Malinda Lo
Blog
Mar 6, 2009
Photo Friday: Proposition 8 Hearings in San Francisco
Yesterday I live-blogged the Proposition 8 hearings in San Francisco for 365gay.com. It was a long and draining but exhilarating day; you can read my blog posts about it here and here, and see a replay of the live blog here.
Although many analysts aren’t feeling very positive after the hearings, I refuse to write off our cause until the California Supreme Court issues its decision. And even if they vote to uphold Prop. 8, that doesn’t mean that our fight for equality is over. I strongly believe that every loss simply brings us closer to the ultimate win — and I do think it will come sooner rather than later. Maybe not this year, but it will come.
The state that once shut out all of my Chinese ancestors from stepping foot in this country eventually did change its tune. It takes time for people to adjust to change — and change is the only thing we can rely on. In my short lifetime alone, rights for LGBT people have advanced by leaps and bounds. There is no going back; there is just the insistent resistance to moving forward that is the ordinary response of most human beings. But I assure you: They cannot resist the change forever.
I took a lot of photos yesterday. I was surprised at how close both sides were in the protest outside the courthouse and in the Civic Center. Pro-Prop. 8 people rubbed shoulders with same-sex marriage supporters. I actually heard people arguing in the street about why same-sex marriage opponents are so invested in preventing gay sex.
At one point I felt almost overwhelmed by it all, and I have to admit that I found the anti-gay marriage people frightening. Their signs called down the damnation of their god on my head, and though I know they think they are saving me — and my queer community — I have to wonder: Do they know that their voices are thick with hatred? Do they know that only makes me turn away from them, as they are clearly turning away from me?
So here are my photos from the day. It was a day I won’t forget. (Click photos to enlarge.)
San Francisco City Hall, and one of many news vehicles
Civic Center early in the morning
Two queer bunnies watch the jumbo-tron in Civic Center
Protestors outside the Supreme Court building
Mark Leno outside the courthouse
Along McAllister St. in front of the courthouse
Outside the courthouse after the hearings
I think it’s really interesting if you look at your pics Malinda, and the pics I’ve seen at a bunch of other places, that the attitude and signs of the different groups are quite distinct.
For those rightly anti-H8, they are focusing on the issue itself, on love, on having everyone included, on equality, and on civil rights … while those bigots in favour of H8 seem to be all about the demonising of LGBT relationships, families, etc.
Really sums things up in my mind.
Wow, these photos are so illuminating. The total checker board of YES/NO signs shows how divisive the issue is, but it’s interesting to see, as you put it, the shoulder-rubbing. I wonder how the Prop. 8 folk can mingle so closely with queer folk (and supporters) and not see that the similarities far outnumber and outweigh the differences. If nothing else, I hope they’re thinking long and hard and deeply about their decision to support Prop. 8. :-7
Sarah, I agree with you — I was really shocked by how hateful the anti-gay marriage signs were. Really shocked.
yes, when i went to the sd pride parade years back, there was a small group holding a “god hates sin” sign on the fringe. and i said, god hates hate too.
*shakes head*