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Today we are gathered here to morn the death of gay marriage. So many people have been and will be affected by his death. He was so young, only a few years old; this California native was never able to reach his full potential. Now here we are dressed in our finest blacks. We should be celebrating weddings, instead we are here at a funeral.
It was only a few months ago, couples were discretely running to the nearest courthouse to get married to their significant other. After a few months, the cat was let out of the bag and our fellow Californians were outraged and wanted gay marriage out of the picture. Like a quick and steady disease Yes on Prop 8 rolled in like a thick and choking fog. We regrettably knew what was going to happen.
Roughly a long and drawn out year later full of canvassing and calling allies to help change the hearts and minds of sympathetic voters, Californians spoke up clearly and passed a death sentence on gay marriage. Despite knowing what gay marriage's fate was, the verdict still wounded our community. It was as if we were told we were no longer allowed to express our love.
Progressive California was no longer progressive. Yes on Prop 8 passed with a 5% majority. I was there at the Top of the Park Hotel with my fellow activist when gay marriage was prematurely taken from us, everyone in the room felt the sudden change in the feel and chemistry of the room. Everyone was hoping to be toasting to our victory, instead we were morning the death of a friend whom we would never get to know.
A friend, who I had dreamt about as a young child, was now forbidden to be my friend. Couples everywhere felt the sudden pain in our stomachs and our sinking hearts were melting away. I was grasping at anything, trying to catch my composure so I could be strong for those around me. I kept on thinking, that is what gay marriage would want, for us to keep on fighting the good fight, to eventually win. His memory depended on it.
Gay marriage would not want us here mopping over his death. He would want us to think about all the progress that came out of his death. Our brothers and sisters in New York, Washington DC, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire are free to marry. Gay marriage would want us to celebrate.
Today we may be morning our lost friend, but someday we will be rejoicing because of the efforts of our community and our resilience in the face of adversity. Here is to his memory and to the fight ahead of us! May he rest in peace knowing we will survive and continue to live full and happy lives.
We can speak up, let people know our concerns and keep trying.
Thanks for commenting.
Rikki