I need to preface this post with my feelings about the passage of Prop 1 in Maine as compared to last year’s passage of Prop 8 here in California.
Last year I was numb. Now I know better. It’s sad to say but when we put our rights up to the majority vote, we get shot down. Plain and simple. So what happened on Tuesday is what I expected. Pissed? Sure. Disappointed? Well, yes, (still, hope springs eternal), but am I shocked, numb or dismayed as I was last year? No. Not at all. I’ve become a bit more hardened, so as not to be caught off guard. This is why I’m also a bit shocked and elated as hell at the win in Kalamazoo, MI. Referendum 71 in Washington State is looking good, but… dare I get my hopes up without all the ballots in? Well… on to last night’s rally.
About 150 gathered in the Castro last night to mourn the one-year anniversary of the passage of Prop 8, and to express outrage at the similar story that took place in Maine this past Tuesday.
There were a few organizations canvassing the crowds for signatures and handing out flyers. EQCA made a short-lived appearance and then made a hasty retreat (I scowled “You gotta be kidding. You screwed us the first time.” when asked if I wanted to sign something of theirs).
What I did sign up with was “One Struggle One Fight” who is moving forward to put the California same-sex marriage initiative on the 2010 ballot.
Speakers ranged from emotional to informative and there was a place for both.
A number of the speakers directed their anger towards Obama and his lack luster show of support for our cause during his first year. For him to say, “…[Gay marriage]… is a matter for states to decide,” and then remain silent in the weeks before the Maine election, has been a slap in our face. Many (myself included) feel that this state-by-state approach is not working and that we need to take this to the federal level as well.
It was also brought to the crowds’ attention that Nancy Pelosi has done absolutely nothing for or cause and that earlier that day a group of individuals had gone to her San Francisco office to speak to her about this. After being rudely dismissed by one of her lackeys (i.e., her LGBT liaison), the office was told that when a health care bill passes “we’ll be back.”
They ask to go to SpeakforEquality.org to sign the petition that will be presented to Speaker Pelosi.
The most emotional speaker was a recovering(?) catholic, “To the Catholics that raised me, and the church that schooled me… HOW FUCKIN’ DARE YOU!!! How can you teach love with one had and destroy with the other? Well, we will not be silent any longer. Do you fuckin’ hear me?” (He definitely got my attention).
Though they didn’t speak, I need to talk about Million for a Million who were at the rally. Organized by Yes! on Equality and TruthandHope.org in collaboration with Restore Equality 2010. They are at the forefront of the 2010 campaign to repeal Prop 8 and know that waiting is no longer an option. The goal of the “Million for a Million” campaign is to raise the $1 million necessary to fund getting the more than one million signatures needed to place a marriage equality initiative on the ballot. Million for a Million believes:
Now is the time to have your say: Do the establishment organizations determine when you fight for your rights, or do the people determine the timing? The fate of 2010 is now up to YOU.
For more information, go to:
After the speakers, we took to the streets. With such a small group we actually took over Market Street for two blocks. From Castro to Sanchez our little group did not let a car go by shouting, “If we have to wait, so do the cars.” Turning down Sanchez then up 18th we ended blocking the four corners of 18th and Castro for about 45 minutes.
I have to say, the last part of the rally, blocking traffic along our entire route with such a small group was refreshing. It was the first time since the passage of Prop 8 that I’ve been involved with a group that said screw obeying traffic rules and sticking to the sidewalk. It was simple, but spoke volumes. One Struggle One Fight follows the old ACT-UP model of civil disobedience. They post their upcoming meetings and gatherings on their FaceBook page. Check ‘em out. Better yet, JOIN!
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