Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "prop 8"

Sac Pride Live hits the air Saturday night

2013-04-27T02:49:44Z

It is always exciting when a new media organization starts up and provides readers and listeners with news you are truly interested in and entertainment to lighten your day. The new Sac Pride Media Group led by Tyler Edwards will launch the first ever live LGBTQ weekly radio show, “Sac Pride Live” on local Talk 650 KSTE Radio as well as worldwide on iHeartRadio, by app on your Smartphone or online at www.iheart.com/live/Talk-650-KSTE-229. The first show will air live Saturday, April 27 after the River Cats game between 10:00 PM and 12 midnight.

On-air hosts for Sacramento’s newest source for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer community, will be realtor Tyler Edwards and well-known poet and spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke. Members of the production team include fellow realtor Todd Lohse and Kevin Manz.

Edwards says the focus of the show will be to, “end labels and start conversations.”

“I have been working on this project for a long time and in developing Sac Pride Live as well as a bi-monthly insert in the Sacramento News and Review, and future expansions into social media, I hope we can provide a venue where we can discuss topics that touch us, engage us, and even make us angry. This conversation will not only be for those in the gay community but also outside the community, our allies as well as those who don’t understand us.”

Radtke who is very comfortable in front of an audience belting out her creative poetry of life, love, and heartbreak should do very well in her new job as co-host of a radio show that will be heard by tens of thousands of listeners both locally and world-wide.

“This is very exciting to start on my new adventure with a radio program that locally gives a brand new voice that didn’t exist until now,” said Radtke.

In explaining what listeners might have in store for them in the weeks to come Radtke said listeners can look forward to local, regional, national and even world news and entertainment of the day like marriage equality, Prop 8, bullying and peer abuse in our schools and hate crimes in our neighborhood. We hope to interview interesting and engaging people from all walks of life and talk about upcoming events like Sacramento Pride, Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and other fun events for the whole family.”

Edwards wanted to emphasize that the show will not “back away from controversial issues plaguing us both within our community and outside. We want to have an open and honest conversation about the problems we have as well as celebrate what makes us fabulous”.

“While we might not solve all the problems of the world, our show will at least bring to light and give voice to those who may have really good suggestions on how to live with each other in harmony and respect”.

“Our first program will be mainly introducing ourselves to our listeners in the first hour and in the second hour our first guest will be Michael ‘Misha’ Kennedy owner of Kennedy Gallery Art Center. In the future we will welcome community members to call in and offer their thoughts on issues discussed on the program”.

“Each week should prove to be interesting, enlightening, entertaining, engaging and sometimes very controversial.”

For more information about Sac Pride Media or Sac Pride Live visit their web site at www.SacPrideLive.com or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SacPrideLive. If you are interested in being a guest or would like to suggest a subject contact Sac Pride Media’s Administrative Executive Melissa Martinez at Melissa.Martinez@sacpridemedia.com.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a freelance journalist. Ken was not paid for writing this article. You can contact Ken Pierce by email: kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Push for equality in the home stretch

2013-03-27T18:31:01Z

As the Supreme Court of the USA listens to oral arguments March 26 and 27 on The Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, many people, gay and straight across the nation, are showing their desire for equality.

Tuesday March 26 many in the Sacramento area rallied for Sacramento Light the Way to Justice in front of the Sacramento Federal Courthouse at 501 I Street for over two hours holding signs, flags and waving at people driving by. It will happen again today starting at 4pm.

Just bring some signs to hold for this peaceful stand of love and solidarity.

I asked some ralliers why they were there. A common thread was "celebration".

Here are some responses:"For equal rights. I believe everyone has the right to be married," Patricia Boynton explained. "I'm straight. I'm an ally."

"We support our LGBT brothers and sisters to get married because we were fortunate enough to get married on Oct. 2008 and we're supporting our brothers and sisters who can't and hopefully will by June," Nicole Scanlan said.

"My wife asked me to come," Joan Haug-West.

Ken Pierce is a representative of BRAVE society, a bully-awareness, a non-profit.

He said he's here "to hopefully celebrate what will be the end of a very long fight for Marriage Equality here in California."

"I think, at least I hope, what will happen, is they're going to realize this is a state issue. The way it was framed going up to the Supreme Court is it's a very narrow issue and it's a state issue and I think they will push it back to California saying 'you've guys have pretty much decided the Supreme Court in California has said this Prop. 8 is unconstitutional.'"

They're looking at late June for a decision, but Pierce added "I'm hoping for mid-June because PRIDE Festival is June 15 and it would be nice to have the decision the Friday before so we can have same-sex weddings on the main stage at our PRIDE festival."

Spencer Douglas was at the rally celebrating his pride for being part of the LGBT and supporting my friends and others who should have the right to marry.

"I'm also here personally," Douglas said. "The day (anniversary) probably passed that was the first LGBT oriented event I ever went to - the march on the Capitol."

He was a freshman in high school at the time, he explained, about 5 years ago, and he remembers being so scared that day to come out here and march with people and he hid in the middle of all these gay guys because he didn't want anyone to see him or be on the news.

"For me this is kind of celebrating my journey of being who I am today and how I got to be proud of myself compared to how I used to be," Douglas concluded.

Here are some photos taken at the rally:

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

'It's about family' – Court's decision puts gay couples in limbo

2012-12-08T00:06:00Z

Since getting engaged to her partner three years ago, Nicola Simmersbach has lost her grandmother and uncle. Her partner Diana's father also died. The Sacramento couple isn't sure when, if, and how they'll be able to marry one another, and today's news that the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the issue of same-sex marriage hasn't done much to quell those frustrations.

"It's not about the dress or the ring or the cake, it's about my family and friends coming together and being able to participate in this very, very important social custom of being married," the marriage family therapist said. "To some degree, that's something that everybody's elders wants to see – they want to see their kids grow up, and mature, and find somebody and settle down. When these family members of ours die, this is all in limbo."

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether same-sex couples can marry in California and whether the federal government can deny benefits to wedded gay couples, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The court took up the issue Friday, granting hearings to backers of Proposition 8 – which amended the California Constitution to overturn a ruling that legalized same-sex marriage – and the 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act, which withholds federal recognition and spousal benefits to thousands of same-sex couples who married under their state's laws.

Rulings from the cases – to be argued in early 2013 – must be issued by the end of June. By taking up the cases the court could affirm or deny the constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and decide if same-sex couples have a right to marriage benefits.

For Ken Pierce, Equality Action Now public relations director, the news comes as another disappointment in the fight for equal rights, but he remains optimistic that love will prevail (with a little help from lawyers).

"I'm disappointed that we're not having December weddings on the west steps of the Capitol with a nice tree in the background," he said. "But you know what? It's really beautiful in June, all the roses are out, so we're still going to have weddings, but it will be summer weddings."

And he's hoping the Supreme Court takes it up as a constitutional issue. "We have probably the best lawyers that anyone can find anywhere to plead our case," Pierce said. "They've won time and time and time again at the state level – they will take it to the Supreme Court and they will also win there."

The back and forth mentality of thinking marriage is a reality, then having those hopes dashed, impacts more than the two people wanting to spend the rest of their lives together. After Proposition 8 passed, Simmersbach's phone didn't stop ringing for about a month, she said. The bonds that connect one human to another were under assault, as couples became fearful that their marriage license would be revoked. In one case, a little girl though that the passage of Prop. 8 meant her mothers would be separated and she wouldn't be able to live with them, Simmersbach said.

"Finding and being able to connect with somebody to the point you want to get married is a very healthy event, and having that publicly taken away from you is pretty devastating," she said. "Marriage is one of the most acknowledged and universally understood relationships.

"When people are prohibited from such a basic human right, that creates a lot of chaos and confusion."

What do you think of the court’s decision to take up these cases? Let us know in the conversation below.

Vigil to be held for Prop 8

2012-12-04T14:37:55Z

A group of dedicated marriage equality activists waited out the morning at Badlands in the heart of Lavender Heights Monday only to learn that once again, the Supreme Court issued no word on the status of Proposition 8 along with several other federal cases involving same-sex couples.

It was mid-morning when finally it was learned that the justices announced that it “redistributed the Prop 8 and DOMA cases for consideration during its morning conference this Friday, December 7, 2012”.

According to the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), “This means we could get word from the Court on Friday, or the morning of Monday, December 10. It is important to remember that the Supreme Court often takes more than one Conference to consider whether to grant review in certain cases”.

Meanwhile a core of diligent LGBTQ community members who met early Monday vowed to return Friday morning at 6:00am to Badlands on the corner of 20th and K Street, and wait out the day until “we hear something definitive from the Supreme Court” said Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW.

“Marriage equality is a basic civil right. It’s a legal and constitutional issue, not a religious one and I think more and more Americans are getting that, which is why the polls are showing a dramatic change in support of gays and lesbians receiving all the rights they are afforded as a citizen of California”, said Reynolds.

Personally, as a member of the civil rights group, Equality Action NOW and Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local non-profit bullying awareness organization, I am planning on making Friday a vigil for the “death” of Prop 8. The California Supreme Court struck it down, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, let’s put it to rest already. I am hoping the court will send Prop 8 home where it belongs and let them figure out the DOMA cases.

Our same-sex couples have been waiting too long for their equal rights. We have older couples who have been together for decades, separated due to one spouse having to be placed in a nursing home, or worse, passing away before they are able to marry. It’s time.

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that the earliest a decision may be made is early afternoon and possibly Monday, December 10, at 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s morning gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nationwide organization is organizing this event.

Also on Friday or Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is B.R.A.V.E. Society's Media and Public Relations Consultant. Pierce is a freelance journalist, activist, and has his own Public Relations firm here in Sacramento. You can reach Ken at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

No action today by the Supreme Court on Prop 8 brings a lot of head scratching

2012-11-30T23:05:12Z

To most Northern Californians, the torrential rain may have dampened interest in what is going on behind closed doors in Washington at the Supreme Court, but for hundreds of same-sex couples here in Sacramento, there is but one thing on their minds. Will they be planning a December wedding?

Today the U.S. Supreme Court justices were in conference to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry).

When the clerk of the court handed out outcome of the conference today to the press, none of the marriage equality cases were on the list. In other words they did not make a decision ether way.

The next time we have a chance to find out anything is Monday morning, however today makes it less certain we might know anything definitive even then.

What may happen Monday is:
1) The Supreme Court will announce that the DOMA and Prop 8 cases will be placed on their next conference agenda, which happens Friday, December 7th.
2) It is possible, though not likely Monday we will find out they decided not to hear the Prop 8 case but will decide on the DOMA cases December 7, allowing California to move ahead with same-sex marriages.

What we were hoping to learn from today’s conference is one of four things might happen to Prop 8 here in California:
1) The court takes multiple DOMA cases and the Proposition 8 case. This will mean the earliest the Court will hear the case will be March and possibly June before we hear of the outcome.
2) The court takes one DOMA case, while holding the other DOMA cases pending that decision, and takes the Proposition 8 case as well. This still will delay marriages in California.
3) The court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases) and holds the rest of the cases, including Proposition 8, pending the outcome of the DOMA case. …still waiting!
4) Or, the court takes a DOMA case (or multiple DOMA cases), but denies certiorari in the Proposition 8 case. This option, considered by most advocates to be a likely possibility, would lead to same-sex couples being able to marry in California within days. And would be the best outcome for those couples, their families, and California’s economy to boot.

One way or another, those couples, along with the rest of California and all the other states who would rather we take it to the Supreme Court, are itching for the court to make up their minds quickly. In any case we will find out what happens next, Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30AM (Pacific).

Here in Sacramento, myself, Ken Pierce of B.R.A.V.E. Society, a non-profit bullying awareness and victim advocacy organization is inviting the community to gather at Badlands (2003 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95814) at 6:00AM Monday morning to await the word of what the court plans to do. Many thanks to owner, T.J. Bruce and those of his staff who have volunteered to open early for our community to gather and find out together.

Plans, when we do find out if Prop 8 comes back to California or moves on to the Supreme Court, are sometime after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a nation-wide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced at the gathering at Badlands. .

Also on Monday or Friday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

California same-sex couples on high alert once again

2012-11-29T21:12:50Z

Sacramento organizations plan events around Prop 8 Supreme Court decision

It has been a long road for Sacramento’s same-sex couples, their families, friends, and supporters, and that road may or may not end this week.

The Supreme Court justices will go behind closed doors Friday morning to decide if they will take on the case of Proposition 8 (Hollingsworth v. Perry), if the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment prohibits the State of California from defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

At the same conference session Friday, the court will work their way through several appeals to decide whether legally married gay couples have the right to equal benefits under federal law. Appeals courts in New York and Boston have struck down that part of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies such a right and the justices most likely will take up the case.

Ted Olson and David Boise who successfully argued the striking of Prop 8 as a constitutional issue here in California have mixed feelings about the upcoming decision.

Olson stated on the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) web site, “We won the case, and if they don’t take it, our clients have won. They will be allowed to marry. But if they (Supreme Court) take the case, it could lead to a broader victory. We believe gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to be treated equally. And if it is a constitutional right, you shouldn’t have to try to win at the ballot box in every state.”

Here in Sacramento there are many same-sex couples who have been waiting for the day they will be able to join the rest of the citizens of California and have the right to legally marry. They have had many up’s and downs. While it would be great if the Supreme Court did hear the Prop 8 case, that would mean at least another year of waiting. If the court decides not to hear the case, in a matter of about a week, our local County Clerk’s Office will be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples

In anticipation of Friday’s conference, local organizations are gearing up for a positive outcome.

As the Public Relations Director for B.R.A.V.E. Society, a local anti-bullying non-profit, I will host a community breakfast, both Friday and Monday, Chef Tony Crane is happy to have us at his new Restaurant inside of Headhunter’s (1930 K St., Sacramento, CA 95811) beginning at 6:00am.

Because of the long list of cases the Supreme Court needs to review Friday, it is expected that they will wait until Monday, December 3, as early as 6:30am (Pacific) to post the decision to their web site. Friday’s breakfast gathering will be to keep an eye on the news, and to talk about what life will be like when California LGBTQ citizens regain their civil rights.

Monday, December 3, soon after the decision is made, no matter what that decision will be, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host a Press Conference. Leaders of Equality Action NOW (EAN), a local civil rights group and Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA), a statewide organization is organizing this event. Speakers and the time of the Press Conference will be announced during the breakfast at Headhunters.

Also on Monday, if the court turns down the hearing of Prop 8 leading the way for marriage equality here in California, MEUSA and EAN will host a celebratory rally at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, currently slated for 6:00pm.

For more information feel free to contact, Ken Pierce kpierce8272@yahoo.com, or Enrique Manjarrez Enrique@equalityactionnow.org.

Dustin Lance Black's "8" Comes to Sacramento

2012-10-13T18:19:14Z

Kate Sullivan Gibbens, with license from the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) and Broadway Impact, is proud to announce a one-night-only reading of “8,” Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the downtown Crest Theater.

“8” is a play chronicling the historic trial in the federal constitutional challenge to California’s Proposition 8, written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black.

Black, who pinned the Academy Award-winning feature film Milk and the film J. Edgar, based “8” on the actual words of the trial transcripts, first-hand observations of the courtroom drama and interviews with the plaintiffs and their families of the unprecedented case of the Federal District Court trial in Perry v. Schwarzenegger (now Perry v. Brown).

The case was filed by AFER to overturn Proposition 8, which stripped gay and lesbian Californians of the “fundamental freedom to marry”.

Gibbens, Producer/Director of the Sacramento production of “8,” worked with Black on the original play and is a graduate of UCLA with a MFA in Playwriting. “I’m excited to be able to bring to my hometown a project I am so proud of having a part in creating,” said Gibbens.

Following the play’s reading there will be a panel discussion concerning the play, and the history and future of Prop. 8. Kate Sullivan Gibbens will discuss adapting the trial transcripts to the play and working with Dustin Lance Black. Other panel members include plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandra Stier. Sacramento’s Steve Hanson will be speaking and Dr. Larry Levine, Law Professor at the McGeorge School of Law will be on the panel.

“8” had its much-heralded Broadway world premiere on September 19, 2011 in New York City. Its West Coast premiere was at the Wilshire Ebell Theater on Saturday, March 3, 2012, in Los Angeles with an all-star cast.

“People need to witness what happened in the Prop 8 trial, if for no other reason than to see inequality and discrimination unequivocally rejected in a court of law where truth and facts matter,” said AFER Founding Board Member Dustin Lance Black. “The goal of ‘8’ is to show the world that marriage equality is a basic constitutional right. The facts are on our side and truth always finds the light.”

Currently, casting for the Sacramento production is almost complete. A majority of the participating actors and notable personalities will be local with one or two acceptations.
.

“8” will play at the Crest Theater (1013 K Street Downtown Sacramento) at 8pm, Saturday, October, 20, 2012. Tickets are on sale and range from $18, $28 $48, to $80VIP. This is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. For more information and tickets go to: www.8insacramento.com and LIKE their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/8insacramento.com .

Casting Notes:

West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon will play Judge Walker.

Playing the three lawyers will be actor/activist Ben Patrick Johnson
(www.benpatrickjohnson.com) as Ted Olson, B Street Theater favorite, Kurt Johnson as David Boies, and Sacramento Theater Company powerhouse, Matt K. Miller as Charles Cooper.

Los Angeles Comedian Thai Rivera (www.thairivera.com) will play plaintiff Jeff Zarillo along with Evan Brienza as Paul Katami.

Local teen actor twins, Grant and Austin Laut will portray Spencer and Eliott Perry.

Los Angeles actor and playwright Patrick Burns is featured as witness Ryan Kendall, along with Steve Minnow, Robin Hushbeck, Eason Donner, Michel RJ Campbell, and Nanci Zoppi. Also playing witnesses are local politician Ben Phillips and gay rights pioneer George Raya.

Janis Stevens will take on gay rights foe, Maggie Gallagher and Jessica Goldman will play the clerk.

“8” SACRAMENTO CAST LIST

Broadcast Journalist (TBA)
Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker Christopher Cabaldon (Mayor of West Sacramento)
Theodore B. Olson (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Ben Patrick Johnson (Model, Actor, Gay Activist www.benpatrickjohnson.com )
David Boies (Plaintiffs’ attorney) Kurt Johnson (Sacramento Actor)
Charles J. Cooper (Proponents’ attorney) Matt K Miller (Sacramento Actor, Director, Playwright, Teacher)
Jeff Zarrillo (Plaintiff) Thai Rivera (LA – Comic - http://thairivera.com/)
Paul Katami (Plaintiff) Evan Brienza (Sacramento Actor)
Sandy Stier (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Kris Perry (Plaintiff) (TBA)
Elliot (Kris and Sandy’s son) Grant Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Spencer (Kris and Sandy’s son) Austin Laut (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Nancy Cott (Plaintiffs’ witness) Robin Hushbeck (Sacramento Actress)
Maggie Gallaager (Marriage Equality opponent) Janis Stevens (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. Ilan Meyer (Plaintiff’s witness) Eason Donner (Sacramento Actor)
Ryan Kendall (Plaintiff’s witness) Patrick Burns (LA – From Foster Care to Fabulous)
Dr. Gregory Herek (Plaintiff’s witness) Michael RJ Campbell (Sacramento Actor)
Dr. Gary Segura (Plaintiff’s witness) Nanci Zoppi (Sacramento Actress)
Dr. William Tam (Prop 8 proponent) Ben Phillips (running for SMUD board)
David Blanenhorn (Proponent’s witness) Steve Minnow (Sacramento Actor)
Evan Wolfson (Marriage Equality advocate) George Raya (Gay Rights Pioneer)
Court clerk Jessica Goldman

Sacramento LGBT and Allied Community Reacts to Prop 8 Ruling

2012-06-07T06:06:09Z

Tuesday, shortly after the ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denying an en banc hearing, upholding an earlier ruling that Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional, LGBT leaders and community members gathered at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center for a press conference.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Center hosted members of the Board of Directors of Equality Action NOW, same-sex couples who are waiting to be married, representatives of organizations such as the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento City Councilman elect, Steve Hansen, as well as allies and members of the community.

While most are happy that the decision, basically indicated that the State of California and California’s highest court all agree that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional and should be struck down and may move to the Supreme Court, many same-sex couple’s patience are wearing thin.

Dr. Nicola Simmersbach and Diana Luiz had planned on heading out of town for their sixth anniversary of being together in a relationship under a domestic partnership, but decided to stay in town and attend the news conference at the Center.

Dr. Simmersbach, an individual and couples therapist, expressed her conflict in a telephone interview. “On the one hand it would be nice if it did go on to the Supreme Court and we win. That would really help states where achieving marriage equality would be difficult. On the other hand this is extremely personal, and because Diana has health issues, we need those protections you can only have by being married, not in a domestic partnership.”

“There are times Diana cannot speak to her Doctor and I must intercede on her behalf,” Dr. Simmersbach explained. “I can’t tell you how many times I am reminded since I am not a ‘spouse or relative’ they cannot discuss her health record with me. This is serious and we need legal relief now, not in a year or two when the courts decide. As a citizen of this country and state Diana and I do not think we need permission from the people of California nor the courts for full equality, and it’s frustrating living like this day-in and day-out!”

In an interview with News 10 later in the day, Ken Pierce and Lisa Ford Berry expressed the importance of marriage equality for young people. Berry is founder of B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) Society and Pierce, a media consultant and LGBT activist.

“In considering marriage equality in light of my son’s bullycide in 2008 on his 17th birthday due to a perceived notion he was gay and who was subjected to peer abuse and harassment, I know that family meant a great deal to my son. In my travels all over the state I meet other young people who are conflicted because of their religious beliefs and connection to their family, but because of their sexual orientation and not having positive role-models, feel they are condemned by society”, said Berry.

“As a straight woman living here in America, I have always had choices. I could have chosen not to get married, though I did. I could have chosen not to have children, though I did. I did both of those things because it was important to both my husband and myself, and it is part of who we are as a society. Why is that any different to a young person who is in love with someone of the same sex? They want the same things as I do so why would I, or anyone, deny them the same pursuit of stability and happiness as I have had all my life?”

“I agree with same-sex couples who are tired of waiting, but from the standpoint that we need to give our young people hope now, and not wait another year or two while the country is having a ‘discussion’ about marriage equality. I don’t want another 13 year old to end his or her life because they feel alone and their own dreams of falling in love, getting married and raising a family is just that – a dream. We need to make it a reality here in California now!” exclaimed Berry.

Proponents of Prop 8 have 90 days to file with the Supreme Court, asking them to review the decision of the Ninth Circuit Court. If the Court decided to take Prop 8 on, the earliest a decision could be made would be July 2013.

In an interview Wednesday, David Boies, co-lead counsel for the plaintive couples said, “So, our goal was to seek the overturn of Proposition 8 in California. We have succeeded in doing that so far in the district court, and now in the Ninth Circuit…We have an obligation to our clients and to the citizens of California who’ve been waiting now for nearly four years for the opportunity to get married like their fellow citizens. And, we would want to preserve that victory fundamentally.”

So the thousands of committed same-sex couples and their families, friends, and allies who are ready to line up at the city or county clerks offices all across the state of California wait and go about their lives, still as second-class citizens, still as steadfast in their convictions as they were four years ago when all of this began in earnest, still hoping their dreams will come true.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is a local Freelance Journalist and LGBTQ Activist. Pierce owns a Public Relations and Social Media Consulting business here in Sacramento. You can contact Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

B.R.A.V.E. Organization Backs Positive Outcome in the Prop 8 Case Tomorrow

2012-06-05T04:39:18Z

Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center Hosts Community Gathering

An announcement was made today that the Ninth Circuit will issue an order tomorrow around 10:00am on the court’s web site, concerning marriage equality here in California.

To date, in a decision by a three-judge panel after a fiery hearing, affirmed Judge Walker’s decision striking down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional. Those who supported Prop 8 were frustrated. So in a “play to slow down the process of marriage equality”, they asked the ninth Circuit for an en banc rehearing. They were basically saying “we do not like the decision from those three judges so we want an 11 judge panel to re-hear the case”, hoping to perhaps put on a more coherent case and hoping this time what they argue will fall on more sympathetic ears.

B.R.A.V.E. (Bullies Really Are Violating Everyone) was founded by Lisa Ford-Berry after her youngest son Michael became a victim of “bullycide” due to cyber-bullying on his 17th birthday, September 15, 2008. A Sacramento based non-profit, grassroots corporation, the organization specialize in peer abuse prevention, and parenting advocacy workshops that teach parents how to document, report and protect venerable, and at-risk youth.

Berry is excited that the Prop 8 case is finally progressing and another important decision will be made tomorrow. “Marriage is an important institution because it represents stability, loyalty, with a central element of love and commitment. Children of all sexual orientations need to know that they are not a freak of nature, that they are who they are for a reason. A family with a mom and dad, two mom’s, two dads, or even a single parent is still a family, a family who deserves the exact same legal protections under the law. Marriage equality is one piece of the puzzle I know will save young lives and provide them with hope they would not have had otherwise”.

Tomorrow the Ninth Circuit could issue an order saying that a re-haring in front of 11 judges is denied. If that happens, Judge Reinhardt’s opinion stands, and the pro-Prop 8 supporters can then petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court level. If the Supreme Court were to deny the review, the Ninth Circuit’s decision would stand, and we would have full marriage equality here in California. If the Supreme Court grants a review, there will be another briefing and oral arguments and a decision next year.

In other words, it’s complicated! Everyone will have to wait for the decision. The next move by either side is expected to be played out not long after the decision.

Shara Murphy, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is inviting the community to gather at the Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811) to await the 10:00am decision. An official response will be made at the Center within an hour of the publication of the decision.

Equality Action NOW Applauds President Obama

2012-05-11T01:01:36Z

“It is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married.”

It was short and sweet. History was made Wednesday as the first sitting president to ever come out for full marriage equality, not civil unions, but marriage equality across the board.

President Obama has come to the decision that it is in the best interest for our country to accept committed same-sex couples and afford them the same rights and privileges straight couples have.

Members of the board of directors of Equality Action NOW, a Sacramento local grassroots civil rights organization were elated with the news but as their middle name implies, they look forward to walking up to a county clerk, asking for a marriage license, and not be turned away as they have year after year on Valentine’s Day.

“Thank you Mr. President for the public acknowledgment that we are all deserve the right to marry if we choose. In this coming election year please remember that though words go far; actions change the world.” said board member Vihil Heather Vigil.

Secretary Rachel Pearman wrote, “I am so happy that the President’s evolved understanding of same-sex marriage resulted in a public and unequivocal acknowledgement that there is no difference in the love or commitment found in same-sex relationships. This has been a long and hard-fought battle but each mind that is changed bring all of us closer to a world where our differences do not separate us rather they allow us to relish in the uniqueness of each life.”

Board member, 5th grade teacher, and author of “A Celebration of Harvey Milk”, Angela Luna said, “As a gay American, it’s beyond affirming to have our President stand up and make a public declaration of human dignity that pertains to everyone, not only a fraction of the country. If one believes in freedom and what the country was founded on, then supporting full equality is the logical, moral, and humane course of action.”

Many of EAN members frankly con not care how, when, or why he finally come the conclusion about marriage equality except he is the first to hold the highest office in the land to affirm the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer 2nd class citizens, and will forever listed in the history books as doing so.

Co-founder and Executive Director, Tina Reynolds, simply put, “I say yea – now legalize gay and all the rights that we should have to be truly equal!”

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is President of the Board of Directors and Communications Director for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization. You can reach Mr. Pierce by email at: ken@equalityactionnow.org

Locals to ask mayor to support same-sex marriage

2012-02-14T03:32:05Z

Marriage rights activists will deliver a petition asking Mayor Kevin Johnson to join other mayors in support of same-sex marriage Tuesday morning at City Hall in a move they said they hope will cause him to consider endorsing Mayors for the Freedom to Marry.

“We’re not trying to force anybody’s hand or be aggressive in any way,” said Neil Pople, communications director for the Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento and author of the petition. It has more than 300 signatures and is posted here. “We want to positively encourage the mayor and let him know that there are people who want this to happen.”

Last week’s ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals against Proposition 8 – an amendment to the California Constitution that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman – was not the main thrust behind the petition drive, according to Pople, who said he started it several weeks ago.

“It started picking up progress around that time, but that wasn’t when it started,” he said.

The original goal was to get 200 signatures, and Pople said that seeing more than 300 on the petition Monday was “fantastic.”

While anybody – gay or straight, Sacramentan or not – can sign the petition, Pople said he thinks signatures from locals will be the ones that have the most impact on the mayor, as they are his constituents.

“I’m hopeful that people will listen to what’s right and wrong and treat each other with dignity,” he said. “I was born in Sacramento, and I want to eventually get married, and I want to be able to do that in my hometown."

Coordinating the delivery of the petition will be Roy Westfall, who said he, local Democrats and others will deliver the petition at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

“I have a partner of three years, and this is important to me,” Westfall said. “I want my mayor to support my rights, and there’s a big difference between personal beliefs and the government’s actions. This is about separation of church and state.”

Johnson’s representatives did not return messages left Monday by press time.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Same-sex Couples to Request Marriage Licenses On Valentine’s Day As Part of Annual Freedom to Marry Week

2012-02-13T16:41:56Z

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento along with Marriage Equality USA is encouraging same-sex couples to go to their City or County Clerk’s Office on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 and request a marriage license.

Here in Sacramento representatives of Equality Action NOW will be at the Downtown County Clerk’s (600 8th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 – 916-874-6334) at noon to cheer on same-sex couples.

Tina Reynolds, EAN’s Executive Director is asking participants to, “bring lots of candy and flowers and bring a bunch of “LOVE” signs!”

The annual event has never been more important or appropriate given the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals’ declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional and Washington State becoming the next state to have marriage equality.

“The Ninth Circuit’s Ruling that Prop. 8 is unconstitutional was an early Valentine to loving same-sex couples and their supporters,” said Ken Pierce, Equality Action NOW Board President. “The court’s ruling gave us renewed hope in restoring marriage equality but lesbian and gay people cannot wait to wed while waiting for further appeals which could take up to two more years. This Valentine’s Day, couples are once again asking for marriage licenses – hoping that soon the endless appeals will end, so wedding bells can start ringing!”

This is the 12th year in a row that loving, committed same-sex couples have appeared at clerk’s offices across the country to request marriage licenses and to render visible that harm that excluding them from marriage causes them and their families.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is Public Relations Director and President of Equality Action NOW. You can reach Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Prop 8 Hearing Thursday Marriage Equality for California gays and lesbians is back on track here in California – what happens next?

2011-12-05T05:10:00Z

In the next few months look for progress in the fight to uphold Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Proposition 8 due to the fact that it is unconstitutional.

On Thursday, December 8, a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the efforts to release video of the Prop. 8 trial as well as ProtectMarriage’s motion to throw out the case. The hearing is expected to take two hours, beginning at 2:30pm. The hearing will be delayed broadcast and will have remote viewing locations in Pasadena, Portland and Seattle. Thousands of other interested parties on both sides of the issue, including the LGBT community here is Sacramento will follow the hearing’s progress on Twitter and other social media.

On the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, it was explained that in the first hour, Ted Olson will argue that the “public has a First Amendment right to see video footage of the historic Prop. 8 trial. Olson will site that the other side is “trying to keep the video under lock and key because they don’t want anyone to know they failed in court, where reason and facts matter.”

In the second hour, David Boies will explain how the Prop 8 proponents’ motion to ignore the District Court’s striking down Prop 8 is mainly basing their argument on the fact that the judge who ruled, was himself gay and in a long-term relationship. This point of reasoning would implicate an adverse reasoning where someone who is lesbian or gay questioning a judge’s decision because he or she is straight.

A.F.E.R. stated, “The anti-marriage forces are trying everything they can to get the case thrown out because they know that reason and truth are on our side. This tactic was universally condemned in the media and it took only a day for Chief Judge James Ware to rule against the homophobic motion. We are confident that the appeals court will affirm that being gay has no bearing on a judge’s impartiality, just as courts have historically done with cases involving race, gender and religion.”

After Thursday’s hearing a ruling can be expected anytime. Insiders close to the lawyers who are fighting for Marriage Equality say the decision could be made before the end of the year or soon after. The decision will set an important precedent and potentially send the Prop 8 case to the United States Supreme Court.

To follow Thursday’s hearing go to A.F.E.R.’s web site at: http://www.afer.org/

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization.

Prop 8 Stand-In Question Answered Today - Community Gathers at Headhunters to Await Decision

2011-11-17T10:46:30Z

The California Supreme Court announced it will issue a written opinion today at 10 a.m. on whether conservatives who sponsored Proposition 8 are entitled to defend the measure that overturned a 2008 ruling recognizing the right to same-sex marriage.

The leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights organization is inviting the community to gather at Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant on the corner of 10th and K Streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. to await the decision.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows ProtectMarriage.com, sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

A year ago, Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, a “pro-marriage” licensed marriage and family therapist and her partner, Diana Luiz were ready to be married when Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional and were sitting at the County Clerk’s office all dressed in white and holding a bouquet of brightly colored sunflowers. Moments later a stay was issued and their mood instantly turned to sadness and disappointment.

“Diana and I are a committed, long-term same sex couple who is still being denied the right to marriage. No person has been harmed in the 18,000 legal same sex marriages that exist in California today”, said Dr. Simmersbach. “But Diana and I are harmed every day by the systems and people who keep marriage out of our reach. We are ready to marry immediately. We want our day to come soon.”

“I don’t really know if I believe in marriage”, thoughtfully exclaimed Benancio Garza, 20 year old Youth Spokesperson and Board Member for Equality Action NOW and American River College Student. “However for certain my main focus right now is to fight for my right to be considered equal in every way under the law and that includes my civil right to marry another male adult if that is what I want to do. Here in America being separated because of my sexual orientation for which I did not choose is hypocritical backwards thinking. We are all different, and we need to accept that fact.”

The question the California Supreme Court answers today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Currently, California’s Attorney General and Governor can decide not to appeal a court decision ruling that an initiative is unconstitutional. But, depending on how the California Supreme Court rules, future Governors may lose the ability to make such final decisions for the state – leaving disfavored groups in California even more vulnerable to unconstitutional initiatives that single them out for attack.

So if the California Supreme Court holds that California law gives sponsors the power to bring an appeal over the objections of the Attorney General and the Governor, the Ninth Circuit would still have to decide whether Prop 8’s supporters meet all the other criteria to appeal under federal law. If the Ninth Circuit allows them to appeal, the Ninth Circuit would then decide whether to uphold or reverse Judge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW.

Equality Action NOW and Gender Health Center Hosts Coming Out Party

2011-10-04T05:21:21Z

Come out, come out, wherever you are! ~ Harvey Milk

Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center are co-hosting an all-ages party to formally introduce the “coming out” of the first elected Board of Directors for E.A.N. on National Coming Out Day - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Hoppy Brewing Company (6300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819) starting at 6:00pm.

Equality Action NOW is a nationally-known civil rights organization based in Sacramento and is at the forefront of speaking out and standing for the rights of all people since its inception. The organization was born moments after the November 2008 general election when President Obama was elected and Proposition 8 was voted into law which states that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

Tina Reynolds and her staff at Uptown Studios were devastated at the news that LGBTQ citizens had lost Marriage Equality here in California and set out immediately to create a web site and organize their first Marriage Equality rally and march at the state capitol to protest the new law. Several rallies, marches, protests, and equality events later and Equality Action NOW recently elected their first Board of Directors and have taken their first steps towards becoming a 501c3 non-profit.

The Gender Health Center is a non-profit service organization meeting the counseling needs of the LGBTQI community in Sacramento focusing on the “T” or transgender. The Center provides excellent counseling/therapy services to anyone who expresses the need as well as anyone who self-identifies or is perceived to be gender variant.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and asexual. Founded in 1988, the day is observed by members of the LGBTQA community and their allies on October 11 (October 12 in the U.K.) each year.

There is a suggested donation for the coming out mixer of $5 to help cover the costs of the event and will go to both Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center to help with their programs. Paid donations will get you a wristband for happy hour drink prices all night long. Please bring the family as this is an all-ages event. In addition it is $2 taco night and half off appetizers after 9:30pm. A special gay trivia game will begin at 10pm.

MEET THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN was officially hired by the board as its first Executive Director. Reynolds, a long-time activist and business owner, along with her employees of Uptown Studios, an award-winning website and graphic design firm founded the organization within days after the 2008 general election where President Obama was elected and Prop 8 became law.

Today Equality Action NOW is one of the most visible and active civil rights organizations in the Sacramento region. In the beginning members focused on defeating Prop 8 and held huge rallies on the west steps of the state capitol. It wasn’t long before the organization diversified their efforts to include fighting for civil rights beside other minorities and disenfranchised people of color, sexual orientation, age, disabled, and those in poverty.

Elected as the first Chairman of the Board is a well-known Sacramento gay and civil rights activist, Ken Pierce. Pierce volunteered with Equality Action NOW early on as their Director of Public Relations and continues to serve in that capacity. Born and raised in Texas, Pierce moved to California in 1989. Since becoming EAN’s PR Director, he has worked hard to brand the organization as a premiere civil rights group who’s focus Is to “mobilize, motivate, activate, and educate” the public to the issues important to the group. This was Pierce’s second year on the Sacramento Pride Festival Organizing Committee. He works for Manpower during the day and has his own Public Relations Firm part-time. This year Pierce received the “Harvey Milk Activist Award” at the organization’s 2nd annual Harvey Milk Day event.

Vice-chairperson, "Vihil" Heather Vigil is a U.S. Navy Veteran from Woodland, CA. In 2003 she received her BA in Art History and Museum & Gallery Studies from Humboldt State University, in 2008 Vihil received her MBA in business development from Ashford University and has experience working in small business management, corporate accounting for small to large professional services firms and currently serves as an association membership director for four state-wide non-profit organizations based out of Sacramento. Vihil is also owner/primary photographer of Vihil Photographix, a Sacramento based fine art photography studio. As a regular supporter of the Crocker Art Museum, Vihil continues to spread a passion for the arts by encouraging others to explore the local arts attractions of Sacramento. Currently Vihil is developing a workshop series titled, "Business for the Artist" to be held in midtown Sacramento beginning January 2012.

Emily Bender is the current Treasurer for Equality Action Now. She is an active Community Organizer and volunteer for underserved populations, including gay rights and youth empowerment. She has been an adult adviser for the Friday Night Youth Group at the Gay & Lesbian Center for over nine years. Emily is a co-founding member of the 20s-Something Group that meets on Thursdays at the Center. She is a native of Nicaragua and has lived in Northern California for most of her life. Her formal education includes an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, a Master's Certificate in Public & Nonprofit Leadership from Chapman University, and a B.A. in Rhetoric & Communications with a minor in Psychology from the University of California at Davis.

Rachel Pearman is a founding member and Secretary of the Equality Action Now Board of Directors. She received her undergraduate degree in Government, and is currently working on her Masters in Gender Equity in Teacher Education. In addition to EAN she has volunteered to raise funds for HIV/AIDS and with the Sacramento Pride organizing committee. She lives happily with her partner in Midtown Sacramento.

Rounding out Equality Action NOW’s board members at-large include:

Angela F. Luna serves as EAN’s education lead and author of the first LGBT history workbook, “In Celebration of Harvey Milk” for grades 4 through 12.

Benancio Garza (20), college student, Christian, and EAN’s youngest board member. Garza is director and creator of EAN’s “Youth Force” dedicated to motivating, activating, and educating our youth and future leaders.

Enrique Manjarrez has been an activist for 5+ years fighting for queer youth and pro LGBT legislation. Manjarrez works for Breaking Barriers and is EAN’s Spanish Spokesperson.

Tyx Pulskamp is very active in the transgender community and works for STEP, Strategies to Empower People.

Sarah Barkawi, EAN’s straight ally recently had a commitment ceremony with partner Eli. Until there is full marriage equality for all, the couple stands in support. Barkawi also volunteers for the Matthew Sheppard Foundation.

Prop 8 Battle Continues Today

2011-09-06T07:19:23Z

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - Today, the California Supreme Court is hearing arguments on an important question of California law that presented itself in the ongoing federal challenge to Prop 8, same-sex marriage issue. Leaders of Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots, civil rights organization have been on the forefront of educating the public and providing the community with a voice since the general election November of 2008 when Proposition 8 passed and was made into law.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows the sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

The question before the California Supreme Court today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Oral argument will be televised today beginning at 10:00am on C-SPAN and the California Channel as well as video streamed on the internet. Equality Action NOW and Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant well be hosting a viewing party for the community at Headhunters beginning at 10:00am on the corner of 10th and K Streets. The public is invited to attend.

Make no mistake – today’s hearing, and the decision that results from the arguments will be of high interest to constitutional and judicial scholars across the United States. But more importantly, it will be heard and watched by hundreds of thousands of individuals, whose personal current and future lives depend on the outcome.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decision within 90 days of oral argument and is likely to rule even sooner.

Live Supreme Court Oral Arguments in Prop 8 on The California Channel

2011-09-02T22:12:25Z

On Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. PT, The California Channel will carry LIVE coverage of the California State Supreme Court oral arguments in Perry v. Brown. California residents can watch the arguments online at www.calchannel.com or on their local Cal Channel cable station.

The arguments will center on whether state law gives sponsors of the gay marriage ban the right to defend the measure in a case now pending before the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, based in San Francisco.

Proposition 8, enacted by California voters in 2008, prohibits same-sex marriage by providing that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Last year, the initiative was struck down by U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker of San Francisco on the grounds that it violated the federal Constitution. State officials declined to appeal. As a result, the official proponents of Prop 8 are now pursuing an appeal on their own.

The California State Supreme Court has never before ruled on whether initiative sponsors can replace state officials in appealing court decisions.

This proceeding will take place at the Supreme Court’s Courtroom, Earl Warren Center, 350 McAllister St., San Francisco.

About the California Channel
The California Channel is an independent, non-profit public affairs cable network governed by California's cable television industry, and modeled after the national C-SPAN service. The channel’s primary mission is to provide Californians direct access to "gavel-to-gavel" proceedings of the California Legislature, and other forums where public policy is discussed, debated, and decided - all without editing, commentary, or analysis and with a balanced presentation of viewpoints.

To view streaming and archived video, or to learn on which station the California Channel is carried within your local cable system, visit www.calchannel.com.

Disclosure: Shay Humphrey, Project Manager at Circlepoint, is a communications consultant for The California Channel

A Rockstar, A Reverend, and Redemption

2011-08-16T09:02:37Z

It’s a church. No, it’s a rock concert.

It’s a church. No, it’s a rock concert. Actually, for tonight, it’s a rock concert in a church. Grammy nominated Christian singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp’s lyrics soared with spine tingling, melt your heart, open your soul to true, goddess-like quality of Aphrodite truth - giving the audience chills and a shot at their own authenticity.

What better place to test the acoustics than St. Marks United Methodist Church, though Knapp really didn’t need the microphone to amplify her strong powerhouse of a voice. In fact, the audience didn’t even notice until she alerted the sound booth that she had forgotten to turn on the acoustics on the guitar for the first couple of bars.

The people were mesmerized by her sound. You could feel the mellowness ripple through the pews on the diverse faces of the audience. Some of them sat with their eyes closed, holding their hearts. Others waved their hands in faith, feeling her lyrics, as she mixed known classics, from first hit single, "Undo Me," from her debut album “Kansas” (1998) to the song, "A Little More," from her Grammy award nominated album, “Lay It Down” (2000). In 2001, “The Way I Am,” was also nominated for a Grammy. In total, her three albums have sold over one million copies.

An artist truly is an artist defined when her loyal fans still seek shelter in her glow after a seven year hiatus of traveling, soul searching and validating her true self.

Fans drove from as far as Chico, California just to hear her fluid transition to coming out. She discussed her life trials and how creativity and music serve as an outlet for her feelings.

“We came because we love her music; didn't expect to be so validated in my belief,” shared excited 24 year old Teri Abshier. She and a friend drove the long miles north from Bakersfield.

Sprinkled between Knapp’s set is her speak easy humor poking fun of herself and the decision to come out as a “lesbian.” She is now a role model for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community, in contrast to her conservative Christian pop/folk singer past. This is one woman who has grown truly honest with her sexuality and assertion, as reflected in her new album, “Letting Go.”

She has come to the realization that she can’t please everyone, and the best she can do is “let go” and accept the person she has become.

After Knapp’s performance, Reverend Gene Robinson, an openly gay New Hampshire bishop who delivered a prayer for President Obama's inauguration in 2009 and is now an activist for LGBT issues, delivered his philosophy on the LGBT movement. He likened the movement to Martin Luther King's civil rights activism of the 1960’s against racism. The -isms he was referring to included racism, sexism and the 234 other isms that limit human understanding. He discussed why the movement was also about religion and what the bible really says about being gay is left to interpretation based on each of our experiences.

A same sex couple, Elizabeth and Sarah Kelly, were also at the concert. At the moment, they live in Roseville near the church because it was where they got the support they needed when they first moved to California.

Sarah aspires to become a youth pastor after graduation so she can support, encourage and advise young LGBT. LGBT teen suicide is a concern that Rev. Robinson pointed out in his talk. The kids feel left out and alone without a support group to have their voice heard. This lack of understanding is what plagues both adults and children.

“It’s preposterous," said Sarah Kelly, voicing her growing frustration over Prop 8.

"We live the same as married couple. We share the rent, expense for our household needs, join the military, act as domestic partners, access IVF and even adopt children legally, but because we are the same sex, we are still unrecognizable by the courts as legally married,”

Proposition 8 eliminates rights of same-sex couples to marry. The passing of Prop 8 in 2008 and the debate over same sex marriage has been a back and forth pendulum since the 1970’s. The measure added a new provision, Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights, to the California Constitution, which provides that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

The next stage in California's Prop 8 court case is set for Sept 6 when the Supreme Court of California will hear arguments on whether Prop 8 supporters have legal standing under state law to overturn California's gay marriage ban.

Same-sex couples ask for marriage certificates

2011-02-15T02:54:50Z

Gay couples and their straight friends came to the Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder's office on Valentine's Day seeking marriage certificates to protest the ban on gay marriage.

As loved ones held hands and formed a line inside the office, they were individually asked by Chief Deputy Donna Allred if they were married and if their union consisted of a man and a woman. But when asked, Equality Action Now founder replied, “Female. Female. I'm married.”

Reynolds and her wife got married shortly before the passage of Proposition 8, during the brief window in which same-sex marriage licenses were issued between June 16, 2008 and Nov. 5, 2008, when they ended.

The petition to marry coincided with cities nationwide in which same-sex couples requested marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices. The effort, Request Marriage Sacramento, attempted to raise awareness of the harms and the impact the inability to marry brings their families.

The year before Reynolds and her wife were married, they had a commitment ceremony, Reynolds said at a press conference Monday. Their granddaughters asked, “What is a commitment ceremony?” Reynolds told the girls, who were ages 3, 4 and 5 at the time, “It's where your grandmothers say they're going to love each other forever.”

A year later, Reynolds told the girls that she was getting married, to which the girls responded, “Yay, you're getting married. That means you'll be together forever.”

Reynolds pointed out that at 3, 4 and 5, and at 4, 5 and 6 – the word marriage makes a difference.

“They know what marriage means, and I am here to say, legally this is a civil rights fight, and we are gonna show up until all people have equal rights,” she said.

The organizers were not asking the clerk to break the law on Monday. According to Ken Pierce, an organizer of Request Marriage Sacramento, it's the awareness that there are thousands of same-sex couples who are in committed relationships, some of which have families and are not given equal rights under the law.

This is the 10th year this event has taken place, and it will continue every year until gays have full marriage equality, he said.

“We want adults who pay taxes and are citizens to experience what it is like for a governmental representative to look them in the eye and tell them that they don't have the same rights as other adult, taxpaying individuals,” Pierce said.

That's why straight supporters of gay marriage were encouraged to come out and go into the clerk's office with a same-sex partner and experience what the same-sex couples experience everyday.

Julie Tindall, Sacramento County Chapter Leader of Marriage Equality USA, is one of the straight supporters who believes that everyone should have the same rights as her.

“I was born with the right to marry. So why would people have to fight for a right I was born with? That's just awful to me,” said Tindall, who signed on with Marriage Equality right after the passage of Prop. 8. “That's when I felt that it was time to become involved.”

While the Prop. 8 case still remains in court, organizers hope this is the last year they will need to demonstrate the fact that the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer community is the subject of state-sanctioned discrimination. Tindall said the discrimination fueled by Prop. 8 is not necessarily supported by the Sacramento County clerk's office.

“People like to say that the voters have spoken – the will of the people. That's an argument I hear a lot. I think we all do,” said Tindall.

“Well, guess what? When the people vote, we do not have the right to violate the United States Constitution … 52 percent of California voters violated the right of a group of people by writing discriminatory language in our state constitution. And that is not acceptable,” continued Tindall.

For 22-year-old Joey O’shea, Valentine’s Day is a day when people celebrate their love for one another. However, he said he finds it hard to believe that one day he will be able to celebrate his marriage on Valentine's Day because of recent events.

“Marriage just isn't a piece of paper that says that you and your spouse are together. Marriage is a bond that tells the world that I love this person no matter what. We all fall in love, whether we are gay or straight. Love has no bounds, no walls and neither should marriage,” said O'shea.

Same-Sex Couples in Sacramento County Engage in National Request Marriage Actions

2011-02-10T18:41:45Z

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, from Noon to 2:00pm Marriage Equality USA, Equality Action Now, GetEQUAL, and members of the Faith Community will request marriage licenses for local same-sex couples at the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk’s Office at 720 F Street (Cross-street 8th), Sacramento, CA 95814.

At local marriage counters in cities nationwide, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact the inability to marry causes on their families.

Since 2001, Marriage Equality USA chapters have engaged in these annual marriage counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day. “It is an affront to the basic dignity of the LGBTQI Community as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that they live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else,” said Julie Tindall, Marriage Equality USA Sacramento County Chapter Leader and straight supporter. “Marriage discrimination is wrong and harms real-life families. All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law. The time has come.”

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now issued this statement, “On Valentine’s Day we will be at the clerk’s office to show we are still unequal in the eyes of our fellow citizens - we will show up until there is equality for all, we will fight on the side of what is fair and equal... separate marriage laws are not fair or equal!”

Equality Action Now youth spokesperson, Joey O’shea, 22, stated that, “Marriage equality holds a high importance to me, because I believe everyone should have the possibility of happiness." EAN youth media intern, John Wells, 18, said, “Being around same-sex married couples gives me hope and is a visible sign that while I had a bad time being bullied at school and kicked out by my parents, things do get better. I want to have a committed relationship with my future husband and raise a family. I want my family to have all the legal protections any other family has today. For certain, marriage equality is important to the well-being of my generation of LGBTQ youth.”

Founded in 2000, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.marriageequality.org.

Equality Action Now is a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization founded in 2008. For more information go to www.EqualityActionNow.org .

Profile: Assembly candidate Richard Pan

2010-10-15T01:51:44Z

Physician Richard Pan supports gay marriage.

Attorney Andy Pugno is the author of Proposition 8, which prohibits gay marriage in the state.

Democrat Pan and Republican Pugno, the top two California Assembly candidates seeking to represent Sacramento and its surrounding areas, don’t have much in common.

Voters will go to the polls Nov. 2 to choose a winner for the District 5 seat. Roger Niello, who formerly held the District 5 seat, is now a candidate for state Senate.

Pan, a North Natomas resident and pediatrician at the University of California, Davis, Children’s Hospital, sat down with The Sacramento Press last week to explain his ideas and priorities. The Sacramento Press will feature a profile of Pugno on Friday.

Pan, 44, said his top three priorities in the Legislature would be jobs and the economy, access to high-quality education, and access to high-quality and affordable health care.

He said he wants to see investment in public schools, colleges and universities in the state.

“The community college system is the one I’m most concerned about,” he said.

Pan said community colleges are crucial because they simultaneously provide a path toward an associate’s degree, entry into the University of California and the California State University systems, and retraining opportunities for working people.

Pan’s campaign website says he would “strongly oppose” hikes in college tuition.

Green jobs are a central part of his economic strategy.

He opposes Proposition 23, which would overturn AB 32, the state’s climate change law. In Pan’s view, AB 32’s focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps the development of green jobs.

“We’re going to try to develop the green jobs of the future. We need to have a stable market for those jobs,” he said.

Californians have the potential to create and sell environmentally friendly technologies that could spur the state’s economy, he said. “When we develop those technologies, those will be technologies that the rest of the country and the rest of the world will want,” he said.

Pan also wants to pursue health care coverage for all of the state’s children, according to his website.

The tone of the race between the two candidates has been controversial. Pan’s recent television ads on Pugno’s pro-life stance on abortion came under fire from Pugno’s campaign, according to an Oct. 5 Sacramento Bee article. The Pugno campaign called the ad’s examples “bogus,” the Bee reported.

But Pan said that Pugno’s views on Prop. 8 and abortion are “things that characterize his work and his career.”

Photo by Kathleen Haley.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

LGBT COMMUNITY CALLING FOR PROTEST TODAY AT CAPITOL

2010-08-18T18:56:38Z

Monday the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit placed their own stay in the Federal Prop 8 Case, which doesn’t allow the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Once again disappointment, and for some, anger has invaded the lives of many same-sex couples who were set to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building today.

In place of the planned Wedding Ceremonies, leaders of the LGBT Community are calling for a Protest Rally and March around the State Capitol. This will begin on the West Steps at 6:00pm, Wednesday August 18 (when hundreds of same-sex marriages would have taken place).

Equality Action Now as well as organizations throughout the region are hosting a protest rally and march in reaction to same-sex couples “having to once again put their wedding plans on hold and continue to suffer being treated like 2nd class citizens without the ability to protect their family and each other, as other citizens who are able to legally marry in the State of California”.

While the program is still in the planning stage, confirmed speakers include State Senator Mark Leno, Equality California’s Government Affairs Director, Mario Guerrero, a representative of Faith for Equality, Diana Luiz and Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, Sacramento couple who were set to wed today, and Hilary Hodge, spokesperson for Equality Action Now.

Organizer Enrique Manjarrez explains the reason for the protest is, “For the community to support couples who were looking forward to their wedding day. For young people looking forward to a life where they are truly equal under the law. For all of us to show the world that you may knock us down, but we’ll get up again. The fight for equality goes on here in Sacramento, and across the country”.

Plans Move Ahead for Same-Sex Weddings Wednesday

2010-08-16T08:18:58Z

The judicial clock is ticking down towards Judge Vaughn Walker’s Wednesday, August 18th, 5:00pm lift of the stay in the Federal Prop 8 Trial. In the event that the temporary stay is lifted and once again, same-sex couples are allowed to apply for a marriage license, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will host Wedding Ceremonies on the West Steps of the California State Capitol Building beginning as soon as the first couples arrive from the Sacramento County Clerks Office.

Same-sex couples and their supporters all across the state have been on an emotional roller coaster; first in anticipation of the initial ruling in the case then jubilation when Prop 8 was struck down. Almost immediately a huge letdown happened as a temporary stay was put into place. Once again anticipation reigns supreme with same sex couples that are prepared to join the 18,000 who have already legally married.

One thing is a clear, ProtectMarriage.com and other proponents of Proposition 8 who stepped in the place of the State to take the case to the Federal Court will be relentless and will spare no cost in finding a way to convince the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, or even the Supreme Court to place a permanent stay. Their goal is to keep same-sex marriages from taking place until a decision is made in the higher court. That decision could take as long as two years.

If a permanent stay is put into place, Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center explained, “Same-sex couples will continue to suffer the indignity of being considered second-class citizens and we and our families will continue to be without the same rights and protections legally married couples have. Ether way those who are currently legally married suffer no consequences what-so-ever”.

Putting all the legal wrangling aside, Enrique Manjarrez, a volunteer with Equality Action Now says, “Thinking positively, our organization, along with the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and several other individuals in the community are planning a memorable wedding ceremony for any couple who wish to be one of the first in the State to legally marry after last weeks landmark decision by the Federal Court. There will not be a mass ceremony”.

Couples who wish to participate will have the opportunity to take their vows on the West Steps of the California State Capitol. They may use their own marriage officiate or one of several Ministers of local churches who have stepped up and offered their services. Depending on their schedules, several legislators have also indicated they would be happy to step out of the Capitol to perform civil ceremonies.

In checking with the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk's Office, a representative said if the stay is lifted, they intend to stay open after their usual closing time of 5:00pm. At 5:00pm they will issue only same-sex marriage licenses until 8:00pm. The official said they would process those couples that made a reservation ahead of any walk-ins. Reservations are full for Wednesday and Thursday and filling quickly for Friday.

The Capitol Marriage Ceremony Coordinator is asking help from the community and from local businesses who stand to have an increase in their business to donate their time, products, and services to make Wednesday a special day for all same-sex couples who plan to marry. The community is encouraged to attend to support those who are getting married. If you would like to participate and marry Wednesday evening at the State Capitol contact Enrique Manjarrez by calling the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 916-442-0185.

If Stay is Lifted – Sacramento Is Mobilized For Weddings To Begin

2010-08-09T09:49:57Z

Sacramento, CA – August 9, 2010 - It isn’t known how many same-sex couples are poised to rush down to the Sacramento County Clerk’s Office, however if Wednesday is any indication there could be more then just a few dozen who spent the weekend ring shopping, buying flowers and ordering wedding cakes in anticipation of the possibility Judge Vaughn Walker who presided over the Federal Prop 8 Trial will lift the stay and allow those couples to apply for a marriage license.

If you go to the Sacramento County Clerks Office web site you will see highlighted in bright yellow the following statement: “Prop 8 Ruling – Until the ruling on Proposition 8 is entered, it is not in effect. The court has stayed entry pending consideration of a motion to stay the ruling while it is appealed. As a result, the County Clerk/Recorder may not yet issue licenses to same-sex couples”.

With Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Attorney General Jerry Brown as well as other governmental entities such as the City and County of San Francisco (Mayor Johnson and the City of Sacramento has been silent on this issue so far) filing a Memorandum to Oppose continuing the stay, anti-Prop 8 supporters have high hopes the Judge will strike down the stay and will allow the issuing of marriage licenses to begin.

It is uncertain, even if it is lifted, how soon same-sex couples will be allowed to fill out the long-awaited and hard-fought paperwork that gives them the right to join the already 18,000 married same-sex couples to legally marry in the State of California. Attorney General Brown has indicated he will call for an immediate issuing of licenses as soon as Judge Walker lifts the order and enters the judgment.

The leadership of Equality Action Now, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization who has been on the forefront of the mobilization of the Sacramento region’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) community and their allies met Sunday evening to plan their next mobilization effort – the support of all same-sex couples and straight couples who have vowed not to marry until their gay friends and family members can do so legally, at the Downtown County Clerks Office (600 8 Street, Sacramento, CA 95814), if and immediately when Judge Walker lifts the stay.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and the membership are calling on the community to help supply newly weds with white balloons, flowers and wedding cake. EAN is also contacting officials who are able to perform marriage ceremonies to any couple showing up at the Downtown Office. Some services may be conducted on the west steps of the State Capitol Building. There may be some surprise well known officials lending their services.

Sacramento LGBT Community Reacts to Federal Prop 8 Decision

2010-08-04T21:43:28Z

Sacramento, CA – Today, Judge Vaughn Walker released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811), are elated with the ruling and are calling a Press Conference at 3:45 PM at the Center and are planning a party beginning at 6:00 pm on K Street at 21st in Midtown Sacramento, in the parking lot behind McMartin's Real Estate.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization said. “Today, we will dance in the streets to celebrate our equality with our fellow Californians and thank all of our allies. While this is a huge step towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that the positive ruling in this case will serve as the bases for an appeal from the Yes on Prop 8 side. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals. So tomorrow we will continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and telling our personal stories”.

Wendy Rae Hill, Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center pointed out, “as witnessed in the this trial, what the proponents of same-sex marriage have on their side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. On the other hand there is an abundance of evidence that same-sex marriages will actually serve to strengthen our society and family structure as in the case of my own family”.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community “to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people”.

”Today our response to Judge Walker's ruling includes reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone”.

Federal Prop 8 Trial Day of Decision - Sacramento Responds

2010-08-04T15:21:39Z

Today, Judge Vaughn Walker will released his decision in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger Federal Prop 8 Trial. The leadership of Equality Action NOW and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center announce today's events.

The ruling will be first, sent out by email to all who are directly connected to the case between 1:00pm and 3:00pm then it will immediately be posted to the web site (www.cand.uscourts.gov).

If Judge Walker rules in favor of striking down Prop 8 and restoring same-sex marriages in California, the leadership of Equality Action Now and the staff of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning a party to be held at K Street and 21st in Midtown, in the parking lot behind McMartin’s Realty beginning at 6:00pm.

If the ruling upholds Prop 8, we will march from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, 1927 L Street, Sacramento, CA 95811, to the west steps of the State Capitol beginning at 6:00pm. There will be speakers and participants will have the opportunity to express their feelings in an open mic forum.

No matter how it goes, a Press Conference will be called within 2 hours of the ruling announcement on the front steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. If you can make it to the Center for the announcement there will be Media who will want to get the immediate reaction to the ruling from people who this effects the most. It is important you have your voice be heard no matter the outcome. In any case the Center will be open beginning at 9:00am.

While this ruling can be a huge step forward or a temporary barrier towards equal rights for same-sex marriages, it is well understood that this case will serve as the bases for an appeal. Opponents of same-sex marriages will continue their fight by using every available means legally, as well as in the public arena to deny full and equal rights to LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) individuals – and so will we.

It is important to us to continue to build bridges to other communities by coming out and being vocal with our personal stories and issues.

As witnessed in the this trial, what we have on our side is the Constitution and evidence that no one can dispute the fact that same-sex marriages will do no harm to the institution of marriage. In addition there is an abundance of evidence (and common sense) that same-sex marriages will actually strengthen our society and family structure.

Organizations throughout the state and here in Sacramento are urging the community to continue to amplify the themes underscored by Olson/Boies which focused on the inclusion and integration of LGBT people within the legal protections enjoyed by all Americans and framed this current controversy within the larger historical context of past discriminatory laws that have been eliminated. In this way, marriage discrimination against the LGBT community is seen as one more instance of unfounded bias and prejudice that is eliminated and is consistent with the enduring American principle of extending Constitutional protections and fairness to all people.

On the Day of Decision our response to Judge Walker's ruling must include reaching out in fellowship and compassion to those who voted for Proposition 8 in 2008 out of fear and lack of information. Just like the evolution of Governor Schwarzenegger, U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein and San Diego Mayor and Prop 8 trial witness Jerry Sanders, we need to ensure we celebrate or protest with a grace that allows people to evolve in their position towards marriage equality with dignity and join us as we move forward. We need to ensure we do not view this win or lose as a zero sum game against our adversaries - but rather the unfolding of a more inclusive, kind, loving country for everyone.

Sacramento LGBT Community Prepares For Federal Prop 8 Ruling

2010-06-24T17:29:24Z

Following a five-month hiatus, intriguing closing argument to the Federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8 were heard in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, and a decision in the case is expected shortly.

The leadership of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a local, grassroots civil rights organization and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning to respond to whatever ruling Judge Vaughn Walker decides in the case with a rally at the Sacramento G&L Center, 1927 L St.

As of this writing there are no indications when the ruling will take place. Organizers are preparing for any day or time it could be announced. There were rumours flying yesterday that the decision could be handed down as early as this Friday, June 25, 2010, but the general thinking is the decision will not be made before this weekend’s San Francisco’s Gay Pride events or even prior to July 4th, Independence Day.

There are two possible rulings that could be made. Ether the banning of same-sex marriage will be viewed by this court to be unconstitutional and once again it will be legal for same-sex adults to attain a marriage license in the state of California, or the law which had caused so much controversy and millions of dollars on both sides spent to repeal or uphold will continue to be the law of the land.

One way or another one thing is certain, the ruling will be appealed and the case will continue to the Federal Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the Unites States Supreme Court.

Planners of the “D-Day” event are encouraged by early indications that the possibility of the decision on their side is high. With hope that they are right, plans are being formed to close down 20st street between K and L streets, the block the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is located near, for a celebration.

Speakers and entertainment are being lined up and the community is being informed through a vast social networking infrastructure that has been developed since the general election of 2008.

Of course, organizers are also planning for a defeat which could start within hours of the decision at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, with a short press conference and then begin a protest march to the California State Capitol where participants will be able to express their feelings of the decision and speakers will offer their support and encouragement.

In any case, Sacramento will be ready to be vocal about what is predicted to be a cornerstone to the future of same-sex marriage here in California.

For more information about plans for “D-Day” go to the web site for Equality Action Now (www.equalityactionnow.org) or the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccenter.org).

Equality Action NOW Announces Pride Month Activities

2010-06-10T20:57:39Z

Equality Action Now, a Sacramento based, award-winning civil rights organization will have a super-busy few weeks ahead. The grassroots, all-volunteer activist group will be participating in several events slated for Pride Month.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE LGBT CAUCUS Awards Ceremony

On Monday June 14, 2010 at 10:30 AM, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus will host a special awards ceremony. The California Legislature will proclaim June 2010 as LGBT Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT Community’s past accomplishments and contributions. The Assembly will also honor LGBT individuals selected from across the state for their lifetime contributions and accomplishments in creating a better future for California and the United States.

Sacramento’s own, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and long-time activist has been chosen to receive a lifetime achievement award along with other noted honorees such as Armistead Maupin, Aaron Alvarado, Dr. William Beck, Cecilia Chung, Professor David Cruz, Del Martin (Posthumous), Phyllis Lyon and Jewel Thais-Williams.

The ceremony will take place on the floor of the Assembly with a reception following hosted by the LGBT Caucus consisting of Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez, Senator Christine Kehoe, and Senator Mark Leno.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS – Federal Prop 8 Trial

On Wednesday, June 16, closing arguments in the Federal Prop 8 trial will take place. It has been suggested that the judge in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case may render a decision ether immediately or within a day or two.

The leadership of Equality Action Now is planning on calling a Press Conference on the steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center as soon as the decision comes down from the court. If the outcome is positive there will dancing and a celebration. If the decision is against same-sex-marriage, EAN will lead a protest march from the Center to the West Steps of the State Capitol.

Anyone wanting to participate should sign up to receive Action Alert emails on the www.EqualityActionNow.org web site.

DYKE NITE – Capitol Pride Festival Event

Equality Action Now members are actively participating in leadership positions for this years Pride Events. EAN member, Hilary Hodge is helping to make sure Dyke Nite, to be held on the West Steps of the State Capitol, the evening of the Pride Festival, is a success. Dyke Nite is a fun event for all sexes and age groups and will begin Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. There is free admission with entertainment by Der Spazm, Sappho's Serenaders, Kings of Drag, Hot Pot Studios, C. Foster and Jovi Radtke are closing with Spoken Word. Hilary Hodge will emcee the event.

SACRAMENTO’S CAPITOL PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Entirely run by volunteers and benefiting the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Capitol Pride Festival will, for the first time, be located along Capitol Mall between the west steps of the State Capitol Building and the iconic West Sacramento Drawbridge Saturday, June 19, 2010.

PRIDE PARADE

This year the Pride Parade will begin at Southside Park and run straight down 7th Street to the State Capitol. Equality Action Now will be bringing up the rear of the parade and along the way will be inviting everyone along the route to join in their march to the Festival. If you want to join them at the beginning, EAN members will be forming up at 9:00 AM at or near the corner of 7th and T Streets at Southside Park. Look for the “Imagine Equality” signs. If you like you can bring beads, and leis to hand to people along the route.

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Entry to the Festival along Capitol Mall will be $10. With the new venue it is expected that this year’s Pride Festival could be the largest yet. Food, entertainment, drink, (think a cold slushy margarita), and hundreds of vender booths will stretch out along the visually stunning Capitol Mall corridor.

Equality Action Now members are an important part of the Sacramento LGBTQI Community and are proud of their accomplishments and participation in helping all citizens. For more information on how to join EAN go to their web site at www.EqualityActionNow.org or email info@equalityactionnow.org. For information about the Pride Festival go to http://sacramentopride.org or download the official Pride Guide at www.outwordmagazine.com .

Senator Mark Leno Hosts Religious Freedom and Marriage Talk

2010-05-19T05:50:05Z

By Ken Pierce

Sacramento, CA – May 18, 2010 – Today Senator Mark Leno (D – San Francisco) hosted a discussion at the State Capitol of a bill he sponsored to hopefully help define a confusing aspect of the same-sex marriage fight that may be headed back to the polls in California in 2012. SB 906 was introduced January 27, 2010 and named the Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom Act.

The summary of the bill states that it does reaffirm the freedom of the clergy to make faith-based decisions regarding which marriages they solemnize and further clarifies the distinction between civil marriage and religious marriage. It also clarifies that religious institutions would not lose their tax-exempt status in California if they refuse to solemnize a certain marriage that is contrary to their religious faith.

Among the discussion group was Sen. Leno, New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, and Equality California Executive Director, Geoff Kors.

Bishop Robinson is the first openly gay priest to be ordained a bishop in a major Christian denomination. As a high-ranking member of the clergy, Bishop Robinson has advocated for equal protection under the law and for full civil marriage rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The Bishop mentioned that New Hampshire enacted a similar bill which helped pave the way for the legalization of same-sex-marriages in his state.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda is a courageous vocal opponent to Uganda’s proposed legislation to criminalize and execute members of the LGBT community. The government could soon outlaw his ministry with Integrity Uganda, and Bishop Christopher could be put in prison for his support of LGBT Ugandans. While the Bishop praised the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act proposed in California, his real message is that Religious zealots here in the United States are still fueling support for Uganda taking a harsh stand towards Ugandan LGBT citizens. While their verbal support has been hushed due to the huge backlash of media attention, Bishop Senyonio said, “Money from the U.S. is still flowing into Uganda as well as other African nations in support of strong governmental actions targeting homosexuals”.

Now that the heated debate of when to put to the vote to same-sex-marriage is settled, EQCA is moving ahead with a strategy to win the support of California citizens. Their network of offices and volunteers, including here in Sacramento, has been making thousands of phone calls and knocking on doors across the state. Geoff Kors, executive director led the way for his organization to become a co-sponsor of the Religious Freedom and Marriage bill as part of that new strategy.

Currently SB 906 is on its third reading on the Senate Floor. The bill is sponsored by EQCA and California Council of Churches. It receives official support from AIDS Project Los Angeles, Anti-Defamation League, Asian Americans for Civil Rights & Equality, California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, California Teachers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, Jewish Political Action Committee (JPAC), Sacramento Lawyers for the Equality of Gays and Lesbians, Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats, and the City of West Hollywood.

Ken Pierce is a local Sacramento writer and Director of Public Relations for Equality Action Now.

Photos by Ken Pierce:

1. (L to R) New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, California Sen. Mark Leno

2. (L to R) Geoff Kors, Bishop Robinson, Uganda Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, Sen. Mark Leno

3. View of the California State Capitol Building

Maine’s Question One – A Question For California?

2009-10-13T15:56:08Z

On the evening of November 4, 2009, members of civil and same-sex marriage rights organizations will stage a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the passing of Prop 8 exactly one year ago. Roughly three thousand miles away in the state of Maine, Question One will have been answered for citizens hoping their state is the next state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Maine is the latest battleground for supporters of same-sex marriage. On November 3, they will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing such marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum.

Back here in California, supporters of same-sex marriage are cautiously hopeful for a landmark victory that they believe would have an impact here. If the law is unhealed it could help with a positive momentum many believe is happening in California. The real question is how would a defeat, Maine voters repealing the law; affect California in overturning Prop 8?

“I don’t think anyone really knows for sure,” answered Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento and organizer of the California State Capitol protest. “Maine is our sister state fighting the same lies and distortions created by the religious right to repeal their same sex marriage laws. The radical right is using fear in the same manner as they used against us in California.”

Reynolds goes on to say, “November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our Maine brothers and sisters. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the decision of Maine voters, knowing the track record of California gay rights activists who seem to have the resiliency to press on year-after-year, the fight for same-sex marriage will continue to move ahead until it is settled for good. While Maine could provide a boost or depression, it is likely to have a short term affect to the efforts here in California. One good indication could be the attendance and the mood of participants, both for and against gay marriage, who show up on the west steps of the California State Capitol Building, November 4th at 5:00 pm. It could be a defining moment with national implications.

One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action

2009-10-08T06:59:47Z

A year ago on November 4, 2008, Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition passed in the November general election. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I of the California Constitution. The section reads: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition overturned the California Supreme Court’s ruling saying that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, by restricting the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples. California’s State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect the day after the election.

On November 4, 2009, Equality Action Now, along with members of the Sacramento LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) Leadership Coalition will lead a rally and march at the California State Capitol Building to highlight the fact that the fight for civil rights for all citizens is not over. The rally will begin at 5:00 pm with sign making for participants, followed at 6:00 pm with a few speakers. At 6:30 pm Equality Action Now will lead a march around the capitol grounds.

Equality Action Now, a grassroots all-volunteer civil rights organization was born literally moments after the November 2008 elections. The award-winning group of activists lead by Tina Reynolds, co-founder and owner of Uptown Studios now serves as Sacramento’s premier civil rights organization. Even though the same-sex marriage issue is still an important focus of the organization, members have also spent their free time collecting food for the poor marched in step with other organizations such as the labor union and the Martin Luther King Jr Day parade Members also was instrumental in supporting SafeGround Sacramento, fighting for the homeless and helpless.

The Sacramento LGBTQI Leadership Coalition was formed just prior to the recent California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop 8. Along with leaders of Equality Action Now, this group meets monthly to share information from other local grassroots and statewide organizations on preparations to overturn Prop 8.

The November 4th rally will serve as a reminder to the public at-large that the LGBTQI community, along with their many straight, political, and religious allies will not give up the fight for full equality until their rights are fully restored. While the decision of when to place this issue back on the ballot (2010 or 2012) is being decided, organizations such as Equality Action Now are continuing to mobilize, motivate, activate like-minded individuals and educate opponents who may have heard only one side of the issue.

The California State Capitol Building is located at 10th and L Street, Sacramento, CA. The rally will begin on the west steps at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm with a march around the capitol grounds. For more information visit Equality Action Now’s web site at: http://www.EqualityActionNow.org. or events@equalityactionnow.org or phone (916) 446-1082.

Demonstrators rally at Capitol in response to Prop 8 decision

2009-05-27T07:17:00Z

Lisa Gorden and JDD Doran-Jammer, both blind, trailed behind the crowd of people marching around the Capitol, echoing their chants “Hey hey, ho ho, discrimination has got to go.”

Although they are not gay and said marching with crowds is difficult given their physical disposition, the two friends joined in Tuesday’s rally against the California Supreme Court’s upholding of Proposition 8.

“I’m just real sad and mad about the Prop. 8 decision. It just seemed important to come out in the heat and support this,” Gorden said. “We have plenty of noise to follow.”

Gorden and Doran-Jammer were two of an estimated 2,000 who appeared at Tuesday’s rally, organized by Equality Action NOW, which refers to itself as a Northern California grassroots civil rights organization. The rally began at the Gay and Lesbian center at the intersection of 20th and L Streets and continued with a march to the west Capitol steps, where a demonstration followed.

Among speakers at the demonstration were Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Monterey), joined by religious speakers, spoken-word artists, musicians, organizations such as Marriage Equality USA, Courage Campaign, NOW, Stonewall Democrats of Sacramento and representatives of Meet in the Middle 4 Equality.

Steinberg expressed his admiration for “people who are willing to take [their] own struggles out to the streets.”

“It’s not about sex, it’s about love,” said Ammiano, who is openly gay. “It’s always been about love.”

Other speakers expressed anger and frustration, identifying the court’s decision as a disappointment and a failure to protect the rights of minorities in a democracy, as well as hope for the future of gay and lesbians and their families. They encouraged participants to continue to be active beyond the rally.

“Rallies are great…movements are better,” said speaker Dayne Damme.

Several speakers addressed the group of demonstrators across the street from the Capitol holding yellow “Celebrate Prop 8!” signs. Jorge Riley explained that he and some of the other 16 demonstrators were former members of the American River College student government that passed a resolution to endorse Prop. 8 in October.

“We want to be the alternative voice,” said Michael Hart, who was demonstrating with the former ARC students.

“It’s always important to show both sides and leave it to the people to decide,” Riley said.

Riley added that he was there to “support good family values” and that he was not demonstrating to endorse hate.

Jade Beranski of Equality Action NOW said that considering the heat and that it was a work night, she was satisfied with the turnout at the rally.

To read about yesterday’s initial reactions to the upholding of Prop. 8, visit the following link:

Initial Reaction

*AUTHOR’S NOTE: ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JONATHAN MENDICK AND JENN WALKER OF SACRAMENTO PRESS*

Prop 8 decision: initial reaction

2009-05-27T00:21:51Z

There was a strange combination of emotions in Headhunters Video Lounge and Grill around 10 a.m. when the California Supreme Court decided to uphold Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages. Perhaps it was the nature of the initial announcement, which was shouted by an on scene KOVR 13 reporter while hearing the breaking news through a cellphone.

Several people cried, but most didn't have time to react, because stations like KXTV 10, KOVR 13, and KTXL 40 were already on the scene videotaping and interviewing people about their initial reactions outside of Headhunters. After the crowd of nearly 100 calmed down a bit, Laurie McBride and Paul Curtis of the No on Prop 8 Fundraising Committee explained the decision, which was a 6-1 decision to reject challenges to Prop 8, and a unanimous decision to have existing marriages remain valid.

"I hope they repeal Prop 8, but the reality is we're prepared if they don't," said Tina Reynolds of Equality Action NOW in an interview minutes before the decision. Through a megaphone, she led the crowd in cheers before and after the decision at the grill and video lounge.

"We are filled with hope. This is not the end, this is just our new beginning. We are going to have true equality!" said Reynolds to a fervent crowd after the decision.

"I'm not at the point of my life where I'm ready to get married, but there are plenty of people I'm surrounded by who are," said Jade Baranski, 23, of Equality Action NOW. "And I feel like their love is being invalidated. This is our generation's Civil Rights Movement."

Later, an 11 a.m. press conference in front of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center featured speeches from Gretchen Bender, President of the Sacramento County Board of Education, Dave Jones of the State Assembly, and Doreena Wong of Asian Pacific Islander Equality, along with several religious leaders.

"This is the first day of a new movement to show our state and the whole country that freedom, family, and civil rights should never be the subject of a popularity vote," said Bender, who married her wife during the six month period before last November, and has a 4-month-old child.

"18,000 lesbian and gay couples living in our communities throughout the state of California [are] demonstrating each and every day that they can love just like love everyone else," said assembly-member Jones to a cheering crowd in front of the Gay and Lesbian Center of Sacramento. "[Because of] the incongruity of that with this decision, I am confident that we will prevail."

"50 percent of me is really happy because I get to stay married, [because] my partner and I got married last October after being together for 18 years," said Jason Lindo, who brought his framed marriage certificate. "Part of me is really pissed."

"I'm now in a completely unique and, I find, repulsive, legal category," Lindo added. "Having something the rest of California can't have, just because I happened to be available for a wedding within that six months."

Read the court's press release on the decision here.

Equality Action NOW has the following events scheduled for tonight:

Until 5 pm: Sign making at the Gay & Lesbian Center (Headhunters will also remain open) – 20th and L Streets

5:30 pm: Rally – 20th and L Streets

6:30 pm: March to the Capital – West Steps of Capitol on 10th and L

7:00 pm: Capitol Program begins

What's happening at the Capitol: May 25, 26

2009-05-24T23:29:16Z

Monday, May 25

12-1 p.m. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table will be holding a Civil War Memorial walk and rally near the fish pond. Fifty people are expected to participate.

1-2 p.m. A 21-gun salute will be held in memorial of the Mexican-American War near the Mexican-American Veterans Memorial just north of the traffic circle on 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Seventy-five people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, May 26

7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy Tails, a no-kill facility dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals, according to their website, will be holding a bake sale on the north and south entrances of the Capitol.

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Caravan for Justice will hold its third rally at the Capitol, for "thousands of Californians who have grown fed up with laws and policies that continue to undermine our freedoms and destroy the most valuable and humane of infrastructures called: FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS," says the flier. Three thousand people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol.

1-3:30 p.m. 9-1-1 For Kids will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for 100 expected people.

6-7 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the rose garden.

7 p.m.* - All Night?* As explained in an earlier Sacramento Press article, if Proposition 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

*7 p.m.: This event is contingent on Prop 8 ruling.
*All Night: This depends on crowd interest.

Events planned for imminent prop 8 decision

2009-05-21T05:37:03Z

Sacramento-based Equality Action NOW is coordinating with several other organizations to hold several community events around the imminent Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8, the recently passed measure that banned gay marriage in California.

Those other organizations include the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento Regional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Leadership Coalition, Marriage Equality USA and Yes On Equality.

The court will announce the decision on whether or to uphold Prop. 8 on either Thursday, May 21, Tuesday, May 26, Thursday, May 28, or Monday, June 1, but no matter what the outcome of the decision, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will open at 9 a.m. on these days. Staff will be offering sign-making activities, a first aid station and on-site counseling and counseling referrals through its LGBT Counseling Program.

On decision day, a news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the center, where legal experts, elected officials, religious and civil rights leaders and more will discuss the court decision and how to move forward. Among others, Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), assembly member John Perez (D-Los Angeles) and Professor Lawrence Levine of the McGeorge School of Law have been invited to speak.

Also on the day of the decision, the Gay and Lesbian Center will host a rally from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on its steps, with entertainment and speeches from community leaders. Twentieth Street will be closed between K and L Streets where speakers and a stage will be set up. The street will remain closed until the crowd disperses.

If Prop. 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

If Prop. 8 is overturned, following the rally at the center, the crowd will move slightly south of the intersection of 20th and K, where a stage will feature music and entertainment for the evening. This celebration will last until the crowd disperses.

According to Equality Action NOW's press release, the following community events are also planned:

An Interfaith Gathering in Strength & Hope – Led by Rev. Brian Baker & Rev. Lindi Ramsden – Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday on the Eve of CA Supreme Court Ruling on Prop 8 – At Headhunters Patio, 1930 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Co-hosted by CA Faith for Equality, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, CA Council of Churches, Catholics for Marriage Equality, Marriage Equality USA, PFLAG, and Equality Action NOW. CONTACT: (916) 708-3390 or email mhdoherty@comcast.net.

Meet Me In The Middle – On the Saturday following Decision Day, [people from around] the entire state will be converging on Fresno, CA. A bus and caravan will be leaving the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 7:30 a.m. for a group trek to the Fresno City Hall building. Media is invited to interview participants and send a crew on the bus if interested. For more information on “Meet Me in the Middle” and reserve a seat on the bus contactevents@equalityactionnow.org or call (916) 446-1082. Fresno event contact: Robin McGehee atcvgsanetwork@gmail.com.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 20, 21, 22

2009-05-20T03:45:13Z

Wednesday, May 20

8 a.m.-4 p.m. California Hunger Action Coalition will be holding a Hunger Action Day on the north steps of the Capitol. "Each May, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates from all over the state meet in Sacramento to educate their legislators about hunger and support anti-hunger legislation. Low-income advocates, soup kitchen volunteers, nutritionists, food bank supporters and others concerned about the 3.1 million Californians experiencing hunger travel by bus, car and airplane once each year to participate in this important event," says the event's webpage. 350 people are expected.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. American Heart Association will be holding an educational California Lobby Day on the south steps of the Capitol for a crowd of approximately 150 people. "Come out and voice your support against stroke, heart disease, childhood obesity, and [for] tobacco tax increase," says a Craigslist flyer for the event.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. California Association of Professional Scientists will be holding their annual State Scientist Day on the west steps of the Capitol. With an expected turnout of 3,000 participants, third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders are all invited to participate in the hands-on science fair with booths from the California Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation (Recycle Rex will appear at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.). Teachers can still register their classes by calling (916) 441-2629, according to the event's website.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two fuel-cell vehicles will be displayed on the east steps of the Capitol, followed by a press conference.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Natural Products Association West will be holding its seventh annual advocacy event, "Health Matters," just south of the fish pond. 100 people are expected.

1:30-3 p.m. The Association of California Water Agencies will be holding a rally near the fish pond. In attendance will be around 1500 representatives of public water agencies, other water organizations, and their supporters. "The purpose of the rally is to press for action on a comprehensive water solution. The event is intended to raise the visibility of the state’s water challenges and keep the water issue before state leaders and the public," says the event's website.

Those who register here, can check in at the west lobby of the Convention Center starting at 8:30 a.m., before attending a luncheon at 11:45 a.m., and march from the Sheraton Hotel to the Capitol at 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Sacramento Transportation Management Association will be holding a carpooling, bicycling and transit information rally on the west steps of the Capitol as a part of May Is Bike Month's Bikefest. 500 participants are expected.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Office of First Lady of California Maria Shriver has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for a new garden. It can be found at 13th Street between L and N (the east side of the Capitol) according to one political blog.

6:30 p.m.- all night? If the California Supreme Court decides to uphold Prop 8, Equality Action NOW will hold a march at 6:30 p.m. from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center to the State Capitol's west steps. Says a press release, "a second rally with speakers and entertainment will take place, followed by a march around the Capitol grounds. On return to the West Capitol Steps, participants will be invited to speak at an open mic. Speakers of all ages, all walks of life, gay, straight, children of gay couples, parents of gay individuals, students and couples who were married and who want to marry will be invited to tell their stories. If crowd interest remains high, Enrique Manjarrez, Youth program Coordinator, Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center will lead an all-night youth rally."

Friday, May 22

4-7:30 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the old rose garden at the Capitol in front of an audience of 100 people.

Candlelight vigil for gay marriage

2009-03-05T06:56:58Z

Hundreds of gays, lesbians and supporters lined the south steps of the State Capitol to recommit to the cause of fighting for equality Wednesday at around 5 p.m.

Organized by the nonprofit Equality Action NOW (which also helped organized the larger March 16 rally at the State Capitol), the people were there to tell the world that they want equality, and they want it now.

On the eve of the California Supreme Court hearing arguments on the validity of Prop. 8, the state amendment to ban same-sex marriages, the hundreds marched from the State Capitol to the steps of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building.

The gathered held signs with slogans such as, “We are never going away,” "God does not discriminate, people do" and "What happened to equal rights for every citizen?

After hearing remarks from Pastor David Thompson of Westminster Presbyterian Church and an opening prayer by Reverend Lindi Ramsden of the Faith for Equality Coalition, the crowd held a candlelight vigil in a show of support for the freedom for all to marry.

"On the eve of justice, you've assembled here alongside crowds from 35 other cities in this state,” Thompson said, “and I'm here to say, I do support the freedom to marry be given to all people."

Event organizers then turned the attention of the crowd to recognize that Mariko Yamada, who represents California’s 8th District in the State Assembly, was in attendance. Then one organizer used her megaphone to lead the crowd in a call and response: "What do you want? Freedom! When do you want it? Now!"

"Tomorrow, [Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Shannon Minter and his team] are going to start the fight that has never been fought before," said longtime Sacramento resident and Equality Action NOW founder Tina Reynolds.

"Even though we're thinking it's about a 50/50 [chance]," she added, "I think that we're going to win because it's about being fair. If the California Supreme Court takes away our rights, they can easily take the rights away from every other minority."

Reynolds encouraged people to join the rally in San Francisco tomorrow where 100,000 people are expected to gather at the Supreme Court of California at 350 McAllister from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, the court will also hear views over whether the 18,000 gay marriages performed in 2008 before November should be legally recognized if the ballot measure is upheld. Though the court could decide as early as tomorrow, they must make a decision in the next 90 days.

Jade Baranski, a 23-year-old who also works for Equality Action NOW, said that her organization has "given me a direct outlet to mobilize others in our community."

"Once the court decides,” she added, “we're either planning for a celebration, or a reactionary rally."

Though there's no rally planned for tomorrow, if anything occurs, "there will be a viral rally happening tomorrow," said Baranski.

Delores Huerta's Call To Action

2009-02-18T05:14:43Z

February 16th, 2009
State Capitol
No on 8 Rally

Reactions to Marriage Equality March and Rally on the Capitol Steps

After going to many Prop 8 rallies, this one truly resonated with me. The rain and cold made the event even more powerful; seeing people from San Jose to San Francisco and beyond while braving the forces of Mother Nature. Yes, Margaret Cho and Wanda Sykes were among the celebrities to give speeches; Wanda's by far was one of the more humorous. Monday's rally still gave me a different outlook at the future of our movement. And when I say our, I mean everyone who is fighting for equality.

Proposition 8 sometimes seems like a decade ago, but rallies like this remind me that the LGBT and straight communities are still fighting and they are fighting hard.

Some people go to Prop 8 rallies because their friends are going or because they want to volunteer. Others go to get really good pictures with celebrities. But in the end, what these rallies and marches really represent is one combined effort by many organizations trying to recruit as many people as possible. Delores Huerta of all people knows why this is so important.

I did not know Delores Huerta would be attending Monday's march and rally, but when I heard the emcee, one of Sacramento's prominent LGBT activist announce Delores Huerta...I knew that the LGBT community finally realized what has been missing for so long: A CALL TO ACTION. For so long, we have been living our lives, voting the progressives into office, volunteering at the local community centers, but never has our entire community been asked to do something so important and of such magnitude. Thanks to Delores and others, the farm workers eventually learned the need to grow in numbers as well as organize and ORGANIZE.

Hearing Delores's call to find at least ten people to educate is what most people don't think to do.

As our movement grows and with the help from celebrities, activists and everyone else, marriage equality will get its day.

Hundreds gather in support of equal rights at Capitol

2009-02-16T23:59:28Z

Hundreds of supporters of equal rights for all Americans gathered this afternoon on the state Capitol's west steps, waving flags and cheering on gay and lesbian couples who have claimed the right to marry, as spelled out by the California Supreme Court.

Political stars such as Senate President pro Tem Darryl Steinberg and Senator Mark Leno joined entertainers Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes and Star Trek's George Takei and his husband Brad Altman in celebration of equal marriage rights and in anticipation of the upcoming decision by the Supreme Court regarding Proposition 8.

The court, located just across the street from the Capitol, will decide the constitutionality of Prop. 8 on March 5. Prop. 8, which was passed by a majority of voters in November, would overthrow the court's own legal judgement of last year that preventing gays and lesbians from marrying would be unconstitutional discrimination against a minority.

Monday, President's Day, with state workers off for the holiday, the Capitol resounded with the cheers of gays and lesbians and their many straight supporters, who listened to speeches from Steinberg, Leno and attorney Gloria Allred and her clients Robin Tyler and Diane Olson, whose suit led the Supreme Court to rule in favor of gay marriage.

Olson spoke before Allred, introducing her by excoriating the small band of anti-gay picketters across the street, saying "They've pick on us for years, and now they're whining because we're posting their names on the internet?" She asked the question rhetorically, in reference to a recent suit in which anti-gay contributors to Prop. 8 asked the state to make an exception for them to election sunshine laws. The suit was dismissed in Federal court.

Allred read the text of the Supreme Court's decision in favor of equal marriage rights, which amounted to a de facto reaffirmation of the Bill of Rights, after each section calling out, "Do you agree with the Supreme Court?" To which the crowd yelled out, "Yes!"

"What they were saying was, 'There's no reason to give special rights to a special class of people,' that is, straight people," said Joshua Maddux, who was there with his girlfriend, Janie Bose. "I'm being tongue-in-cheek, a little," he added. "But really, that's what it boils down to, doesn't it? Should straight people get special rights that aren't available to gay people? Should different classes of people get different rights? As a straight person, I think that's just un-American."

One highlight of the day was commedien Margaret Cho's debut as a singer/songwriter, which was redolent with foul-mouthed lyrical jokes that restored some of the edge to an event that seemed, despite the subject matter, decidedly mainstream.

Who paid for which proposition?

2009-02-05T00:03:01Z

The court battle over access to the records of who gave how much money to the Prop. 8 campaign against gay rights is over, and the principle of open government won.

Today, the Secretary of State's office released a list of 56,000 names of people who gave as much as $1.2 million to either support or oppose the proposition, which would strip gay couples of the right to marry in California.

There are a number of surprises in the list, not least of which is that the top 5 donations came from people who opposed the proposition. Read the full list here.

But there were other propositions on the ballot, all of which were funded by private individuals. For a list of who gave money to the other propositions on the November ballot, click here.

No on Proposition 8 rallies intensify in Sacramento

2008-11-10T14:34:03Z

After Proposition 8 passed last week there was an immediate response. I walked out of a late lunch in midtown into a large rally for No on 8. That rally had a very serious tone of anger and disappointment.

Yesterday afternoon there was another No on 8 protest. This one was much bigger with thousands of people marching on the Capitol. The tone was already more hopeful and defiant. Protesters carried signs instead of the candles of last week's rally.

The Sacramento Police and California Highway Patrol presence was strong. They followed protesters down the Capitol mall and L street to Lavender Heights on the corner of 20th and K streets.

After yesterday's rally I got a chance to speak with some protesters and I hope they will come share their stories of what it was like to be on the ground and in the middle of the event. If you were at the events please share your experience by becoming a writer.

Rally Denies Proposition 8

2008-11-06T22:10:53Z

You could hear the chants to the front door of The Waterboy. You could see the glow of the candlelight from The Embassy. The intensity could be felt for miles around.

While most were swimming in the honeymoon of an Obama ratification, many were feeling left out of the party. But hundreds of those still fighting for equality decided to exercise their constitutional rights by staging a rally in front of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 20th & L streets. Hoisting signs that read, "America = Equality 4 Some" and "Marriage is a human right, not a heterosexual priviledge (sic)," these protesters swore to continue the fight. Their beef is with the passing of Proposition 8; a contemptible ballot measure that bans same-sex couples from marrying. Some at the evening rally looked stunned. Some looked furious. Regardless of their reaction to how people voted, they agree that this battle is far from over.

PROP 8 PASSES! (What your neighbors have to say about it.)

2008-11-05T09:49:58Z

DEAR CALIFORNIA:

BREAKING NEWS - PROP 8 HAS PASSED!!

On November 4th I spent another full day protesting on the corners of Greenback and Sunrise. Screaming, honking, neon signs, carpol tunnel, and all that good stuff. Though as the polls closed at 8pm, I had to find something else to do with my evening.

I heard an announcement on the radio about a Prop 8 party being held at the Hyatt Hotel on L street. Obviously - I was inclined to visit it. The event had a very classy set up, with exotic cheeses and camera crews. The people who attended were overwhelmingly enthusiatic, while watching one of the four giant TVs they had set up in the corners of the room which read the suspenseful poll results. During my visit, I got a few people to give me some of their opinions on PROPOSITION 8.

Jasmine, 16 years old (YES on 8)

"Prop 8 is important to me mainly because of my beliefs in traditional marriage. I am a devout christian and believe that families should infact be started by the marriage between a man and a woman. I believe nothing is being taken away, it's just being kept the same. The innocence of children would be corrupted which in hand would make them question the societies flawed view on marriage."

David, 19 years old (YES on 8)

"I believe in marriage being pure. I have participated in several rallys and done my best in standing to my ground under pressure. I want marriage to be secure and restored. In regards to teaching children about gay marriage in school - I would not like for my children to have that misconception implanted into their minds."

Marlene, 54 years old (NO on 8)

"I haven't participated much in endorcing either side, but was made very aware of the issue once seeing how many people wanted to get married. Domestic partnership just doesn't offer everything that a marriage offers. If prop 8 were to pass, I would be dissapointed in how many people felt negatively about the issue."

Marcie, 35 years old (YES on 8)

"Prop 8 is extremely important to me because it threatens the foundations of a family. To endorce my beliefs I passed out flyers, put up signs, stole signs so I could use them elsewhere, and went to a couple rallys.If prop 8 were not to pass, I would pull my children out of public schools."

Alex, 18 years old (YES on 8)

"I want my kids to be taught about a traditional marriage. I voted YES on prop 8, and went to rallys for 3 days straight. If prop 8 didn't pass, i'd be pissed and start a riot."

Cody, 22 years old (NO on 8)

"I'm straight - NO on h8!"

Bob, 25 years old (YES on 8)

"Prop 8 is about family values, teaching right from wrong, natural from unnatural and allowing religious freedom. Marriage is a religious constitution and if you're not religious, then don't practice it. I posted many ads on craigslist and held some of the biggest signs on Sunrise and Greenback. I hope prop 8 passes, otherwise I would feel that my rights are being trampled and religious freedom is being restricted.

The head speaker concluded the event with a few words...

"Prop 8 has passed, and it's not about descrimination. Gays and lesbians still have rights in the state of California."

Prop 8 attracts hundreds

2008-11-04T21:43:38Z

On November 3, 2008 I found myself on Greenback and Sunrise joining a crowd of people advertising their beliefs...

There were tons of wild people, thousands of signs with different hilarious and descriminating slogans (from both parties), cars decked out in their signs, and cops rolling their eyes.

Sure - I bet a lot of them didn't even know what prop 8 was, they just wanted something to do, but regardless, it was quite the experience.

Check it out! As the night rolled in, so did the people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-qKvS12-HY

Know what you're supporting - one way or another :)