[JayJay]

The elation many of us felt at the success of President-elect Barack Obama on November 4, 2008 turned into dismay when we realized that California's Proposition 8 (and other anti-gay amendments in Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida) had passed.

The dismay was particularly personal for friends of mine whose marriages are now in limbo. Are they legal or not?

Although anger and depression are natural responses to these reverses, the better one is a rededication to fighting for our rights. As the New York Times editorialized, "Struggles over civil rights never follow a straight trajectory, and the ugly outcome of these ballot fights should not obscure the building momentum for full equality for gay people, including acceptance of marriage between gay men and women. But the votes remind us of how much remains to be done before this bigotry is finally erased."

I hope that the California Supreme Court, which recognized marriage as a fundamental right, will have the courage of its convictions and nullify Proposition 8. Failing that, I hope that a proposition assuring marriage equality will be on the ballot again soon and that a better organized effort be made, including outreach to those who are not yet convinced of the justice of our cause. More specifically, I hope that President Obama will support such an effort.
_________________
Jay

[gennee]

I kept up with the propositions and followed it. I have firends in California and Arizona. I followed the events in Florida, too. I encouraged them to stay the course. Though we lost, we gained allies in the process. I am an ally who has and will continue to support them.

Gennee

[gennee]

I want to say hello and how is everyone? I know that you are disappointed about the defeats of the propositions but I am encouraged by happenings in California. Young gays and lesbians are forming grassroots organizations to overturn the passage of Prop 8. Also, young people of color are speaking up and becoming active.

One reason I believe Prop 8 didn't pass is that the organizations did not reach out to minority communities; something that the pro- Prop 8 people did with great success. As a middle aged transgender, I'm very happy to see young men and women out on the front lines working for equality. I want to learn things from you that maybe I haven't thought about or possibly overlooked.

I wish you the best in your efforts and be encouraged.

Gennee