Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of when the LGBTQ community were able to get married in California. On that fateful day, one year ago. I was there. That was the day that I got back out in my community, realized how important it was to embrace my community and met the love of my love but a week later.
June 17th, 2008 is my own personal anniversary as well. It marks a milestone in my life. When I found out that the LGBTQ community was able to get married, I knew that I had to be there. At that time I didn't know anyone but my Mom went with me and we witnessed that wonderful day in 2008.
Now a year later, I have a community, I am currently organizing the Family OUTing's section of the group, and I know several of the people in my group.
My life is richer...fuller...because I was true to myself.
The year of course hasn't been perfect. I have seen the hatred that people have for the LGBTQ community. Seen lies that have been spread. And it's been hard to watch. The people I've met have been some of the nicest people I have ever met. I feel a part of something. I know I'm not alone.
So yesterday was June 17th, 2009. It was both joyous and hopeful. Joyous because the 18,000 couples are still married. Hopeful because everyone is hopeful that someday, the rest of us will be able to get married if we choose. And my partner and I, will be one of those couples, whenever that day may come.
It was a small crowd on the anniversary event. First we met downtown where it all began. Where LGBTQ couples married for the first time admist tons of cameras including news crews, supporters and those who didn't support us.
Though the crowd was much smaller this year, we all stuck together and listened to the speakers.
Here are some pictures from yesterday.
My beautiful woman. She just...glows.
Selling t-shirts for our local campaign: Gay is Good
It was a beautiful day
Whitney & her wife Lori. Whitney is our local area organizer (aka leader).
This woman won top honors previously (in a different town) with her poem on Prop 8
There were different speakers. Each supporting the married community, couples that want to get married but can't, singles who hope to meet someone and get married someday and straight supporters.
They were the married supporters. They've been together 12 years and are Christians.
A view of the crowd. I liked the blue shirts. They said "One of 18,000"
These ladies support the people who want to get married but can't. We are in this group. This almost could have been us speaking and now that I attended, I wish we had spoken.
Supporting the single community
A better view of the neat shirts.
Supporting the straight community (who are LGBTQ supporters)
This young man is only 16 years old. He deserves a round of applause and a handshake (which he got). He wanted to start a gay support or group at his school and was told no. He went to the board of directors where two of the members are definitely NOT gay supporters and speak out in the community against it. Those members had no choice but to approve his request and now at his high school, there will be a group. He is already out to his parents and all of his family supports him but his dad, which his voice broke over. I was sad for him. :(
Representing one of the churches that welcomes the LGBTQ community.
My sweetie and I. I surprised her with flowers that I had hidden in my purse carefully.
Beaming again. :)
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Comments: 10
I for one think your wonderful being yourself, just the way you were meant to be
Thank you Vivian! :)
I feel it's very important that people get equal rights. While I am not gay, I stand in support of you, and the many others who just want the same rights.
Thank you Heather
Wish I could have been there I wanted a Gay Rights Group in my HS but it didn't happen until my senior year then I was pissed with the way they acted. Yea like the WHOLE school is going to be silent for a day, that's they best show of support you can come up with?!? AHH! Anyway Power to the People!
It sounds like a great day with some wonderful speakers. I hope that the world continues to get more open-minded and equal about this!
It looks like it was a beautiful day all around. I sure hope that we repeal prop 8 ASAP. I think that the whole thing is insane. What right does someone have to define marriage for everybody?
Nice post and pics!
Good for you! No gay person can be happy or contented living lies and denying her/his sexual orientation. Every time a gay person comes out, all gays benefit. As more and more come out, more and more people realize that we are just people.
Yay! It was a pretty day for it!