Disappointed in California … Yet Again – Prop 8 Upheld by CA Supreme Court

Yes, it is sad but true, the California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8, which has stripped away the right of same-sex couples to marry in the state. However, the Supreme Court did allow those 18,000 who were legally married in the state between the original Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage in 2008 and the fateful November 2008 election to remain married. These marriages were not retroactively revoked. Although I am pleased that my marriage is still acknowledged by the State, I am appalled that my friends will not be granted that same opportunity to not only express their their love, but also receive the benefits and respect associated with marriage. My fight is for all of those who no longer have the option of a civil marriage in the state of California.

Change Comes Slowly – San Diego LGBT Center Prop 8 Gathering

Hello Nested Lez Readers.

I want to address the issues that have stemmed from last night’s elections – our first African-American President and the passing of California’s Prop 8. However, right now, I know that anything I try to write will be distorted my my hurt and my anger regarding Prop 8.

I will address the election, but I need some time to process my emotions a bit. That being said, I want to share an email message from

Personal Plea to Vote NO on California’s Prop 8

I have highlighted the importance of voting NO on California’s Prop 8, but today I want to share a personal email that I sent to my family and friends. No matter where they lived (from California to New Jersey to Japan), my friends and family received this email. While it is very important to spread this message to Californians, I think that everyone should be aware of the situation (and given a chance to help).

Letter from Betty DeGeneres – Support Gay Marriage

I am on the email list for Equality California. It is a great way to stay updated on the fight to keep same-sex marriage rights in California. If you aren’t on their mailing list, I strongly encourage you to join.

In an email that I received today, there was a message from Betty DeGeneres (yes, Ellen DeGeneres’s mom). In case you are not on the mailing list, I wanted to share the email with you and encourage you to make a donation to help Equality California and to vote NO on Prop 8. Here’s Betty’s letter:

Support Same-sex Marriage Equality – Vote NO on CA Prop 8

On Saturday, July 12, 2008 (exactly 5 years after our commitment ceremony), my partner Julie and I went to the County Administration building, turned in the necessary paperwork, and got legally married. Unlike our commitment ceremony (we had always considered it a wedding), which had about 100 guests, there were four witnesses to our civil ceremony. We considered it a renewal of our vows, but it was so much more.

Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in California: FAQs

Five years ago I had my commitment ceremony with my partner. We exchanged rings, but I stated I eventually would want a traditional solid wedding band. I told my partner that I wanted to get those bands either when we celebrated our fifth anniversary or when marriage became legal. Well look at that, it’s five years later and both things are happening.

You, like me and many others, might have some questions about same-sex marriages in California. Equity California (EQ CA) has provided answers to many of these questions. I have provided their FAQs below. Congratulations to us all!

Separate but Equal – Is It Possible? What Will the California Supreme Court Decide?

Looking through Google News this morning, I found the story that I was looking for. There, in the U.S. section, between a story highlighting the severe thunderstorms in the Southeast and one about the investigation about a Marine allegedly throwing a puppy off of a cliff, was the headline “State Supreme Court takes up same sex marriage.”

I had known that today, March 4, 2008, the California Supreme Court would hear arguments regarding the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage in the state.

Don’t Veto Same-Sex Marriage “for the People” until You listen to ALL of the People of California

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that he will veto bill AB43, which would recognize same-sex marriage in California, because he wants to support the March 2000 vote for Proposition 22. Today, as a member of “the people of California,” I submitted an email to Governor Schwarzenegger. I urge you to do the same. Below, is my email. Let your voice be heard! Email the governor (and select “Gender-neutral marriage.\AB00043”).

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger,

Who Made Them the Moral Authority About What Rights I Should Have?

I am not a politician, nor do I have any desire to be. In fact, other than the fact that I am registered to vote and that I tend to exercise that right, I am not political in any sense. Yes, I tend to lean towards the left and look for gay-friendly politicians, but it doesn’t mean that I have never voted for a Republican.

That being said, I don’t like politicians and courts who deem my relationship any less important than the relationship my siblings share with their spouses. I have been with my partner for over six years and we were married in 2003. For those of you who are ready to tell me that I can’t possibly be married to another woman, please allow me to clarify. My partner and I held a ceremony officiated by a minister in which we declared our love for one another in front of our family, friends, and God. We also registered as domestic partners with the state of California. So, no, literally I am not married; however, in my mind, I am married. Unfortunately, although I share a loving union with my wife, I do not get the basic rights that come with federal marriage.