EVENT: San Francisco Supreme Court March!

Thousands of people are expected to come from all across the state to the California Supreme Court Building in San Francisco on March 5th in the hopes of attending the oral argument to repeal Proposition 8 and confirm that fundamental freedoms cannot be stripped from minorities by a popular vote. Buses of students are being arranged from Southern California so that young people can witness this civil rights moment of their generation.

Confirmed to appear is activist Cleve Jones.

For information on how to get a ride, find a place to stay or if you can house people, go to www.100000march.org.

Also, there's a call for everyone to wear white on March 5th to symbolize marriage and our belief that our rights will win out over the whim of mob rule.

If you can't make it to San Francisco, the City of LA is hosting a live viewing of the hearing that you can attend.

Don't forget events are taking place all over the state the night before, called Eve of Justice. Check it out!

EVENT: National Equality Rally, May 3rd

For more information, go to National Equality Rally website.

Take Action to Stop the North Carolina Anti-Gay Amendment

From Equality North Carolina:

Stop the Marriage Discrimination Amendment

"They're at it again. With right wing legislators filing a constitutional amendment denying same-sex couples access to marriage and any other kind of relationship recognition this week, we need you to ask your elected officials not to sign on as a sponsor.

Take action now to ask your legislators to oppose the amendment."

Fill out Equality North Carolina's form that will go directly to the legislators here.

You can also contact the anti-gay bill sponsor Sen. Jim Forrester's office.

Phone: (919) 715-3050
Email: James.Forrester@ncleg.net

Here are his comments:



But we do have allies in North Carolina. Listen to what they have to say:

Prop 8 fighters take page from Obama playbook

Prop 8 fighters take page from Obama playbook

Posted using ShareThis

Live Viewing of Supreme Court Prop 8 Hearing

March 5th Invite

Publish at Scribd or explore others: march 5th supreme co

Check out all the other events taking place on March 4th, the eve of the Supreme Court hearing, and on March 5th, the day of the hearing, on the calendar at the bottom of the blog. STAY INVOLVED!

UPDATE 2/25/09: The Banning of Gay Adoption: It's Not Just About Marriage - The Conservatives are Two Steps Ahead

UPDATE 2/25/09: The Tennessee bill that would ban unmarried couples from adopting (see story below) has now been submitted to the state's general assembly.

UPDATE: A new bill is being drafted and submitted to the Tennessee legislature that would ban same-sex couples from adopting. Sen. Paul Stanley filed the bill, and to disguise the blatant discrimination inherent in its purpose, the bill would also ban opposite-sex couples, who are not married, from adopting as well.

Great way of putting the child first.

This will be the third attempt to ban same-sex adoptions in Tennessee, and though it sounds futile to try a third time, same-sex marriage was banned with 80% of a populace vote, and this time around, the GOP holds the majority in both houses of legislation.

Contact Sen. Stanley and let him know of your disapproval.

Phone: (615) 741-3036
Email: sen.stanley@paulstanley.org
Facebook: Public Page

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I'm hearing whispered concerns throughout the community that the fight for same-sex marriage is losing steam as less and less rallies and protests are organized, and those that do occur, get little or no press. I share the concerns, but I'm also aware that many town halls are being planned. I'd like to think that this "lull" is the community regrouping and planning for ACTION, real steps to spur the movement forward, instead of just angrily marching down streets.

In the meantime, I keep scouring news sites for any news stories, editorials and media, and I came across this Time article on the fight for legal gay adoption. And quite frankly, it scares the shit out of me.

As we continue to focus our attention on gay marriage, the conservative front that has won every fight thus far in 45 states, is now turning their focus to gay adoption. Basically, we're several steps behind. As the article states, there's no where else really for them to go in the marriage battleground, and since they're not only happy to strip us of our basic right to marriage, they want to strip us of our right to any sort of family. Are we prepared to engage them on this fight? Or are we as unprepared as we were for the marriage battle?

To quote the article:

More...

"Meanwhile, conservative activists across the country are working hard to make sure that no court, at any level, has the final word on gay adoption. Like gay marriage before it, conservatives are looking at the issue of who can raise children as one best decided at the ballot box, not in the courthouse. Those efforts received a boost on election day in Arkansas, where voters easily passed a law that restricts any unmarried couple living together from adopting children. Arkansas joined Florida, Nebraska, Utah and Mississippi as the only states with laws that either directly or indirectly ban adoption by gays.

"Similar statehouse fights are pending in South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, says gay adoption expert and advocate Jennifer Chrisler, and more are likely to follow, as conservatives try to duplicate their successful strategy to ban gay marriage state by state. 'The other side was very strategic about their efforts to ban gay marriage," Chrisler, executive director of the Family Equality Center in Boston, told TIME. "They were able to bring that issue to the attention of the American people well before Americans were ready to have that conversation. They are likely to use a similar strategy when it comes to parenting issues.'"

Before the Supreme Court ruling in May granting gay marriage here in California, I had all but resolved myself that I would never get married, but once this right was given to me, I was thrilled, making the stripping away of this right that much more painful. However, I always saw myself becoming a parent, something I've always wanted to be, a right that many states in this country allow for gay people.

IF THE CONSERVATIVE RIGHT HAVE THEIR WAY, THEY WILL STRIP ALL OF US OF THIS RIGHT, TOO. And that cuts me to the quick.

I CALL UPON EVERYONE in the LGBTQ community, as they hold these town halls, discussing how we should continue the fight for gay marriage, to also discuss how we are to fight the conservatives on their equally strategic, manipulative and deceptive campaign to strip us of our rights to be parents.

If they have their way, they will strip us of every right we currently have, making us no more effective in our own lives and our own country than small children, forcing us to ask them for permission on everything we want to do and be, making us so much less than second-class citizens, but basically non-existant.

Are we prepared?

REMINDER: Camp Courage Coming to Fresno, CA

REMINDER: Don't forget to apply for Camp Courage, this time held in Fresno, CA. There's not much time left before March 7th! You don't want to miss out!

Read UTF's review of Camp Courage in Los Angeles and find out why I think you should go.

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Camp Courage Fresno has been confirmed by the Courage Campaign. Having attended the Los Angeles session, I found it to be extremely informative, educational and proactive, and keeping to its "Respect-Empower-Include" mission. I highly recommend attendance if you can make it. (More Camp Courage sessions are in the works in other parts of the state).

Camp Courage is designed primarily for new activists or those who have never engaged with the broader community about marriage equality as well as veteran LGBT activists and allies.

WHAT: Camp Courage, for activists and organizers working to repeal Prop 8
WHERE: Fresno, venue provided via email after application is confirmed
WHEN: Saturday, March 7 (8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.) AND Sunday, March 8 (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
NOTE: There will be a reception on Saturday night, location TBA.

Camp Courage will cover basic community and political organizing skills, including:

* Finding your voice by telling your “story of self”
* Leadership development
* Principles of successful organizing
* Developing collaboration and building effective teams
* Techniques of voter persuasion
* Organizing a phonebank
* Canvassing
* Tabling
* Throwing house parties
* Online organizing

To apply, go to Camp Courage Fresno application.

Colorado Senator Compares Homosexuality to Murder

Despite Colorado Sen. Scott Renfroe's offensive remarks that linked homosexuality to murder and said it was equal in offense, twisting scripture to support his argument in an institution that should be separate from religion, the Senate of Colorado saw past his homophobia and approved a domestic partnership bill.

The legislation would make it easier for unmarried couples in Colorado, including gays and lesbians, to make medical decisions for incapacitated partners and leave property to their partners.

The measure would apply to same and opposite-sex unmarried couples.

Hear Sen. Scott Renfroe's remarks:



Respond directly to the senator and his offensive remarks by filling out this oneline form from Progress Now Colorado.

But let's not forget those who supported us. Sen. Jennifer Viega (D), Colorado's first openly gay senator, immediately responsed to Sen. Renfroe, saying, “I will stand here today and tell you that God also created me, and the last time I checked, I am who I am,” she said.

Contact Sen. Viega and voice your continued support of her efforts:
Sen. Viega Website
Email: jennifer.veiga.senate@state.co.us
Phone:(303) 866-4861

We Need to Laugh Once in Awhile

Here's comedian Louis C.K., from his HBO special, with a very straight, pro-gay marriage (some may question that) point-of-view that we can all benefit from, because hey, we're all pretty serious about the movement, and we need to laugh once in awhile. And it's refreshing to see ourselves from a different perspective.

WARNING: There's very foul language in this video. You may be offended. I would also recommend you not play it while at work or around children.

UPDATE EVENT: Eve of Justice - Lighting the Way for the Supreme Court

UPDATE: Marriage Equality Press Release:

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA ANNOUNCES MARCH 4TH CANDLELIGHT VIGILS TO REPEAL PROP 8 AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS TO PROVIDE MARCH 5TH JUMBOTRON VIEWING JUST OUTSIDE THE CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT

San Francisco, California: "On the eve of justice, we're calling on Californians to march forth on March 4th in candlelight vigils to be held across the state in support of the Constitution’s promise of equality for all," states Molly McKay, Marriage Equality USA Media Director. "We invite supporters of marriage equality, their friends and families, and especially the 18,000 same-sex couples married last year, to join us in a showing of faith and support that love and justice will prevail."

"On March 5th, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on why Proposition 8 should be repealed," continues Pamela Brown, Marriage Equality USA Policy Director. "Marriage Equality USA is working to raise $30,000 so that this historic oral argument on March 5th from 9am to noon can be seen and heard on a large jumbotron in Civic Center Plaza by the thousands of people expected to come to San Francisco to view the hearing. This venue will allow thousands of people to witness this historic event within view of the California Supreme Court." Interested donors can go to www.firstgiving.com/supremecourtjumbotron.

Grassroots organizations are collaborating across California to host these historic candlelight vigils on the evening of March 4th. In most locations, these vigils will include recommitment ceremony, speakers and moment of silence. Below is the current list of organized events as of this press release. For the most up-to-date information, go to EveofJustice.com and interested organizations that wish to participate can e-mail vigil@marriageequality.org.

To find out what is happening in your town, go to EveofJustice.com and click on your town.

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Wednesday, March 4 is the day before the California Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the validity of Prop 8. That evening, we’ll stand together and send a unified message to our fellow Californians, including the Supreme Court Justices, that individual liberties like the right to marry are guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone and cannot be stripped away at the ballot box by a bare majority. Just as important, we will give our love and support to all the families headed by same-sex couples who are threatened by the recent electoral outcome, as well as same-sex couples whose hopes and dreams of marriage and family have been frustrated by enactment of Prop 8.

Events are happening all over the state and across the nation, including San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Orange County and more. To find out what is happening in your town, go to EveofJustice.com and click on your town.

Statewide sponsors for the event include Marriage Equality, Courage Campaign, Join the Impact, Glaad, and Equality California.

Postcards to the President

From Postcards to the President:

Never before has our country been so poised for change. For this reason, it is imperative that the LGBT community act now. The request is simple, flood the White House with postcards to President Obama asking him to urge Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. This grassroots effort has ignited with a strong focus in college communities - understanding that this generation of young gay friendly students has the power and resources to fan the flames. Our mission is to create an effect: thousands upon thousands of personalized American voices speaking directly to our newly appointed and inspirational leader, demanding equality.

Find out how you can get involved at Postcardstothepresident.com

URGENT ACTION ALERT: Hawaii Deadlocking on Civil Unions Bill

Story and action instructions on contacting Hawaiian Senate Judiciary Committee at Queers United.

Orange County Equality Coalition is gaining steam!

A message from the Orange County Equality Coalition:

"Remember the moment in "Milk" when a question is posed as to how many signatures would be needed to get the Briggs initiative on the ballot, someone states:

"Whatever it is, they'll get it in two Sundays at church in Orange [bleeping] County."

"You may say, well, that was the 70's and much has changed. We here agree, but as Nietzsche claimed "It is easier to cope with a bad conscience than with a bad reputation." This point is not lost on Gus Van Sant himself who said about his casting of Orange County as a villain in Milk: "I have nothing against Orange County personally, but I think the question that needs to be asked is: 'What does Orange County have against the gay community?"

"Alas, as we courageously wade through the still standing yellow signs that so many OC folks feel proud to have installed as permanent fixtures, right along side their weathered lawn jockeys, I ask you in the least, to watch and rate our little "film". (We need the ratings in order to win! [This is part of Freedom To Marry's Marriage Matters video contest]). The cash prize would be great, but more importantly, media exposure for Orange County, considered by some "as an intolerant patch of scorched earth" would be invaluable for us all."

The Orange County Equality Coalition is having a special guest lecture from David Codell, an attorney on the team that wrote the brief to the California Supreme Court, resulting in the 15 May 2008 decision ruling that denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry is unconstitutional. In addition, they're screening the Oscar winning "The Times of Harvey Milk" this Saturday, February 28th. Go to their Facebook event page for more details!

OCEC's Marriage Matters film:

Sean Penn's Amazing Acceptance Speech for Best Actor, MILK

Sean makes a direct reference to Prop 8 at 2:30.

Watch Dustin Lance Black's Acceptance Speech

Dustin Lance Black, writer of "Milk", accepts the Academy Awards for Best Original screenplay and gives a moving acceptance speech.



Check out that beautiful white knot!

UPDATE: White Knots to Be Worn at the Oscars and Spirit Awards

UPDATE: Many celebrities wore white knots to the Spirit Awards yesterday. Check out the photos on the White Knot website to see who!

And don't forget to check out the Oscars tonight. Many more will be wearing the symbol for marriage equality.
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The White Knot campaign is gaining massive steam, with more and more celebrities and musicians wearing them down red carpet events, including tomorrow's Spirit Awards. Simply wearing the knot expresses their support for marriage equality. Already, numerous stars are also confirmed to wear it on the Oscar red carpet and ceremony this Sunday, February 22nd.

Frank Voci, who's spearheading the White Knot campaign, told Unite the Fight, "We're hoping that that visibility at the Oscars gets people involved in the issue across the country and if nothing else, gets people to talk about [marriage equality]."

The timing of these big events couldn't be more perfect with the California Supreme Court scheduled to hear opening arguments against Proposition 8 on Thursday, March 5th. White Knot is hoping that the visibility of the knots will remind the nation that this is an ongoing civil rights issue, and with the hearing coming up, support is vital. Similar in spirit to the successful red and pink ribbons for AIDS and breast cancer respectively, such exposure to the cause is essential.

Of course, everyone wants to know who is confirmed to wear the White Knot at these big events. Here's the scoop:

Spirit Awards, February 21st

Rainn Wilson (The Office)
Richard Jenkins (The Visitor)
Taraji Henson (Benjamin Button)
Anne Hathaway
Lucy Liu
Zoey Deshanel
Bryan Cranston
Robyn Hitchcock
Michelle Monahan

Academy Awards, February 22nd

Everyone involved in MILK (many nominated wearers)
Richard Jenkins (Nominated for Best Supporting Actor, The Visitor)
Taraji Henson (Nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Benjamin Button)
Anne Hathaway (Nominated for Best Actress, Rachel Getting Married)

White Knot is hoping for more confirmations soon.

Continue to show your support for marriage equality by wearing the white knot, because "Everyone should have the right to tie the knot."