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On November 4, 2008, I arrived at a San Francisco election party just in time to capture the unveiling of our new President. It felt like New Year’s Eve except the euphoria was not coming from watching a clock change numbers, but from witnessing our country elect a leader who — for many people — embodies the idea of change itself. I wanted to capture the moment as folks in my community watched the results of the most historic Presidential election of our lives, and, because of one California proposition, one of the most personal.

In the week that has passed since our simultaneous win and loss (Barack Obama and Proposition 8, respectively), we’ve seen protests in the streets and legal action in the courts regarding what some 48% of Californians believe to be a civil rights issue. It is unclear at this time what the passing of this legislation means exactly for those gay couples who recently wed. Either way, there are some people who are upset with the way mainstream media was quick to identify (vilify?) organized religion and African-American voters as the deciding factor in the passing of this proposition.

One SF friend had this to share:

“I have been trying to articulate some of the discomfort I have been feeling not only at the passing of Prop 8, but at the emphasis on this proposition above all others and the blaming of its passage on groups that have been historically disenfranchised and the hateful speech against Mormons, in particular. I, too, feel pained that money and religion can sway so many votes that a state Constitution could be changed. However, it is important to focus our attention not on attacking, but continuing to organize, build more alliances and, as cheesy as it sounds, to keep loving ourselves, our partners, our friends, our community, our neighbors.” - Shannon

I don’t blame individuals, but it’s hard not to feel disappointed when exit polls suggested that the African-American community at large did not choose to support gays in this struggle. Currently, I live in an African-American neighborhood and in the mail I received a Yes on 8 flyer with six African-American leaders quoted as saying that Proposition 8 should not be related to the black civil rights movement. I can’t help but speculate why a population that has recently made huge gains in civil rights doesn’t want to share the wealth. Is it because they are still far from leveling the playing field? Are gays being presumptuous to assert that all struggles are created equal? Or is this another case of media scapegoating?

Another SF friend had this to say:

“I believe all communities need to be held accountable for their homophobia and transphobia. I want to acknowledge the suffering and hardship that the passage of Proposition 8 has caused for LGBT couples and families. But, while the media casts blame on communities of color for the failure of civil rights for LGBT people, it is imperative that we struggle against the logic that tells us that struggles for LGBT civil rights and racial justice are separate, and that we examine our strategies for advancing LGBT civil rights and gay marriage and, in particular, look at places where LGBT communities have failed to align our struggles for civil rights with ongoing struggles for racial justice.” - Adele

While the conversation about the intersection of race, class, sexuality and gender will continue, the other hot topic concerns the legality of the popular vote being used to change the Constitution. The ACLU, Lambda Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights filed a writ petition before the California Supreme Court urging the court to invalidate Proposition 8 if it passes.

While we lost one battle on November 4, the LGBT civil rights movement is the strongest and loudest it has ever been. I urge you to take part in this fight by ending the polite silence. There is 52% of California that needs to hear your voice. Please stay alert to Equality Now’s website www.eqca.org for actions and petitions to fight Prop 8.

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Honestly, it’s such such a mixed day. It’s amazing that we elected our first black president. I had tears. And now, the Yes on Prop 8 folks are celebrating their hateful victory.

No on Prop 8 loses.

Originally uploaded by shaevoyuer

I just sat in front of my TV and watched some ahole tell me that they don’t discriminate against the LGBT people in California. I feel angry right now.  I watched a Latina woman with tears of joy hug her friend.  Please explain these tears of joy?  Are you so excited that I’m not going to eat your children  right now?  I never was!

Last week tears of joy rolled down as I watched the Harvey Milk film celebrate it’s Hollywood debut at the Castro theater with the red carpet and tons of stars and support.  Again a mixed feeling.   We celebrated the life and political work of Harvey Milk while we still have to remember him as a figure from the past.

For the first time, I feel like not being nice to my queer friend’s uber Christian parents that I’ve known for 10 years and with whom I have always been very friendly towards. I’m going to ask them why! I can’t stand around twiddling my thumbs in silence any more knowing that they flat out voted to discriminate against me.

And what the hell happened in Los Angeles! Yes is winning by a hair when it should have lost by a ton of fake Hollywood extensions!!

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Wow.

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On November 4, Californians will vote yes or no on Prop 8.
“ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT”

Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

It would change the constitution to say that a particular group, gays and lesbians, should be singled out and TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

Wait a minute here, wasn’t our nation was founded on the principle that all people should be treated equally. EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW.

San Francisco, being one of the most political cities in the nation, is working hard to educate the public about this proposition.

Regardless of how you feel about marriage, people should not be singled out for unfair treatment under the laws of the our state.

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Last Saturday we drove north from San Francisco up the 101 freeway for an hour,  cut across the state going west for another 30 minutes through ranches, grape fields, redwoods and arrived in Guerneville - the site of the Fabulosa Fest.  I felt like I was coming home.  Actually no, but like a good lesbian I do love river fun, camping, redwoods, and of course hundreds of hot queers hanging in a field watching music, films, and enjoying an artisan crafts fair.

Judea Eden and Jenny Hoyston put together a large line up of music to spread through out three days of field fun.  We had the privilege of getting intimate with Saturday nights line up including Hot Tub, LESBIANS, and Von Iva.  Watch the video for a taste of what you missed, and make plans now to attend next year!

The festival benefits these queer organizations:

BAAITS is a community-based volunteer organization offering culturally relevant activities for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Native Americans, their families and friends.

Founded in 1979, Community United Against Violence (CUAV) is the nation’s first LGBTQQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) anti-violence organization.

Russian River Sisters (Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence)