened afterward was nothing short of attitude changing!

As Steve and I were walking home talking about the night we heard organized shouting approaching from behind. Paying no attention we kept walking, but it continued and grew closer. Turning we saw a small protest had gathered and was marching down Market Street toward us. At this time we were by the LGBT Center and stood and waited for it to reach us.

What do we want? EQUALITY! When do we want it? NOW! Whose rights? OUR RIGHTS! Whose streets? OUR STREETS! We were hooked. Tired and hungry, we joined the front of the small crowd and marched right past my house where we had planned to eat. It didn't matter. A man on a bullhorn shouted his questions and we answered loudly and proudly as we marched up Market Street.

Led by Frank and Joe, one carrying the American flag and the other the rainbow flag, the crowd was excited and boisterous. Made up of mostly, but not completely, younger gays and lesbians and our supporters we felt the collective power fueled by the chanting and boldness of taking to the streets in an unsanctioned march. I spotted an older couple marching just in front of us carrying a chihuahua dressed in a tiger skin coat! Traffic stopped as we flooded into intersections undaunted.

Whose streets? OUR STREETS! A police car pulled alongside with its hazard lights flashing and a pulse of its siren. The crowd hesitated for just a second. Were they going to break up our impromptu protest? And then, just as quickly, we went back to our chanting and the seemingly obedient police car maneuvered in front of us, slowed down and led the way to the Castro.

Out of the bars! INTO THE STREETS! As we approached bars, this how we greeted the patrons who had popped their heads out to see what the hell was going on. At Castro Street, we turned left. Whose rights? OUR RIGHTS! Whose state? OUR STATE!

Heading down the hill to 18th Street we were getting cheers and hollers of support. Of course we were; we were in the Castro. What would it be like in a less gay friendly city, or even less gay friendly neighborhood in San Francisco? What do we want? EQUALITY! When do we want it? NOW!

Reaching the intersection at the bottom of the hill we stopped to gather there. It was then that I turned around and was amazed at what I saw coming down the hill towards me! The small boisterous crowd Steve and I joined had turned into a large energized crowd filling most of the city block! People just like us had been swept up in the energy and determination of the small crowd led by the man on the bullhorn whose voice was now hoarse. He had done his job. The chanting continued. Whose state? OUR STATE! And then, YES WE CAN! And we will...

(Top photo: Steve House, bottom photo: Glenn Nezgoda)

Comments

[Ray - Jackson, MS]

I'm proud of you. I hope more of the younger generation decides to fight instead of ignoring things like they have done since the end of the 80's.

[Robert Kimmel]

I commend all who are signing the petition. Living in Ohio, my rights and that of my partner were taken away years ago. I hope and pray that your struggles will succeed.

God bless and keep every one of you (Yes, I'm gay and a Christian)

[Gary]

Right on Ronnie. A million gays march on Washington, it can be done. We really need to let people know we are here to stay.

[Brandon Kingsley]

As I write this, I am deeply sadden and ashamed to not only be black but also to be a gay black man. I was so happy on election day to not only see change. Yes, I voted for Obama and on the night of his speech. I can say for the first time in a very long time. I was proud to be an American. Now, I feel torn and betrayed by my own people. I love everyone no matter what their color. I didn't vote for Obama based on the color of his skin, I voted for him based on his politics. I could not believe it, even though I do not live in the state of California. I live in the midwest in obama's home state. That not only did prop 8 was approved but that more than 70% of the people who voted for the ban were black. I am sad, mad, pissed off and once again ashamed of own people. I have always fought or had to work twice as hard to make it in this world. Now, I feel that I have to work four times as hard the next person because I am NOT one of those people who is against basic human rights if anything I am for those basic human rights that everyone deserves. What makes me even madder is that some not all, black people or people who don't say who they are gay can allow men to fuck them in every hole they have but when it comes to basic human rights they vote against it because 'it's the right thing to do' I now feel like I have to shout from the roof. 'I am not like those people!' Now gay people who live in Florida, California, Arkansas and Nevada. A person who happens to be gay, bisexual or lesbian. Cannot have children, own land or celebrate their lives together. Laws are begin passed left, right and center. This is happening everyday and we must not sleep on this. It's funny how many black people I saw voting at the polls. I was happy but now that 'my people' have voted for this ban on marriage for gays not just in California but all over this country. Black people get a little bit of power and they betray the very people who have walked along with us when we needed them. Now, that 'we' do not need them we fuck them over. I feel that this is one of the biggest slaps in the face for everyone who believes in equal rights for everyone. As I said before I am deeply sadden and ashamed for my people. But I want everyone to know I DO NOT represent 'those people' by any means.

Thanks for Listening, Brandon Kingsley.

[N. E.]

We're protesting in Salt Lake City, UTAH and we want to get the word of unity out. If GAY.COM or PLANETOUT can post the message we can be a unified force across the country!

I feel strongly that if we arrive without ONE clear message it will be to our detriment and not to our benefit. we need to pass the message around that we cannot be silence. ALL TEMPLE PROTESTS should show this fact by signs indicating that we cannot and will not be silenced by the religious right. If we are to succeed we ALL need to have one message of unity. The demonstrations MUST be peaceful and without confrontation. we should remain vocally silent while our signs and our taped mouths reflect the message.. "WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED!!"

[Dave]

The approval of Proposition 8 in California as well as the changes in legislation in various states defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman have made me angry. How dare U.S. voters, especially those in minority populations themselves help to legislate discrimination against a group of tax paying citizens?

Why should straight couples be given special rights?

I suggest we ban all forms of legally recognized marriage in this country.

This ban on all legally recognized marriage solves the problem of equality and religion in many ways. Marriage would then be solely a religious bond between two individuals, the exact boundaries of that term to be determined by a particular religious view. This would also put an end to the special rights that are given to heterosexual couples who are married. These include rights to joint parenting, adoption, custody, visitation and medical decisions for a partner, joint issue of insurance, immigration and residency of partners, inheritance rights, joint ownership of property, spousal Social Security, Medicare, and pension benefits, bereavement benefits for a partner as well as evidentiary immunity not to mention tax breaks given to married couples. There is no reason these special rights should be conferred on one group of people but denied to another, especially when half of all of those marriages will end in a divorce. This is costly and simply bad business. These people should have to consult a lawyer and stand before a judge to receive these rights, the same way LBGT people have been required to.

In fairness to all I also suggest that all marriages be promptly dissolved and as well as access to the special rights given to those who are married. This would apply to all those immigrating to this country whose marriages would also be legally dissolved once one obtains residencey in this country. This national action might enlighten those who opposed gay marriage as to the struggles that GLBT cohabitating couples have to endure in order to access rights straight couples expect when they marry.

I know my solution to the problem will be discounted by many who will argue that my point of view is socially misguided, anti-family, or biased. I say, look at the source of those who disagree with my position. Most likely the person disagreeing is straight, married, or hopes to be married some day and wants their access to special rights.

I told you the solution was radical.

[Sargon Bighorn]

Be angry and be SMART. One comment was well made, be organized and speak with one voice or you look silly. GET ANGRY ACROSS AMERICA. The economy takes a back seat to discrimination.

[peter]

YEAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! when do we want it NOW! common marys! young and old shout till they hear us!........makes me believe all the shouting we did all ready is being remembered and carried on by the young glbt people :D
YEEEEEEEEEEE--------HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[sjs5572]

I volunteered for Obama for America, and I recently married in CA. Today, I called the Obama headquarters and calmly urged the president elect to speak to African Americans and the country in general about taking away civil rights from others. A staffer actually called me back to follow up on the issue. Please call the Campaign Headquarters
at 866-675-2008 (and press 6) to express your views on this subject.

[Kyle]

It is about time the younger Generation protested for something. I am 27 and I see it everyday My Generation does not understand what there fighting for and does not care. We need to step up and fight for our rights because if we don't no one else will.

[Kris]

Why the hell didn't the protests take place before the election? It seems a bit late to make a difference now. No amount of protests will change the result of this election. Honestly I'm tired of a complacent and apathetic gay community. While many of us were cruising online and at the bars, some of us have been actively fighting this fight. It's about time we all WAKE UP and not expect others to fight on our behalf!

[Rich62]

well, all of us (gay People) should have a lesser tax rate to pay, since we do not have the same rights as the rest of America...We should bring that up...see what happens then....bet that will open some eyes...

[Rich62]

another thing....if the gay community is not allowed to adopt children, then all the money we pay to the schools on our property taxs should be removed from our bill, and should be lowered for us all.....Id we are not allowed to adopt children, why should we have to pay for the schools ?

[Chemosh]

This fight aint over. And although as an athiest I don't think the state should recognize anything BUT a civil union. As long as "marriage" (which to me has connotations of religion) is the law then DAMN SKIPPY I DEMAND my rights. I have been with my partner for coming up to 27 years. We have never needed the sanctions of any state or delusional superstition to condone our lives. But if we are forced to pay Social Security etc. and my partner and I cannot reap the benefits of that forced collection agency then I want the full monty! So until the Federal Government does what is right and just our mission is still undone.

[Roger]

In Toronto in the 1980s when the police assaulted our institutions and we had no or little rights we fought back with equal violence. We smashed streetcars, we roughed up "straights" who tried to stop us, we surged down the streets, rocking cars that would not stop. Peaceful protest does not always get attention. Many of us had charges laid against us. Myself I was arrested a week after the protests and charged with something I didn't do. It was eventually thrown out by the Judge. Rise up!

[Arthur]

What are you talking about? Using violence at this point (or in any context) is the worst idea anyone could ever come up with. It would only trigger more hatred and would definitely not solve the problem.

[Spencer Cunard]

The gay community is going about this marriage fight all wrong, it's not a civil rights struggle, it is a question of constitionality! I fully support the rights of gays and lesibans and there right to have all the rights and freedoms of every American, however i beleive marriage is between a man and woman, but why does traditional marriage have to be recongized by law? If marriage is between a man and woman what does having social security benefits, tax breaks and other ''secular'' legal provisions have to do with traditional marriage. Doesn't that violate the first amendment to the constituion? The gay community has it's weapon it's just not using it! Think about this comment very carefully and you will see that traditoinal marriages are just as secular as marriages of homosexuals!

[MrPos]

Fist of all....I think we went about things in the wrong way. Why do we need the word "marraige"? Ok....they want the word to mean between a "man and a women" so what! Why didn't we start out with "civil unions" then the same rights as everyone else. No, we wanted it all. Right here and right now! We screwed ourselves. Instead of going forward, we've gone backwards. We will constantly have to fight for our rights as American's. Immigrants get more rights than us. It disgusts me to think that we are treated like trash. Kicking us to the curb. We can protest all we want, but the "straight" world will NEVER let us have what they have.

[MrPos]

Spencer....you said what I tried to say. Thank you!

[Jos Montpelier]

"Getting married and be our EQUAL : NO YOU CAN'T" - Barack Obama Nov 2008

"All americans are equal, but some americans are more equal than others"
- Barack Obama Nov 2008

He will be forever remembered for his hypocrisy.

[sonofloud]

It began with 90% of black voters supporting an unknown and inexperienced candidate simply because he shared the same color skin.

Now we have discrimination enshrined in the California constitution thanks to these same black voters voting for Proposition 8.

From the CNN web site:

Vote by Race

White yes 47% no 53%

African-American yes 70% no 30%

Latino yes 51% no 49%

Asian yes 47% no 53%

Other yes 50% no 50%

To the gay community: Next time you vote or donate money remember this fact, 70% of black voters chose to discriminate against you.

It is clear who our enemies are and don't ever forget it.

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman." (From the Human Rights Campaign's 2008 Presidential questionnaire) - Barack Hussein Obama

Obama is no friend of the gay community and never will be.

As gays we need to stop automatically giving the Democrats a blank check every election, especially when they clearly do not support our equal rights. Demand they fight for our rights everyday (not just when it is politically convenient for them) or no money.

[Andy]

Q: What do Proposition 8 and Barack Obama have in common?

A: Neither one supports gay marriage.

[raginhomo]

Here are two lists of funders of Prop 8, including executives of Bank of America and The Walt Disney Co, Proctor & Gamble, A-1 Storage, Margot Kyd (senior vice-president of San Diego Gas & Electric), Hoen Motors....

These companies, groups and individuals should be exposed for their contribution towards discrimination:

1.http://www.tips-q.com/content/so-who-funding-proposition-8

2.http://www.californiansagainsthate.com/dishonorRoll.html

[Lakefield1981]

Yes Obama does not support same-sex marriage, and I will actually be quite surprised if he himself pushes for the end of DOMA or DADT or for bringing in a nation wide anti-discrimination policy on the basis of sexual orientation or being transgender. I doubt he will actively push for a hate crimes law to be passed. He will simply sit in the office and sign those things when/if Congress and the Senate pass them.

Obama should have never mentioned gay people in that speech he gave because he does not represent us. He represents straight America.

Don't get me wrong I think Obama will do a phenomenal job as President but Queer people should expect nothing from this man because he does not care about us - the sooner we realize this the better.

50+ years ago people were arguing against inter-racial marriage and citing the same reasons they site today against same-sex marriage. Obama is a product of an inter-racial marriage and dares to cite the same reasons people cited to try to stop his parents from getting married to us, our families, and our neighbours. How can we for one instance believe that a man who would do that will ever actually care about our rights?

[realworldweirdo]

I read a comment that recommended violence, and I would like to make my opinions clear as a young, gay, intelligent man with a good head for strategy.

Violence is a messy business, and it's messy because things get broken, people get hurt and in some cases killed, and it generally disrupts things.

It's something that we, as faggots, would never do.

Which is EXACTLY why WE MUST RISE UP, we MUST FORCE THE POINT, we MUST DEFY THEIR EXPECTATIONS! There is a powerful, experienced, well-funded global campaign against our rights, and in some cases our right to live, being waged against us. We've won in specific locations around the world. But there's still places like Iran. Our progress is slipping away, and our opponents are holding all the cards.

Civil unions are NOT the same as marriage, because they do not grant the same social status. After all, are we after money and benefits, or are we after an equal cultural footing? Equal stature in society? Of course, we need and deserve the same benefits and protections as hetero couples, but if they have marriage and we have civil unions... we are not equal. Think back to segregation of the school systems, in the days of the race wars. Would it have been all right to maintain segregation so long as legislation was passed to ensure equal funding for both institutions? NO! Never! We must not be appeased with half-measures any longer!

Peaceful protests work for slaves, because they become unproductive. Peaceful protests work for normal citizens because they cause expense. Peaceful protest HAS NEVER and WILL NEVER work on this scale for the gay community because it is the stereotype of the passive, weak, feminine gay man that allows them to put us in the place they want us.

I for one refuse to be victimized in this way. However, I'm not stupid enough to try to do it alone. I live in rural Ohio, it's a great way to get killed, being gay out here, much less protest anything.

Our only chance lies in numbers and unexpected ferocity, on the streets and in the courthouses.

It's too bad most of my generation is too busy trying to get better porn to actually do anything about our rights.

This is why all my friends are straight.

[Jon]

I agree realworldweirdo, however I do think that you would be surprised at how many young people would get involved if you had co-ordinated young people organizing it.
We at Queer McGill managed to get about 2000 people marching on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 2004. University students from various places in Ontario and Quebec came out for it. I bet you'd find more young people (straight and gay) than you'd think who would be willing to descend upon Washington DC demanding that politicians start recognizing what the youth of the country wants in terms of legalizing same-sex marriage, bringing in an anti-discrimination and hate crimes law, and ending DADT.

[Ron]

I have read with interest the comments herein. I appreciate the sentiment of all who took the time to write.

Basically, the keep issue here is one of equality. Allowing for same-sex marriage is what we want to see. Do not discriminate against us by not allowing our ceremony to be called a marriage.

How about this as a next step – remove the word marriage from the constitution. Make every union be called a civil union. The discrimination ends and everyone is happy. The emotion about the work marriage is removed. Allow churches to call the ceremony anything they like, but let the law call them all a civil union!

[Justo Seattle,wa]

I remember when I woke up one morning and I heard the news that gay marriage was legalized in California. I was literally began crying I was so overjoyed. I know I don't live in California but I do have friends that do and it gave me hope that we were heading for a change in this country. When I heard about proposition 8 passing again I started to cry but they were tears of sadness and anger. To those of you in California my heart is breaking for you. And I am deeply ashamed of those who voted to pass such a proposition.

I used to be a super conservative penticostal Christian before I came out of the closet. I can tell you that there is no logical backing to what they believe about this issue. It's just their own prejuduces which where passed on by their parents. There is so much more in those so called verses in the bible that speak against homosexuality. Homosexuality isn't even the issue in most of them, do your homework, I know I did. And don't give me this "we're preserving the sactity of marriage" crap. This so called sactity you're trying to preserve has the highest divorce rate in history not to mention the world. My brother has been married twice and just finished his 2nd divorce... he's only 22! Britney Spears (love her to death) was allowed to get married for 55 hours! So don't tell me that you're trying to preserve some "sanctity". I always say that god created gay people to fix what the straight people screwd up.

We are here to stay. Ban marriage for us do whatever it is you will but that will not make us go away. This is our counrty as much as it is yours and we are now demanding the same rights that you have. My hopes and thoughts go out to all of you in California and I am going to do as much as I can to show my support and to back you all up. Our voice will be loud and will NOT be silenced.

xoxo

[James]

I laugh at all you white and Uncle Tom queens bitching and showing your rascism about how 70%, no now it's 90% of the black community supported Prop 8.

First, the black community is only 7% of the Calif population. That's probably less than the gay population of Calif. So how can 70%-90% of 7% of the voters "throw" the election? You should be focusing on the 51+% of the voters of all colors who voted YES instead of looking for scapegoats for your own lack of commitment.

Second, isn't it ironic how you can practice rascism for years in the Castro and WeHo communities with your white only policies at clubs, white only ads and reducing people to racial fetishes but now whine about not getting support from minority communities. Can you say, "dream world"? I don't recall any gay groups marching with MLK or supporting any present day black causes. I don't see gay leadership trying to form coalitions with any other minority civil rights groups. Too busy trying to get laid before the election, now all pissed afterwards.

Obama wasn't running for Ms. Gay California, he was running for President of the United States. Reaching out to minority communities to vote against Prop 8 wasn't his job, it was YOUR job. How many gays dared to venture outside their safe gay communities to the black churches and community to state their case of why Prop 8 should have been defeated? None!

Pouting, whining about how Obama "betrayed us" and vowing to never vote Democrat again....who cares? The Dems and GOP don't see gays as a political force because on a national level, gays aren't. There were no exit polls on how gays voted on CNN. Obama's re-election will depend on how he handles the economy and international issues in the next 4 years, not on what he or his opponent have done for the gay community.

The fact is, the people who voted against gay marriage in Ca.(now twice) are not going away. The court system isn't going to save the day while you file your nails and praying to Ms Judy, Marlyn and Jackie O isn't going to help. Gay leaders took the passive bottom approach to the election, and just hoped that everyone would do things their way because it is the "right thing" afterall, everyone watches Bravo and Logo, that should be enough. Instead of trying to blame black people in Calif, you should be going out and proactively changing the hearts and minds of the people in this nation to get gay marriage. And I tell you, straight America doesn't give a crap about some queers marching in the Castro, holding candles, and singing Kumbaya.

[jj]

If we gays had any political sense whatsoever, we'd have taken over the Libertarian Party by now. It's the only group who realizes - and says - that marriage is 100% a religious issue, and not something the majority has a right to vote away. C'mon, homos! We like low taxes, we know the government doesn't belong in the bedroom, we know that Civil Liberties and Civil Rights belong to the minority AND the majority, we fought against the war in Iraq. Let's take our support and our money away from the two parties who have abandoned us.

[Brontomancer]

It saddens me that it was the heightened presence of African Americans voting in California that passed Proposition 8. I am bemused that a minority which has endured so much hate and which has finally made a great stride in our history this week, continues to harbor so much hate towards us.

[Scott]

Well, James' comment was a cold splash in the face but I think he was correct. While 7 out of 10 Black voters was for Prop 8 is salt in the wound, he's right in that it is not why we lost. I did't think Prop 8 would pass in CA. We misjudged. We didn't fight when it would have been more advantageous for us to do so. My $20 Get-Out-of-Guilt money to HRC wasn't enough. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be outraged at 8's passing. It doesn't mean we shouldn't be turning that anger into something constructive like protests and boycotts.

[Tara]

Reading these comments is so helpful to me. (Dave, I love your posts.) I think that's one good thing that can come out of this week. I felt alone in my contempt for Dems and Obama. No more. I changed my party affiliation from Dem to unaffiliated before the election. I voted, but I didn't vote for Pres., Gov., or Senator.

I will not vote for Dems who do not stand up for me and my basic rights. Fuck them and they tell us (wink wink) is "pragmatism." Oh sure, they suggest to us, we definitely support you, but you have to give these things time. The votes just aren't there, and we just have to take it slow. But, please support us!

Well, no. You've sold us out repeatedly. Why gay people are so happy just to have a presidential candidate or president-elect just mention us positively in a speech, I do not know. This guy is anti-gay. He could have urged people not to vote yes on Prop 8. He could have not allied himself with homophobes while campaigning? He could have taken a more just position on marriage. He'll use us just like Bill did.

[Exeterite]

Pouring into the streets of SF or LA do nothing. You people should get on a bus to Tulare County, where more than 75% voted in favor of Prop. 8. Tulare County is Selma, or Birmingham circa 1950.

Where are the marchers here?

[Roaming]

Big protest rally Saturday Nov.8 at 6pm in Sunset Junction. Info at www.afterprop8.org.

[shane]

I was there and it was pretty fuckin epic. Im so proud of the turn out, regardless of gay straight, etc. Thanks to all my friends, and roommates who were so supportive of the cause. True its SF and we need to protest other places, but its just the beginning.

[Sean]

Colorado GLBT is planning to protest on Sunday Nov 9th at 1:00pm in Centennial, CO against the Mormon Church for it's vast support of Prop 8 in California banning gay marriage and rights. Massive protests are planned across the country this weekend and we are looking for Denver to get active too. We need to let our voices be heard across the continent that we will not be victims of homophobia and inequality by the church. The Mormon church is responsible for 70% of the funding and 80% of the campaigning that went on in CA against gay marriage. We are asking everyone to attend. If we can get a large group we can make sure that the gay community in Denver speaks as one. This is a non violent protest and we hope to make it a loud one so that people know who we are and that we will not stand for more of our rights being taken away by religious and interest groups. Bring signs, bring flags, bring your voice, and any friends you can get together as well. Call or text everyone and ask them to attend this big event in Denver.

Location: Mormon Temple at 2001 East Phillips Circle, Centennial, Colorado
Time: Sunday Nov 9th 2008 at 1:00pm MT

[Sean]

Colorado GLBT is planning to protest on Sunday Nov 9th at 1:00pm in Centennial, CO against the Mormon Church for it's vast support of Prop 8 in California banning gay marriage and rights. Massive protests are planned across the country this weekend and we are looking for Denver to get active too. We need to let our voices be heard across the continent that we will not be victims of homophobia and inequality by the church. The Mormon church is responsible for 70% of the funding and 80% of the campaigning that went on in CA against gay marriage. We are asking everyone to attend. If we can get a large group we can make sure that the gay community in Denver speaks as one. This is a non violent protest and we hope to make it a loud one so that people know who we are and that we will not stand for more of our rights being taken away by religious and interest groups. Bring signs, bring flags, bring your voice, and any friends you can get together as well. Call or text everyone and ask them to attend this big event in Denver.

Location: Mormon Temple at 2001 East Phillips Circle, Centennial, Colorado
Time: Sunday Nov 9th 2008 at 1:00pm MT

[whitekat]

there was no way prop 8 was going to pass why is everyone so in shock. I never seen any body trying to get it passed will all kinds of rallys before you started 6 months to late on doing rallys, two votes against gay marriage now it is a dead. You will not have the chance for it to change now for a long long long long time. Will have to start from the bottom and work back up to it,people in this country believe marriage is between a man and a women and do not know how you are going to change that. Civil Unions is all you are going to get start there.

[Leon]

As I read the article tears began to flow down my cheeks thinking how lucky I am to be Canadian. My husband Steve who is from Dallas, TX where married almost for years ago after we won the right to marry here in Canada. Its the sixties all over again for GLBT people who are fighting for equality. We're not second class citizens. Stand tall and proud America, Yes You Can, Yes We Can, when we all join together around the world with one voice for equality.

[Ralph]

I apoligize for some of the posts I have made about the Gay Rights that have been lost. Right now we can continue to fight in the states that have lost these rights, but also work heavily on those states where it "will" eventually come into being.

Getting out there and making our presence know it a definate plus. Being able to inform other states about the real need will help in the long run. A southern or republican stat would be a very good start!

Again, do what "you" feel is right, but also remember that other states will be coming under attack soon.

[Jeremy]

It's time...it's just time for us to rise up and do what we have to do to make this happen....I am SICK of feeling like a second class citizen....this has to end!

[Tom]

This is a site that is asking for signatures to revoke the 501c3 status of the LDS Church for their involvement in the Prop 8 campaign in CA.
In this country, you can be a church. You can be a political action committee. You cannot be both. The Mormon Church stands in direct defiance of the spirit of our laws by actively campaigning to change California law. The United Kingdom has already moved to strip the church of its tax-exempt status.

http://www.mormonsstoleourrights.com/