Yesterday was quite the day…
At 5:01PM on June 16, gay marriage became legal in California.
While I have never been an active proponent of gay marriage (partly because I feel it cost us the election in 2004, and I rank other issues facing the country ahead of it), I am glad this day has come.
It was a typical, overcast day in San Francisco, cold and dreary. Shortly after 5pm I ambled up to the front of the crowd across from City Hall and took the scene in. It was a large crowd of course, the vast majority voicing their support for gay marriage, while the minority were self-righteous and indignant as they held up bigger signs.
Looking around I found myself standing close to members of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church, holding aloft some of the most hateful signs in the crowd. They were wedged into a small space by a pair of barricades like caged animals. Not to protect us, but to protect them. As I looked over at them, it was a struggle not to hurl all kinds of colorful metaphors in their direction. Others however did not share my restraint. But those bigots didnt deserve the attention they so desperately craved, so I ignored them.
Instead I focused instead on the brides and grooms as they came out onto the steps of City Hall. Each time they waved the cheers in the crowd would swell, drowning out the vitriolic cries of hate and intolerance. And the warmth and happiness on each of their faces, took the edge off the damp weather, making the protestors small, and less relevant. I choked up a little.
Below is some video from the event. Apologies in advance for some of the harsh audio (turn your speakers down). Hopefully it will give you a taste of what happened…
Since the ruling we have been asked many times if Chad and I were going to get married. I always smile and say maybe next year, provided the anti-gay marriage initiative fails in November.
But if you ask me again tomorrow… I might have a different answer.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hey Elvis,
Whoo hoo! Both on the decision to legalize gay marriage and your short but moving clip. What an exciting time to live in San Francisco! And, btw, I make a lovely flower girl
xo
jill
June 18th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Euwie! Those protesters were a rather sad lot, weren’t they? YOU be happy and ANY time you change your answers to ‘the question’ just let me know and I’d love to be there!
With love and blessings!
PS Dinner was FUN!
June 18th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
What an exciting and fabulous time to see this special event happen in nowhere else than San Francisco. I would love to come and witnessed this historic moment but I’m afraid that I might lose my cool seeing all those bigots. But you reminded me not to engage with those psychotic and delusional individuals. I should know better, huh. Best wishes to all who tied the knot and sealed their love that day.
June 19th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Your dad and i just wanted to let you how proud of you we are and that we are with you one hundred percent. Your happiness is all we have ever wanted for you and i think you know that by now. We love you and Chad and want nothing but the best for you both. Talk to you soon. Love Mom.
August 3rd, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Awww, I wish my wedding day would be like that. No matter who is there preaching my doom and destruction it’ll still be the happiest day of my life!