So Saturday was a major Join the Impact day in the US. Over 130 cities around the nation joined in their demonstration on the passing of Prop 8 in California, which revoked the rights of same-sex marriage.
The passing of Prop 8 was a major step backwards in progress towards equality. Denying the right of a couple to wed because you do not believe in their love is wrong on so many levels. I’ve discussed it here and with many people in person, so I won’t rehash the rehash. This demonstration was amazing – peaceful, purposeful and respectful. There were no clashing of ideas, there were no picketers from “the other side” – just 3000 Austinites – gay, straight, young, old – looking for the same thing: EQUALITY. There were parents there in support of their sons and daughters, and sons and daughters in support of their parents.
The event had several speakers, and if you’ve ever questioned why Prop 8 matters, read on:
James was with his partner for over 10 years. His partner quickly and suddenly was diagnosed with leukemia in the brain. James contacted his partner’s family to let them know, despite them having little to nothing to do with James in recent years. James was, without noticed, served with eviction papers and a restraining order and his partner’s parents moved in and took everything in his life – including his partner. As his partner passed, he asked where James was and his parents said he left on his own and they had no idea where he was. All this was beyond James’ control, because he had no rights.
Mason Marriott-Voss, a well spoken and amazing young man of 10 years old, spoke of his two moms. I could wordsmith for days and not capture what he said, so watch for yourself – the video is shaky, but the words are solid.
From there, Rev. Jim Rigby of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church spoke. All I can say is, when I’m ready to go back into Church, I’m headed to St. Andrew’s. He was the most positive, uplifting religious speaker I have heard to date on this matter. Here is an article not directly related to Prop 8 – but gives you the idea he relays.
I have lots of pictures to share from the demonstration – Check them out by clicking on the image below.
Finally – If you haven not seen Keith Olbermann of MSNBC speak about the Prop 8 issue, I urge you to take 6 minutes to watch a clip from his show. As he says, he has no vested interest in the issue: No close gay friends, barely a gay distant relative. This video left me speechless.
