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PILLS = GOOD!

IMG_1818
Originally uploaded by larimieg

PILLS = GOOD! A philosophy I stumbled across today on Lincoln near Golden Gate park.

LAST CHANCE for T-SHIRTS!

Last chance to get my protest tees! These shirts are almost sold out so get yours now!
Dustin Lance Black and TR Knight got theirs!

BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE!

BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE! BUY T-SHIRTS HERE!

Obama declares LGBT Pride Month!

Happy LGBT Pride Month. President Obama has made a declaration that JUNE 2009 begins LGBT Pride Month. Keep up the fight my friends! We are making progress.

From the White House:

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country’s response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration — in both the White House and the Federal agencies — openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

BARACK OBAMA

Celebs come out in support of Marriage Equality

This weekend was the wonderful event for Equal rights, Meet in the Middle for Equality. It was held in Fresno. There were several powerful speakers and inspiring activists. Several celebrities came out for the event and some of them even scored some of my protest tees!

TR Knight gave a great speech on the creation of the "3rd Class Citizen". TR and Mark scored my Separate Church and State Shirts.

Dustin Lance Black, Oscar award winning screenwriter for the movie "Milk", gave a very powerful speech that Harvey Milk would be very proud of. It was inspiring and motivating. He is truly a man of words. He scored one of my Separate Church and State shirts too.

Super cutie, Michelle Clunie, from the TV Show "Queer as Folk" scored one of my Love Is Love Tees.

Charlize Theron showed up and listened to the speakers and activists from backastage.

Among the other celebs in attendance were, Eric McCormick, better known as Will from Will & Grace. The creator of Will & Grace, Max Mutchnick was also there. Kian, from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, made a brief appearance. 

Famous activist, Cleve Jones, and Christine Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez were also there so speak out againts Prop 8.

Meet in the Middle - Thank You

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Central Valley of California to the Meet in the Middle March and Rally held in Fresno. As we pulled up we were greeted by the Castro flag. The rainbow flag was brought down from the Castro district in San Francisco. 

It was a wonderful event filled with passionate activists and celebrity supporters of the LGBT movement and civil rights for all. The event was organized by the wonderful Mayor of Fresno. I'm so proud of her efforts and the event she created for equality. Though it was very hot and sweaty, it was inspirational and worth every minute. I will posting more pictures today!

EQUALITY MARCH - THIS SATURDAY!

MEET IN THE MIDDLE!

Equality March ~ Sat May 30th

from Selma, CA to Fresno, CA

Leaders from the Civil Rights Movement, the United Farm Workers Movement and the Gay Rights Movement will March from Selma, CA to Fresno, CA in a symbolic sign of respect to the social movements before us.

This 14.5 mile march will take 5 hours and will arrive after the MITM rally has started, where rally participants will be anxiously awaiting the march arrivals.

6:30 a.m.
Meet at the Q Street lot, behind Fresno City Hall (map), for individual, organizational and media check-in for transportation services to the Selma to Fresno March starting point - please, RSVP for the march in advance, in the notes section of the RSVP, so we know to anticipate your arrival.

7:15 a.m.
Leave Fresno City Hall for Selma 
Kick-off location at Front St. & Whitson St. (between Highland & Floral) on N. Golden State HWY in Selma (behind Rite-Aid) map

7:50 a.m.
Welcome & Kick-off for Equality March

March speakers include:
Anne-Marie Williams - Jordan/Rustin Coalition
Nii-Quartelai Quartey - Courage Campaign
Javier C. Angulo - HONOR PAC
Yardenna Aaron - Here to Stay Coalition
Andrea Shorter - EQCA & And Marriage For All

8:00 a.m.
Equality March leaves for Fresno

Around 10:30 a.m.
March participants arrive at E. Central Avenue and N. Golden State HWY map

Around 12:00 p.m.
March participants arrive at Railroad Avenue and Van Ness Avenuemap

Same-sex couples married in Fresno County, and those wanting to join the March for the final 2.5 miles to Fresno's City Hall, will meet at this location.

March will be held:
Saturday May 30th, 2009

If your organization would like to send a representative to march in these efforts, please RSVP by filling out our Contact Form - we would like to have one representative from each endorsing and collaborating partner.

About the Selma March

This march pays a symbolic sign of respect to the social movements before us. If your group would like to be represented in this march - please, email us your organization's name and we will send details about check-in needs, when and where to be on that FIRST Saturday AFTER the Prop 8 verdicts, etc. This march is the morning kick-off for the Meet in the Middle for Equality event.

The march will arrive at Fresno's City Hall at aproximately 1pm - the start time of the Meet in the Middle Rally. We are asking that unless you REALLY have the desire to march, that only 1 representative from your organization be present. We have been advised by the UFW's March Organizers that the more people we have, the longer the march will take. We will be escorted by CA Highway Patrol on Northbond Golden State Highway.

People who arrive early, and want to meet us at the Railroad Avenue and Van Ness Avenue intersection at the "Welcome to Fresno" sign, should feel free to join us for the last hour of the march in to Fresno. But, please be aware that your car will be 2.5 miles away from City Hall, after the conclusion of the rally, unless you have made previous plans.

Protest Poster: 2010 EQUAL RIGHTS AGAIN

In 2010 we demand our Equal Rights Again. Here's a new Protest Poster for the fight!

[ click to download ]

Update from Stop8.org

After the recent ruling of the California Supreme Court to uphold Prop 8, our friend, Matt, at Stop8.org made a little video for us to help encourage us to open dialogue with others about Gay Marriage. Get people to understand what it means to you and how it affects your life.

Prop 8 has Been Upheld. Protest Tonight in SF!

The California Supreme Court has upheld Prop 8. Get out and PROTEST TONIGHT! let your voice be heard. Fight for your equality.

Protest Poster & Sign Favorites

Prop 8 Protest Posters, Signs and Flyers by against8.blogspot.com at this archive. Below you will finding all images to date for you to download and create your own protest posters! Protest Prop 8 and stand up for Marriage Equality! Stop H8!

Signs have been provided in COLOR and BLACK & WHITE for your convenience. Signs are high enough resolution to blowup into posters. Click the sign you like to see the larger preview and then save it to your computer!

SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE

One of our most popular Protest Posters is "SEPARATE CHURCH AND STATE" graphic. This typographic treatment simply and directly delivers the message. This sign was seen used at many protests.
You can buy the original Separation of Church ans State T-Shirt here.

LOVE IS LOVE

Another crowd pleaser at rallies is the sign and universal message of
"LOVE IS LOVE".

MARRIED WITH PRIDE

If you are a gay married couple, show your pride with this poster...
"MARRIED WITH PRIDE".

[ click to enlarge + download ]

Self-Admitted Bigot Ms. California

Miss California Press Conference - LOL
I'm going to make a special poster for her.

Day of Decision

Soon California will be releasing it's decision whether or not to invalidate Prop 8. The court must rule within 90days of the March 5th hearings - which means by June 3rd at the latest. Find a rally near you!

Mark Leno with My Friend, Mateo

California Senator, Mark Leno, poses with my friend Mateo at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Easter Sunday. Mateo is wearing my Separate Church and State shirt in Protest of Prop 8.

Supreme Court Protest - Get Involved!

From our Friends at JOIN THE IMPACT:

California Supreme Court hears oral arguments on validity of Prop 8 : How you can get involved!

On March 5th, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case to repeal Proposition 8 and confirm that fundamental freedoms cannot be stripped from minorities by a popular vote. You can show your support for the repeal of Proposition 8 in four ways:

1. Get to San Francisco

Thousands of people are expected to come from all across the state to the California Supreme Court Building in San Francisco 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. They created this website for the event http://100000march.org

This is so important that I've extended my trip in California and Amy is flying down with her wife from Seattle.

You can come and witness it too -- join thousands of us in San Francisco on March 5th for this historic moment. Across the state and across the country, citizens are coming together to form carpools and rideshares. Any way that you can, please try and get to San Francisco for March 5th!

2. Help ensure that everyone can view the oral arguments

Unfortunately, there is very very limited seating in the courtroom and little overflow viewing. We will be gathering in front of the California Supreme Court in Civic Center Plaza. Only a few will be able to go inside -- but with your help, the rest will be able to view the proceedings from outside. I'm hoping you will help Marriage Equality USA raise the funds we need to ensure that everyone can see and hear the historic oral arguments together on the Civic Center Plaza on an huge Jumbotron.

We need to raise $30,000 (for the Jumbotron and sound systems for the community candlelight vigil the night before and the day of the hearing). If we can do this, we will jointly create the most incredible historic community moment of the year!

All donations are tax deductible and will be used solely for getting the Jumbotron and sound system we need to provide our community the opportunity to watch and participate as history is made.

We only have a week - can you please forward this on to everyone you know and ask them to contribute. Gifts of $20.00, $10.00, and even $5.00 will help inch us closer to our goal. All donations are gratefully appreciated!

http://www.firstgiving.com/supremecourtjumbotron

Please forward any questions to Molly McKay at (510) 332-0872

3. Wear white

Join the Impact has called upon our community, whether you can be in San Francisco or not, to please wear white on March 5th. This can be a tee-shirt, a feather boa, or white leather or a White Knot. Wherever you are -- wear white on March 5th to show your support! Wearing white is a simple symbol of solidarity across our country.

4. Eve of Justice Candlelight Vigils

The night before the oral arguments, Marriage Equality USA is also helping to convene candlelight vigils across the state (in 20 cities and counting) in support of protecting the Constitutional Promise of Equality for All! To find a vigil near you go to www.eveofjustice.com or www.marriageequality.org


In solidarity, Willow
Join The Impact Co- Executive Director

March 4th - EVE OF JUSTICE PROTEST

Get ready for the Rally! Download and Print your Protest Posters NOW!

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.

To read the parties' filings and the dozens of amicus 'friend of the court' briefs filed on behalf of Civil Rights Organizations, Bar Associations, Academics, Women's Groups, Faith and Religious Groups, and many others go to http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/prop8.htm

March 5th - Supreme Court Oral Argument Hearing 9am to noon.

Television viewing: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/supreme/highprofile/prop8viewing.htm

Local Public Viewings: Check your local city for viewing locations as they become available.

Equality should not be put up for a popular vote.

• Prop 8 is a radical and unprecedented change to the California Constitution that puts all Californians at risk.
• Prop 8 defeats the very purpose of our constitution, which is to protect minorities and to make sure the law treats everyone equally.
• This is the first time the initiative process has successfully been used to change the California Constitution to take away a fundamental freedom from a particular group and to mandate government discrimination against a minority.
• If prop 8 is upheld, the courts will no longer have a meaningful role in protecting minority groups or women, since any decision prohibiting discrimination could be reversed by a simple majority.

From the EVE OF JUSTICE.

Dustin Lance Black's acceptance speech at Oscars

Last night at the Oscars, Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black took home Oscars for their contributions to Milk. Screenwriter, Dustin Black, gave an amazing acceptance speech that Harvey Milk would have been proud of. Our friend and human rights activist, Cleve Jones, must have been very proud and happy last night. He worked very hard to see that Harvey's legacy was made into a movie for millions to see the story of the man who has inspired generations of the gay and lesbian community.



Sean Penn won the Oscar for Best Actor and Dustin Lance Black took home the award for Best Original Screenplay.

The Courage Campaign is asking you to thank Dustin Lance Black, Sean Penn and Cleve Jones for working so hard to make "MILK". They are asking you to sign this letter:

"Thank you, Dustin Lance Black, Sean Penn and Cleve Jones, for bringing 'Milk' and Harvey Milk's message of hope to millions. In the aftermath of Prop 8, we all need hope and inspiration. Thank you for your continued activism in the movement to restore marriage equality to California."

Protest Tee's Sale - Save 25%

I'm moving at the end of the month... The less tees I have to move the better! Save over 25% NOW on protest tees. Show your support for marriage equality today. Buy a shirt for your partner for Valentine's or Freedom to Marry Protest. Choose from: "SEPARATE CHURCH / STATE", "LOVE IS LOVE", "LOVE NOT H8" and "SEPARATE IS NOT EQUAL".

T-SHIRTS ONLY $16
American Apparel Tees!

FREE SHIPPING on orders $30 and up!

Fidelity - Please Don't Divorce Us

Here is the video by the Courage Campaign with the "PLEASE DON'T DIVORCE ..." photo series. The photo montage of gay and lesbian couples and their supporters is set to Regina Spektor's "Fidelity" ... Enjoy!

Freedom To Marry Day - CHICAGO EVENT- Feb 12

Join the Impact National has teamed up with Marriage Equality USA to promote Freedom to Marry Week (February 9-15). From JTI's website:

On National Freedom to Marry Day, Thursday, February 12, 2009, at local marriage counters in cities all over the country, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk's Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact that the inability to marry causes on their families. This national event is hosted yearly by Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) and this year they have asked Join the Impact for our help to make this their largest Marriage Counter Action yet!

Let's keep the momentum going! Join the Impact Chicago, along with the GLN, is sponsoring this year's Freedom To Marry Day Protest on Saturday, February 14th (Valentine's Day).

Here are the details:
National Freedom to Marry Day Protest
Satruday, February 14
11 AM
118 N. Clark (City Hall)

The demonstration begins at 11, and then as a group we will go down to the Marriage License Bureau and demand that it issue marriage licenses to those same-sex couples who want them. In doing so, we will be joining in Freedom to Marry Week activities happening across the nation.

Bring your cameras and videocameras! We want this action publicized as much and as fast as possible.

Our canvassing committee is working on a flyer as we speak. If you are interested in canvassing for Freedom to Marry Day, please contact Nik (nmaciejewski@gmail.com), Stephen (ssamelko19@gmail.com), Patrick (p_capurro2004@hotmail.com), or Drew (uofmnckid@gmail.com).

RSVP on Facebook!

Freedom to Marry Day - February 12

Join the Impact and Marriage Equality USA will be hosting FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY in San Diego. See the flyer I designed for them for more details.
Same-sex couples will request marriage licenses to raise awareness of the harms and impact that the inability to marry causes on their families, When denied a license and marriage rights by the state.

Leaders of the faith community will be available to preform marriage rites. We still have our freedom of religion!

February 12, 2009
7:30am to 9:00am
on the West Steps of the
County Administration Building
1600 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA

SUPPORTERS, FAMILY & FRIENDS -- PLEASE ATTEND!

Couples -- same-sex and opposite sex -- who are interested in being married or in having their vows renewed on Freedom to Marry Day,  contact Fernando Lopez at ca-sandiego@marriageequality.org or Sara Beth Brooks at sarabrooks@gmail.com.

That's So Gay! Knock it off!

One of my favorite ladies, Wanda Sykes, holding it down... "KNOCK IT OFF" ... Do you realize what you say when you say "That's So Gay"?

First Love, Second Chance. First Call.

My friend, Tony, aka Mr. Nightlife sent me an email today. He's casting now for a new TV Show and he's looking for people who want another chance with their first love. Here's what Mr. Nightlife is looking for:

"I’m casting a new reality show for TV Land!!!!

It’s called “First Love, Second Chance” and I’m looking for a few good men and women that are willing to give love a second try.

Here’s some info on what we’re looking for. Please feel free to pass it along to anyone you think would like to fall in love with their “first love” all over again.

TV LAND’S “FIRST LOVE, SECOND CHANCE” CASTING NOW!

Ever wondered what happened to the one that got away? To your high school sweetheart or college love?

That's the question at the heart of the new TV Land Program "First Love, Second Chance" which reunites former couples and gives them a glimpse of what life would have been like if they'd stayed together. In each one-hour episode, a former girlfriend and boyfriend who are currently single will be reunited. Will the passage of time and their differing life experiences have changed them beyond recognition? Will they be tempted once again by each other, or decide they can't get far enough away?

“First Love, Second Chance” reveals whether true first love conquers all for the couples -or whether they discover that they had a lucky escape first time around!

If you are single, mid 30's to mid to late 40's and looking to reconnect with a past love, we want to hear from you!

If you are interested or want to tell us your story of lost love, please visit us at www.cornwellcasting.com or send your story to firstlovecasting@me.com.

See you on the red carpet. Tony Miros 'Mr. Nightlife'

Artist Shepard Fairey on Colbert Report

Check Obama's favorite criminal, Shepard Fairey, on the Colbert Report. Street artist and founder of Obey is interviewed about the creation of the "HOPE" poster for the Obama campaign. Shepard is pretty adorable.

Check out the clip on Hulu - which I love for free TV and movie clips on my laptop.

LGBT Job Fair, San Francisco

It's been a rough year for many. If you've been laid off or are looking to get hired for a new job, check out the LGBT Job Fair @ The Center.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Job Fair 9.1, the Bay Area's premier LGBT workforce recruitment event, will attract all levels of job seekers with qualifications in:

· Technology
· Entry, Management, and Executive
· Retail, Call Center, Cashier
· Customer Service
· Administrative
· Sales

Employers who have attended The Center's Job Fairs in the past include:

Federal Reserve Bank
Bank of America
CLOROX
Citibank
Kimpton Hotels
Walgreen's
McKesson Corp.
Olivia Companies
Charles Schwab
California Pacific Medical
Good Vibrations
Johnson & Johnson
PG&E
Wells Fargo Bank
UCSF Medical
SFPD
UCSF Campus
Patelco Credit
Kaiser Permanente
Townsend & Townsend
SF Int. Airport
SFPUC
CSAA
City & County of SF
Safeway
Robert Half
and many more…

How Job Seekers Participate:
1). Pre-register by going to http://jobfair.sfcenter.org
2). Attend our free Pre Job Fair Workshop on February 4th, 2-4pm.
3). Get here early, dress to impress, have copies of your resume, and know your elevator speech.

For more information contact:
David Bach, Workforce Development Specialist
(415) 865-5534, DavidB@sfcenter.org
www.sfcenter.org/job_fair.php

The SF LGBT Center
1800 Market Street, SF 94102
See you @ the Fair!If

Happy Inauguration Day!

I was walking on this beautiful day through San Francisco. The air was crisp with excitement and hope for change in America, as our 44th President, Barack Obama, was sworn into office. As I was walking up Fillmore on this wonderful inauguration day, I was greeted with many gleaming smiles. I got to the intersection at Bush and Fillmore and saw some great street art.

Someone took the street signs down bush street and changed them to "Obama". It was so great to see! A Japanese man came up to me and told me he wanted to see how far it went. He walked down 9 blocks and realized the entire street had been changed. Someone else told me the signs were changed all the way downtown to Battery. I snapped this shot with my iPhone.

Freedom to Marry Day - February 12

On National Freedom to Marry Day, Thursday, February 12, 2009, at local marriage counters in cities all over the country, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk's Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact that the inability to marry causes on their families. This national event is hosted yearly by Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) and this year they have asked Join the Impact for our help to make this their largest Marriage Counter Action yet!

"Marriage Equality USA started the Marriage Counter Action/Get Engaged for Marriage Equality in 2001. This year, we invited Join the Impact to join us, and we are very excited to be working with them and look forward to a large turnout. We do this annual direct action during Freedom to Marry week to make marriage discrimination visible, it forces our local clerks to have to look us in the eye, see our children, and enforce a discriminatory and unjust law at their counter – it moves everyone who witnesses this sad, but powerful event and gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that we live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else." - Jordan Palmer, Vice President of Development & Organizational Relationships for Marriage Equality USA.

Learn more about how you can be involved in Marriage Equality for All!

Upcoming Protests - Prop 8 + Marriage Equality!

I will try to keep a list here of any upcoming Marriage Equality Rallies or Prop 8 Protests. Please email me if you have something to submit or simply add it to the comments, and i'll post it for you.

The new year brings us a new energy for our fight for Marriage Equality for the LGBT community. Gays and Lesbians deserve the right to marry and have their love equally recognized. Show your support by attending one of these protests near you. Invite a friend to an upcoming Prop 8 Protest and tell them to invite a friend.

Get your Protest Poster for the Rick Warren Protest here.... Separate Church and State!

----- Sunday, January 18th -----

ORANGE COUNTY / LAKE FOREST,CA

PROTEST AT RICK WARREN'S SADDLE BACK CHURCH

11:00am - 2:00pm
Saddleback Church in Orange County 
1 Saddleback Parkway
Lake Forest, CA
More information on Facebook.

----- Monday, January 19th -----

MILLION PERSON EQUALITY MARCH

SACRAMENTO,CA
Capitol Building, Sacramento
Get your hotel reservations now. 

Sign up for teams: equalityactionnow.org

----- Saturday, January 24th -----

PIECES OF 8 - CREATIVE MARCH

EMBARCARDERO, SAN FRANCISCO
Saturday, January 24, 2009
10:30am - 1:30pm
Embarcadero
The Sidewalks along Embarcadero from Justin Hermann Plaza to Marina Green.

San Francisco, CA

What: An exhibition of performing arts in conjunction with the BACORR protest against the anti-choice and anti-marriage march along the Embarcadero from Justin Herman Plaza to Marina Green. Artists will perform on the theme of oppression of women or the attempts by religious organizations to impose their “values” on our laws, especially on abortion and same-sex marriage.
Who: acoustic musicians, poets, comics, clowns, mimes, performance artists, painters, rappers, actors, sculptors and anyone who wishes to artistically express their support for equal rights for all.

When the Catholic Church sends their Crusade to San Francisco to try to eliminate a woman’s right to choose and our freedom to marry the partner of our choice we are going to greet them with an outburst of creativity! Instead of insults, we will hurl artistic performances at them. We will captivate the spectators and tourists, and, of course, the media, so the message of equal rights will dominate the day.

----- Thursday, Feb 12th -----

NATIONAL FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY
Sit-in & Protest! At the Steps of your City Hall and ask for a marriage license. If you are denied a license, don't leave. Sit with your community, your allies, and friends.

Read More about FREEDOM TO MARRY DAY!

----- Saturday, February 14th -----

VALENTINE'S DAY KISS-IN

LOS ANGELES CITY HALL

2:00 pm
LA City Hall

Between 1st and Temple on Spring (200 N Spring St.)

They took away our rights, they made us second class citizens, and now they’re trying to take away the marriages we already legally obtained. Well F that. Show them that no matter what they do to us, we are and will continuing to love.

So on the day that celebrates love, bring your protest signs and yell to your heart’s content at 2:00 pm… then at 2:30. KISS!

Not only is it fun, but we are showing them that they can try to take away and invalidate our marriage, but our relationships, families, and love will not be extinguished.

RSVP on the facebook page

----- Monday, February 16th -----

SACRAMENTO, CA
Gather together at the Capitol to demonstrate that the LGBT community and our allies will settle for nothing less than equality. Sponsored by Equality Action Now.

----- Tuesday, February 17th -----

SACRAMENTO, CA
Marriage Equality Lobby Day

More Info to Come

----- PAST PROTESTS -----

----- Saturday, January 10th -----

NATIONAL PROTEST OF DOMA

This is a National Protest with rallies taking place all over the country. We are also collecting 1 Million Signatures in an Open Letter to Obama to be delivered on Inauguration Day. Join the DOMA Protest. Learn more about DOMA.

> Find a DOMA Protest near you.

> Print out the Open Letter to Obama and Signature Sheets.

DOMA Protests include: Washington DC, San Diego, San Francisco, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Jose, Redlands and More Protest Cities Here.

BLUE 4 EQUALITY

Light up your night with BLUE! Put a blue bulb in your window, on your porch light, or store front to show support for Equality. Read more at Blue 4 Equality.

----- Saturday, January 3rd -----

CHINO HILLS, CA
2pm-6pm

The Shoppes at Chino Hills

13920 City Center Drive, Chino Hills
We will meet at the corner of Grand Avenue and Peyton Drive.

----- Thusday, January 1st -----

"IN YOUR FACE" NATIONAL KISS-IN

Nationwide Protest Day, Thursday 01/01/09
A public kiss-in in support of same-sex marriage rights, LGBTQ rights, love and equality for all!Find a same-sex friend and kiss them publically-- at work, school, the mall, wherever-- and show the world that love is for everyone. *smooch*

----- Saturday, December 27th -----
LAKE FOREST, CA
From: 1pm-6pm Trabuco Rd & Lake Forest Dr, Lake Forest
Hesperia/Victorville/Apple Valley, CA
2pm, 14868 Bear Valley Road, Victorville
From Rancho Cucamonga, travel on the 15 North (approx. 25 minutes) exit Bear Valley Rd and turn Right. Once you pass Mariposa Rd, we will be meeting on the Left side of Bear Valley Rd.

Cleve Jones Speaking at Cal Berkeley

As you may have noticed, I am a graphic designer. I recently designed this flyer for human rights activist, Cleve Jones. Cleve is human rights activists and founder of the AIDS Quilt. You may have recently seem him portrayed by Emile Hirsh in the Gus Van Sant biopic, "MILK", release last year. Take this chance to listen to Harvey Milk's friend, who he mentored, and let him mentor you!

PRESS RELEASE:

An afternoon with

CLEVE JONES, Human Rights Activist, Author
JANUARY 29, 2009
4:30 PM
UC BERKELEY
MULTICULTURAL CENTER - HELLER LOUNGE


Come here first hand about what it was like to work alongside HARVEY MILK. He is portrayed by actor Emile Hirsch in director Gus Van Sant's biopic MILK.

Cleve’s career as an activist began in San Francisco during the turbulent 1970s when pioneer gay rights leader Harvey Milk befriended him. He worked as a student intern in Milk’s office while studying political science at San Francisco State University.

In 1983, when AIDS was still a new and poorly understood threat, Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Jones conceived the idea of the AIDS Memorial Quilt at a candlelight memorial for Harvey Milk in 1985 and in 1987 created the first quilt panel in honor of his friend Marvin Feldman. The AIDS Memorial Quilt has grown to become the world’s largest community arts project.

Come hear Cleve Jones speak about the importance of community and public service. There will be opportunities for students to find out about intership and volunteer opportunities at local LGBT Organizations.

This event is sponsored by:
UC Berkeley Gender Equity Resource Center
The Pacific Center, Berkeley
Gay-Straight Alliance Network, San Francisco

** This event is wheelchair accessible. For disability accommodation requests and information please contact Danny Kodmur at (510) 643-6456 or (510) 642-6376 (TTY) for communication services or Peter O’Connell at (510) 642-2795 for mobility services. Their website address is http://access.berkeley.edu. Please try to make your service request with as much advance notice as possible.

All my Single Ladies ... Put a Ring on it!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! Thanks for all the hard work over the weekend... This will make you smile... You thought Beyonce had original dance moves for "Put a Ring on It"... Enjoy!

DISCRIMINATION! Protest DOMA today!

Join me and many others across the nation in the National Protest of DOMA! If you are in San Francisco, we will be on the corner of Castro and Market TODAY, January 10th, at 11am.

Download this protest poster for your rally! Stop H8 and DISCRIMINATION in America! 

Video: Anne Hathaway to Obama "Explain Rick Warren"

The lovely Anne Hathaway tells E! while at the Palms Springs International Film Festival that she'd like President Obama to "Explain that choice of Rick Warren." Thanks for speaking out Anne!

Don't Wait, Start Now! Protest DOMA.

Protest DOMA this weekend, January 10th! Don't wait, START NOW... You can begin gathering signatures in support of the repeal of DOMA. Find 10 ways you can help below. As you know, you can always get FREE PROTEST POSTERS here, to 

From Join the Impact:

A little under 1 year ago when Barack Obama was running for president he wrote an Open Letter to our community. A community where many members do not have equal protections under the law. A minority community that has felt the sting of discrimination, and held on to love to build bridges in the hope of overcoming.

The opening to this letter still chokes me up today: "I'm running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all ‐ a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters. It's wrong to have millions of Americans living as second‐class citizens in this nation. And I ask for your support in this election so that together we can bring about real change for all LGBT Americans."

In this letter, Barack Obama promised to repeal laws that discriminate against the LGBT community. He vowed to

Repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and ensure that states treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws
Enact a fully inclusive Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Enact the Matthew Shepard Act to outlaw hate crimes against our community
Confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the stigma surrounding it
Amend the Uniting American Families Act to afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system

A letter was crafted in response to Obama to remind him of his promises that we expect him to keep. This is not an online petition. Studies have shown that they are far less effective than the obvious blood sweat and tears that went in to physical signatures. Imagine Barack Obama sitting in the Oval Office with One Million of our voices in his hands. We need Real People, Real Signatures, Real Change.

Signature gathering has already begun.

Here's 10 ways you can help get signatures:

1. Gather signatures at your place of work (make sure it doesn't hinder your HR policy)
2. Go out to the bars on Friday and Saturday nights and get signatures
3. Go to your local screening of MILK and get signatures from individuals in line or as they are leaving
4. Go to local stores and ask that they put the signature pages at the counter
5. Grab a friend and canvas your neighborhood asking for signatures
6. Go to a local event to gain signatures (Art Walks, Concerts, etc)
7. Take a copy to class and ask your teacher if you can announce that you're gathering signatures.
8. Attend one of the National Rallies on January 10th to gain signatures (find your rally here)
9. Go to church on Sunday and ask for signatures
10. Use the power of the internet: Email this letter, Blog about it, ping all your friends on Facebook/MySpace, send this message to EVERYONE

As always, when on private property be sure to ask for permission.

JOIN THE IMPACT ON THE WHITE HOUSE:
Print the Open Letter
Print Signature pages

Mail all signature pages by January 12th to:

Join The Impact
PO Box 141491
Columbus, OH 43214

Seattle Gay Bars receive Threat Letters

It has been reported today that 11 Seattle Gay Bars in the Capitol Hill are have received threatening letters. This sounds like hate crime to me. 

The letters are addressed to the "Owner/Manager" of the bars and threaten to poison patrons of the bars with Ricin. The writer of the letter threatens to poision the patrons of the Seattle gay bars on a Saturday in January.

According to The Stanger's website:

A letter also arrived in The Stranger's offices, addressed to the attention of "Obituaries." The letter's author said the paper should "be prepared to announce the deaths of approximately 55 individuals all of whom were patrons of the following establishments on a Saturday in January." The listed bars are: the Elite, Neighbours, Wild Rose, the Cuff, Purr, the Eagle, R Place, Re-bar, CC's, Madison Pub, and the Crescent. "I could take this moment to launch into a diatribe about my indignation towards the gay community," the letter concludes, "however, I think the deaths will speak for themselves.

Seattle, stick together, be strong and don't let anyone intimidate you in your struggle for equal rights.

DOMA is America's Prop 8

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DOMA - AMERICA'S PROP 8

Stand up for Marriage Equality for all this weekend! Join the NATIONAL PROTEST OF DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act). DOMA deprives Gays and Lesbians of having their marriage recognized under federal law.