Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "equality action now"

Prop 8 Hearing Thursday Marriage Equality for California gays and lesbians is back on track here in California – what happens next?

2011-12-05T05:10:00Z

In the next few months look for progress in the fight to uphold Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Proposition 8 due to the fact that it is unconstitutional.

On Thursday, December 8, a three-judge panel in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on the efforts to release video of the Prop. 8 trial as well as ProtectMarriage’s motion to throw out the case. The hearing is expected to take two hours, beginning at 2:30pm. The hearing will be delayed broadcast and will have remote viewing locations in Pasadena, Portland and Seattle. Thousands of other interested parties on both sides of the issue, including the LGBT community here is Sacramento will follow the hearing’s progress on Twitter and other social media.

On the web site of the American Foundation for Equal Rights, it was explained that in the first hour, Ted Olson will argue that the “public has a First Amendment right to see video footage of the historic Prop. 8 trial. Olson will site that the other side is “trying to keep the video under lock and key because they don’t want anyone to know they failed in court, where reason and facts matter.”

In the second hour, David Boies will explain how the Prop 8 proponents’ motion to ignore the District Court’s striking down Prop 8 is mainly basing their argument on the fact that the judge who ruled, was himself gay and in a long-term relationship. This point of reasoning would implicate an adverse reasoning where someone who is lesbian or gay questioning a judge’s decision because he or she is straight.

A.F.E.R. stated, “The anti-marriage forces are trying everything they can to get the case thrown out because they know that reason and truth are on our side. This tactic was universally condemned in the media and it took only a day for Chief Judge James Ware to rule against the homophobic motion. We are confident that the appeals court will affirm that being gay has no bearing on a judge’s impartiality, just as courts have historically done with cases involving race, gender and religion.”

After Thursday’s hearing a ruling can be expected anytime. Insiders close to the lawyers who are fighting for Marriage Equality say the decision could be made before the end of the year or soon after. The decision will set an important precedent and potentially send the Prop 8 case to the United States Supreme Court.

To follow Thursday’s hearing go to A.F.E.R.’s web site at: http://www.afer.org/

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization.

Behind the Scenes: Dia de los Metros’ Photo Shoot

2011-11-06T22:14:13Z

Last Sunday, situated among a lavish backdrop of flowers at the Capitol Rose Garden in downtown Sacramento an eclectic assembly of photographers, models, hair-stylists, and make-up artists gathered for a special photo-shoot. The theme for the shoot was “Day of the Dead”.

The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday where family and friends pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. The celebration takes place November 1st and 2nd to coincide with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day (November 1) and All Souls Day (November 2).

In many American communities with Mexican residents, Day of the Dead celebrations are held that are very similar to those held in Mexico. Many festivals begin with the All Souls Procession and combines elements of traditional Day of the Dead celebrations with those pagan harvest festivals. People wearing masks or painted faces carry signs honoring the dead and an urn in which people can place slips of paper with prayers on them to be later burned.

Benancio Garza (20), a student at American River College and Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights organization board member and youth leader who also dabbles in modeling jumped at the chance to become involved in this project. “I am excited to be a part of such a large collaborative effort. I love art that has meaning and I am hoping this project will touch the lives of many people who see it.”

The idea of the shoot came from a professional photographer, who also happens to be on the board of Equality Action NOW, Vihil Heather Vigil. “Dia de Los Muertos honors the cycle of life and in particular ancestors, friends, and others who were inspirational or affected our lives in some manner,” said Vigil.

“Last year I had the amazing experience of being in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico for Dia de Los Muertos. To see an entire country decorating and celebrating left such an imprint that I can't ever see myself not celebrating this very special occasion. As a Native American and a Latina it is a part of my culture to celebrate and not focus on the death of someone who passes, instead we celebrate their life.”

Vihil of Vihil Photographix Fine Art Photography explained what she will do the photographs after the shoot. “The photographs are going to be crafted for large size 20x30+ inch prints. There are three galleries who have already expressed interest in the final images for potential exhibitions; we will be doing a calendar and possibly a book. I really like putting table top photography books together of my work it allows the viewer to become more personal with all the various images contained within.”

While some of the models arrived on the set already make-up, Garza had his own professional stylist team meet him an hour prior to the shoot on site. Shane Howell and his partner, Joe Jaramillo together own Roots Hair Salon in downtown Woodland. Howell and Jaramillo, who also are in a domestic partnership, moved from San Francisco where they are both well-known and have attended the city’s popular “Day of the Dead” festivals for years.

Ben’s friend and modeling manager, Ken Pierce contacted the talented couple because, “This photo-shoot is important for Ben’s future in modeling and I didn’t want an amateur stylist working on his hair and make-up. Joe and Shane are perfect because they are super talented and their experience with attending ‘Day of the Dead’ festivals is invaluable.”

Garza was the only male model on the set among fifteen female models that afternoon so getting photographed by the four photographers who will all be sharing their work with Vigil was not a problem. Kati Garner, a well-known local photojournalist and photographer for Equality Action NOW had a field day working with Garza on the set. “Benancio is a natural and my camera is in love with him. He is so easy to work with and only needs a little direction to get the shots I want from him. I think he will mature as a model rather quickly and will soon be in demand once people see the work he did today.”

By sunset thousands of pictures were taken of the models who were not paid but will be used by them for their own professional portfolios. This was Garza’s second modeling gig. The first was for Sacramento’s Q Magazine. While his focus will continue to be working with the youth through his civil rights organization, attending school, Garza hopes to find more opportunities to model for fashion photography and perhaps try his hand in on a fashion show runway.

To find out more about where to view the “Day of the Dead” photos contact Vihil Heather Vigil on her web site or email Ms_Vihil@yahoo.com. To contact Benancio Garza you can email his manager, Ken Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com. For information about Joe and Shane of Roots Hair Salon contact Joe Jarmamillo at joe.p.jaramillo@gmail.com.

Prop 8 Battle Continues Today

2011-09-06T07:19:23Z

Tuesday, September 6, 2011 - Today, the California Supreme Court is hearing arguments on an important question of California law that presented itself in the ongoing federal challenge to Prop 8, same-sex marriage issue. Leaders of Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots, civil rights organization have been on the forefront of educating the public and providing the community with a voice since the general election November of 2008 when Proposition 8 passed and was made into law.

For many members of the organization it is a personal issue and today will mark a pivotal moment in their fight for marriage equality.

The Court in San Francisco will decide whether California law allows the sponsors of Prop 8 to force an appeal in Perry v. Brown – even though the California Attorney General actually agrees that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

For thousands of same-sex couples, their supportive friends and family members, and straight allies, this battle for equality and civil rights has been long and trying.

A year ago, Dr. Nicola Simmersbach, a “pro-marriage” licensed marriage and family therapist and her partner, Diana Luiz were ready to be married when Judge Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional and were sitting at the County Clerk’s office all dressed in white and holding a bouquet of brightly colored sunflowers. Moments later a stay was issued and their mood instantly turned to sadness and disappointment.

“Diana and I are a committed, long-term same sex couple who is still being denied the right to marriage. No person has been harmed in the 18,000 legal same sex marriages that exist in California today”, said Dr. Simmersbach. “But Diana and I are harmed every day by the systems and people who keep marriage out of our reach. We are ready to marry immediately. We want our day to come soon.”

“I don’t really know if I believe in marriage”, thoughtfully exclaimed Benancio Garza, 20 year old Youth Spokesperson and Board Member for Equality Action NOW and American River College Student. “However for certain my main focus right now is to fight for my right to be considered equal in every way under the law and that includes my civil right to marry another male adult if that is what I want to do. Here in America being separated because of my sexual orientation for which I did not choose is hypocritical backwards thinking. We are all different, and we need to accept that fact.”

The question before the California Supreme Court today seems like a trivial technical issue but in reality whatever the Court decides will have far-reaching implications for the whole state. There are many laws that California passes through the initiative process that may not be in line with the California or the U.S. Constitution and the Courts has to determine the law’s constitutionality.

Currently, California’s Attorney General and Governor can decide not to appeal a court decision ruling that an initiative is unconstitutional. But, depending on how the California Supreme Court rules, future Governors may lose the ability to make such final decisions for the state – leaving disfavored groups in California even more vulnerable to unconstitutional initiatives that single them out for attack.

So if the California Supreme Court holds that California law gives sponsors the power to bring an appeal over the objections of the Attorney General and the Governor, the Ninth Circuit would still have to decide whether Prop 8’s supporters meet all the other criteria to appeal under federal law. If the Ninth Circuit allows them to appeal, the Ninth Circuit would then decide whether to uphold or reverse Judge Walker’s ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional.

Oral argument will be televised today beginning at 10:00am on C-SPAN and the California Channel as well as video streamed on the internet. Equality Action NOW and Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant well be hosting a viewing party for the community at Headhunters beginning at 10:00am on the corner of 10th and K Streets. The public is invited to attend.

Make no mistake – today’s hearing, and the decision that results from the arguments will be of high interest to constitutional and judicial scholars across the United States. But more importantly, it will be heard and watched by hundreds of thousands of individuals, whose personal current and future lives depend on the outcome.

The California Supreme Court must issue its decision within 90 days of oral argument and is likely to rule even sooner.

Equality Action NOW Participates in County School Bullying Project

2011-08-03T18:09:38Z

Tuesday, Board Members of Equality Action NOW, Tina Reynolds, Executive Director; Benancio Garza, Youth Spokesperson; Angela Luna, Education Lead and Author of "In Celebration of Harvey Milk"; and Ken Pierce, Board President and Communications Director attended the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services and Office of Education's "Sacramento Countywide Bullying Prevention Project" (SC-SPP) workshop.

Under the direction of Pamela Robinson and Cheryl Raney of the Sacramento County Office of Education, the main purpose of the project is to "develop the capacity of (school) districts and their demonstration school sites to implement sustainable bullying prevention programs and strategies. This initial project of the countywide Student Mental Health and Wellness Plan will allow each district to focus on a school-based bullying prevention program, providing training for selected district personnel and demonstration site staff, and establish the infrastructure that will support expansion of bullying prevention efforts throughout the district and support future implementation of additional strategies that promote student mental health and provide early interventions for students and families who need them”.

The Sacramento County Student Mental Health and Wellness Plan is the result of two years’ work conducted by the Sacramento County Mental Health and Wellness Collaborative to develop a plan for promoting student mental health through school-based programs and strategies. The Collaborative developed from a partnership between the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services, (DBHS) and the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) and includes mental health professionals, educators, youth, parents/caregivers and other system partners collaborating to develop a common vision and desired results for the role of schools in creating a comprehensive countywide system of prevention and early intervention for the mental health of children from birth to high school completion.

A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Massachusetts Department of Public Health finds a strong link between bullying and mental health problems, family violence and drug and alcohol use.

Middle and high school students who are both bullies and victims of bullying are three times more likely than students who are nether to seriously consider suicide, intentionally injure themselves, report being abused by a family member, witness violence in their family, and use drugs and alcohol, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.

“A comprehensive approach that encompasses school officials, students, and their families is needed to prevent bullying among middle and high school students,” the CDC concludes.

While the project will include a wide range of common issues such as students who are handicapped, students with learning disabilities and cultural and religious differences, leaders of Equality Action NOW will be working closely with the Sacramento County Office of Education to offer their expertise and provide youth and adult speakers on the bullying of lesbian, gay, bi, transgender, questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) students.

For more information on this project contact Pamela Robinson at probinso@scoe.net or Ken Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Seth’s Law Under Suspension

2011-07-13T20:43:56Z

Monday, the California Assembly Appropriations Committee heard testimony concerning AB 9, otherwise known as Seth’s Law. Speaking for the anti-bullying law was its author, Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), bill sponsors Matt Bunch, Equality California’s Government Affairs Manager and John Lovell of the California Police Chiefs Association.

AB 9 will work hand-in-hand with the 2008 Safe Place to Learn Act by requiring schools to adopt comprehensive polices prohibiting intimidation and bullying in their existing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies; establishing a process for receiving and investigating complaints of intimidation and bullying; ensuring personnel are trained to recognized and must intervene in bullying; and creating an appeal process for decisions.

Assemblymember Ammiano stated that, “AB 9 is named after Seth Walsh who tragically took his own life (at 13 years old) after years of relentless harassment and bullying he experienced at his school in Tehachapi, CA. Seth’s mother and close friends reported that teachers and administrators were aware that Seth was being harassed and in some instances participated in the harassment. Yet, Seth’s mother’s pleas to the school for help were brushed aside.”

Ammiano continued, “Research shows that students that were harassed at school frequently suffer long-term social, emotional, and psychological harm.”

Matt Bunch speaking on behalf of Equality California focused on the immense financial savings school districts stand to make if this law was implemented.

Indeed, according to the California Healthy Kids Survey, 27% of students who reported harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation said they missed school at least one day during the past 30 because they “felt unsafe”.

109,000 school absences at the middle and high school levels in California are due to bullying based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. Many additional absences may be attributed to bullying based on other factors including actual or perceived gender identity or expression, race or ethnicity, disability, etc.

The cumulative loss to school districts in California was estimated by the Safe Schools Coalition to be, at a minimum, $39.9 million, annually. This is caused by a loss in Average Daily Attendance (ADA).

Additionally, there are a number of legal cases across the state which has been brought forward by students and their families after suffering harassment, discrimination, or bullying based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation. Most of those cases were settled with undisclosed financial settlements. Some of the disclosed financial settlements were hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

John Lovell who spoke on behalf of the California Police Chief’s Association said that, “We’re in strong support of this bill. It’s about 50 years overdue. Left unattended, bullying can escalate into criminal activity which has its own set of cost increments. This is an important bill and we are in strong support of it.”

After the main statements of support several community members lined up to offer their own “me too” statements. Representatives from education, governmental, mental health, and parents of bullied youth as well as LGBT organizations including Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights group urged the committee to move the bill to a vote and into law.

Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego) who chairs the committee then asked for opposition to the bill from the public which there were none. She then asked a representative from the Finance Department to report on feasibility and was told the department does not recommend implementing this bill for budgetary reasons. Sen. Kehoe quickly suspended the bill for review.

Back in the office of Assemblymember Ammiano, Wendy Rae Hill, Senior Legislative Assistant to Ammiano explained that “they may be able to tweak the bill somewhat but they have already trimmed it to a point where any more trimming would greatly diminish its main purpose”.

Some schools are already ignoring the Safe Place to Learn Act and this bill will spell out steps to implement the law to include intimidation and bullying. It will also serve to inform students and parents of their rights. Parents especially often times don’t know what to do about their kids coming home depressed and distraught from being constantly harassed for whatever reason.

Hill said, “Far too many students continue today to experience severe discrimination and harassment with no meaningful protections from school officials.”

Seth’s Law will be kept in appropriations in the suspense file and will be there throughout the entire summer. It will come off of suspense around August 25th of this year and soon after should go to the floor of the State Senate for a vote.

Honoring Harvey Milk

2011-05-24T19:18:07Z

"Harvey Milk was a hero that stood up and fought for the elderly, the disenfranchised and the needy in San Francisco, and for gay and lesbian rights in a time when no one else was taking up their plight, and he was gay." Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now (EAN) said. "Milk fought for the rights of all, and that included LGBTQI people in his community.”

"Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977." Ken Pierce, Director of Public Relations, EAN, explained. "This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city."

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization hosted the second annual Harvey Milk Day Celebration event, Sunday, May 22, 2011 at the downtown Crocker Art Museum.

In memory of Milk, Reynolds presented three awards:

2011 Harvey Milk Activist of the Year
Diana Luiz - for her total involvement in the fight for true equality in more actions and rallies than we can mention. Diana is ever present with a solid ability to make thinks happen. She has been an equality activist for more than 10 years here in Sacramento and involved with Equality Action NOW since it's inception November 5, 2008.

Ken Pierce - As the Director of Public Relations and Media, Ken has put a strong and present voice to our movement for true equality. He is on top of our issues and has a presence about him that makes you want to listen to him. He is a collaborator, a motivator and a high achiever.

2011 Harvey Milk Educator of the Year
Angela Luna - since the very beginning of Equality Action NOW Angela has been involved at the leadership level, fighting and speaking about her own life experiences. Angela researches, wrote and fretted over educating our children on heros in the LGBTQ community and completed her important piece on the Life of Harvey Milk that was developed into a curriculum that she has available for students from 4-12 grade. "We all get to have heros, and Angela is one of mine," said Reynolds.

The award-winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk. was viewed.

Photos | Kati Garner, EAN volunteer photographer

Equality Action Now

Jodi Radke

Community Program Explores LGBTQ Bullying in Sacramento

2011-01-31T07:57:05Z

Part 1 - A Local Gay Youth Tells His Story
By Ken Pierce

Note: This is the first of three articles about growing up gay in Sacramento. It is hoped that the reader gains a better insight into the problems facing LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Questioning) youth in our local schools and community.

In the studios of Access Sacramento the evening of January 4, 2011, Mental Health Matters, a monthly program airing on the Comcast Community Channel was taped. The show’s producer, Marilyn Hillerman invited members of Equality Action Now’s, “It Gets Better Sacramento” project to talk about the LGBTQ youth bullying problem which has been so much in the news lately.

On-air program host and Executive Director of Mental Health America of Northern California, Susan Gallagher opened the show by introducing Dr. Katie Polsky, PH. D., Clinical Psychologist and LGBT Specialist.

Dr. Polsky, whose wife is a therapist gave several daunting statistics, “Bullying is commonplace and most people don’t realize how much damage it does to young people. Bullying can affect those who are susceptible to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as so many other mental health issues. But even more dramatic is the number of suicides or attempted suicides of bullied youth. Four times as many LGBTQ youth attempt suicide relative to their heterosexual counter parts. That’s a huge number.”

Dr. Polsky continued, “In terms of bullying and harassment in schools, 86% of LGBTQ youth report and experience some sort of verbal or sexual harassment in school. 60% of youth report feeling unsafe in their schools. These are remarkable numbers no one should have to experience and these are the issues we are facing as a community and as a nation. It is important that we shed some light on this topic.”

John Wells 18, a Sacramento native and youth advocate and spokesperson for Equality Action Now really put a face to some of the depressing statistics Dr. Polsky stated. Wells spoke of his bullying in school, home life and how he got through it all.

Wells explained. “My parents were not alright with having a gay son and they first tried to deny it, and then they tried to change me. They put me into a Catholic High School. It was really difficult to fit in with friends once I began coming out to them about my being gay. There was a lot of reticule, bullying and lack of support of the people I came in contact with everyday, which put me in a really unsafe mental place. The bullying got so bad there were times I would self-injure myself and I even seriously considered suicide. In the end my parents kicked me out of the house when I turned 18.”

When asked by the moderator how he managed to get through all that depression and bullying Wells said, “A few things helped such as getting myself kicked out of Catholic School and moving to a public school where I joined a Gay-Straight Alliance club. I became close friends with the two senior leaders and in my junior year, became President of the club. Also local organizations like Equality Action Now allowed me to participate in their ‘It Gets Better Sacramento’ project; become their youth spokesperson and since I am taking communications in college now, their Public Relations Director is mentoring me in Media and Public Relations.”

Wells is an exception to the rule when it came to standing up to a bully. He told of an instance in school attending a pep-rally for the football team just before an important game. “I became really pumped up at the rally and excited and didn’t think about how my cheering may seem to others. A guy behind me became very irritated at me because he said I was cheering ‘like a girl’ and ended up punching me in the face in front of everyone.”

“I was hurt and humiliated but all I could do is cry and walk away. I decided to go to the Principal’s office and turn the guy in and he got in serious trouble. Walking away was the right thing to do and turning the guy in helped to identify someone who may have a problem with bullying. In my case the school was very supportive but I know that isn’t always true which is why we need strong legislation such AB-9, the bill Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced to help stop school bullies.”

Smiling into the camera Wells concluded, “It still isn’t easy since I don’t have a job and I am going to be moving in with friends soon but at least I am not homeless like so many LGBT youth and I am going to college hopefully to go into counseling or communications. All-in-all though, it does get better.”

In the next few months you will hear about three other gay activists and a little about their lives growing up gay. By the conclusion of this series the reader should have a better understanding the problems facing LGBT youth here in our own community and how they survive.

I Am Equal Photo Tour

2011-01-07T21:26:51Z

Hands ink-stamped, Joey O'Shea and John Wells, members of Equality Action Now, greated people participating in yesterday's "I AM EQUAL 100,000 PHOTO WORLD TOUR".

The object of the tour is "to give people from all walks of life the opportunity to take a stand for those individual issues of human rights and equality that resonate most deeply within them. This project gives people the tools to engage in a conversation about life, freedom, peace, and unity in a way they may never have had before."

I AM EQUAL officially launched its 29 city, 2011 U.S. tour at The Citizen Hotel in downtown Sacramento Jan. 6, 2011.

“We see people coming in support of children’s rights, or to end domestic violence,” explains project photographer, Matt Spencer. “There are some who are standing up for gay and lesbian issues, and others who are survivors of abuse or disease. Each person has a story and this project is here to empower people to stand up and tell their story.”

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

Equality Action NOW Announces Pride Month Activities

2010-06-10T20:57:39Z

Equality Action Now, a Sacramento based, award-winning civil rights organization will have a super-busy few weeks ahead. The grassroots, all-volunteer activist group will be participating in several events slated for Pride Month.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE LGBT CAUCUS Awards Ceremony

On Monday June 14, 2010 at 10:30 AM, the California Legislative LGBT Caucus will host a special awards ceremony. The California Legislature will proclaim June 2010 as LGBT Pride Month and celebrate the LGBT Community’s past accomplishments and contributions. The Assembly will also honor LGBT individuals selected from across the state for their lifetime contributions and accomplishments in creating a better future for California and the United States.

Sacramento’s own, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and long-time activist has been chosen to receive a lifetime achievement award along with other noted honorees such as Armistead Maupin, Aaron Alvarado, Dr. William Beck, Cecilia Chung, Professor David Cruz, Del Martin (Posthumous), Phyllis Lyon and Jewel Thais-Williams.

The ceremony will take place on the floor of the Assembly with a reception following hosted by the LGBT Caucus consisting of Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez, Senator Christine Kehoe, and Senator Mark Leno.

CLOSING ARGUMENTS – Federal Prop 8 Trial

On Wednesday, June 16, closing arguments in the Federal Prop 8 trial will take place. It has been suggested that the judge in the Perry v. Schwarzenegger case may render a decision ether immediately or within a day or two.

The leadership of Equality Action Now is planning on calling a Press Conference on the steps of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center as soon as the decision comes down from the court. If the outcome is positive there will dancing and a celebration. If the decision is against same-sex-marriage, EAN will lead a protest march from the Center to the West Steps of the State Capitol.

Anyone wanting to participate should sign up to receive Action Alert emails on the www.EqualityActionNow.org web site.

DYKE NITE – Capitol Pride Festival Event

Equality Action Now members are actively participating in leadership positions for this years Pride Events. EAN member, Hilary Hodge is helping to make sure Dyke Nite, to be held on the West Steps of the State Capitol, the evening of the Pride Festival, is a success. Dyke Nite is a fun event for all sexes and age groups and will begin Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. There is free admission with entertainment by Der Spazm, Sappho's Serenaders, Kings of Drag, Hot Pot Studios, C. Foster and Jovi Radtke are closing with Spoken Word. Hilary Hodge will emcee the event.

SACRAMENTO’S CAPITOL PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Entirely run by volunteers and benefiting the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Capitol Pride Festival will, for the first time, be located along Capitol Mall between the west steps of the State Capitol Building and the iconic West Sacramento Drawbridge Saturday, June 19, 2010.

PRIDE PARADE

This year the Pride Parade will begin at Southside Park and run straight down 7th Street to the State Capitol. Equality Action Now will be bringing up the rear of the parade and along the way will be inviting everyone along the route to join in their march to the Festival. If you want to join them at the beginning, EAN members will be forming up at 9:00 AM at or near the corner of 7th and T Streets at Southside Park. Look for the “Imagine Equality” signs. If you like you can bring beads, and leis to hand to people along the route.

PRIDE FESTIVAL

Entry to the Festival along Capitol Mall will be $10. With the new venue it is expected that this year’s Pride Festival could be the largest yet. Food, entertainment, drink, (think a cold slushy margarita), and hundreds of vender booths will stretch out along the visually stunning Capitol Mall corridor.

Equality Action Now members are an important part of the Sacramento LGBTQI Community and are proud of their accomplishments and participation in helping all citizens. For more information on how to join EAN go to their web site at www.EqualityActionNow.org or email info@equalityactionnow.org. For information about the Pride Festival go to http://sacramentopride.org or download the official Pride Guide at www.outwordmagazine.com .

Sacramento’s LGBT Leadership Applauds the Striking of DADT

2010-05-28T03:51:09Z

Sacramento, CA – May 27, 2010 – Today the Senate Armed Services Committee voted 16-12 to allow the repeal of the long-standing ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. Military.

This evening the United States House of Representatives voted on striking down “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and with a vote of 234 Yea and 194 Nay, the repeal bill passed. In the end 5 Republicans voted for it and 26 Democrats voted against. The bill needed at least 218 votes to pass. After the results were announced, applause rang out in the otherwise stoic House Chambers.

The highly controversial issue will move to the full Senate floor sometime this summer.

In a statement released by Wendy Rae Hill, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Hill exclaimed, “I am proud of our Nation's Leaders. One's sexual orientation should not be a factor in serving and protecting our country.”

Ken Pierce, a spokesperson for Equality Action Now, a Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization says, “There are thousands of brave LGBT service members who are currently serving in all areas of military service. Soon they will be able to be truthful about who they are without fear of losing their job. I don’t think repealing this bill will do any kind of damage to morale in the military. Remember we are about to join a long list of countries, all of them allies that did away with discrimination long ago. They realized the importance of retaining highly dedicated and skilled men and women rather then booting those key personnel to the street. Finally we may be able to truly change, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Care”.

"Milk and Cookies" celebratory success

2010-05-21T03:06:49Z

More than 400 Harvey Milk admirers gathered Wednesday night at the Crest Theatre to watch the 2008 biopic "Milk." The event, entitled "Milk and Cookies," was part of a celebratory week leading up to the inaugural "Harvey Milk Day," which will take place Saturday.

In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Fransisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city. He was a leader in the gay rights movement and was murdered on Nov. 27, 1978. Last October, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed S.B. 572, establishing the day of remembrance to take place every May 22, Milk's birthday.

The evening started with a VIP reception where milk and cookies were served. Honorary guests included State Senator Mark Leno, who authored the "Harvey Milk Day" bill, as well as State Assemblyman Tom Ammiamo, who was the first openly gay public school teacher as well as a personal friend of Milk.

Cleve Jones, an activist and close friend of Milk, was also there to address the crowd. In Gus Van Sants' 2008 film, "Milk," Emil Hirsch depicted Jones' role. Jones reminisced of his days spent in Sacramento. He showed the audience a scar he received from a hate crime when he was stabbed on the corner of 18th and H streets in the 1980s.

When asked about film, Jones said there were many messages to take away.

"(The film) stresses the importance of coming out," Jones said. "But it also shows Milk's message. He saw our struggle as part of a larger, deeper, global struggle for peace and social justice."

When asked what he believed Milk would think if he could see the status of gay rights today, Jones had a mixed response.

"I think he would be pleased with much of the progress but also pissed off," Jones said. "He would remind us that we are more than a market. We are a movement."

Wendy Rea Hill, the newly appointed director of the Sacramento Lesbian and Gay Center, was helping run the event. As a lesbian mother of two, Hill said the new holiday is important for education.

"My daughter is now being taught about gay rights and what Milk stood for," Hill said. "It's vital that children learn about equality for the future."

Tina Reynolds, founder of the activist organization Equality Action Now, commented on the importance of the film for the younger generations.

"We don't have much written about gay history," Reynolds said. "(The film) gives us a chance to say we do have a gay hero."

Before the film began, the Sacramento Gay Men's Chorus took the stage and sang an emotional rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow." Then Ammiamo, Jones and Leno each gave a short speech about the history and the fight for civil rights as well as Milk's message. The final performance before the movie was a spoken word duet by gay activists and poets C. Foster and Jovi Radtke.

Saturday, which would have been Milk's 80th birthday, there will be a rally at the West Steps of the Capitol starting at 4 p.m. The rally will be similar to marches organized by Milk himself in the 1970s.

Equality Action Now volunteer Diana Luiz is excited about the event and encouraged the community to attend.

"There will be politicians speaking as well as performances by singers, dancers, comedians and poets," Luiz said.

After the rally, the event will migrate to the Lavender Heights district for live music and entertainment.

For more information about Saturday's events, visit equalityactionnow.org.

Photos:

1. Crest sign

2. Jg Gonsalves serving cookies

3. Tina Reynolds and Ken Pierce from Equality Action Now

4. Harvey Milk gear

5. Reception

6. Volunteers Kelly and Rachel

7. Wendy Rea Hill

8. Cleve Jones

Complete Guide to Harvey Milk Day Events in Sacramento

2010-05-15T20:33:51Z

Background Notes

Harvey Milk was a leader in the gay rights movement who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. This made him the nation’s first openly gay man elected to public office in a major U.S. city.

It was on November 27, 1978 when San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk were shot to death by a former city supervisor, Dan White, who had just recently resigned but changed his mind and wanted his seat back. This sent a shockwave throughout San Francisco, California, and throughout the nation when the major networks carried the story during the evening newscasts.

On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the highly controversial bill (S.B. 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. This makes the slain gay civil rights activist only the second person in state history – in addition to conservationist John Muir – to gain such a designation. The signing came on the heals of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom last August.

Though Harvey Milk Day is not a state holiday, the measure encourages schools to conduct lessons “remembering the life of Harvey Milk, recognizing his accomplishments and familiarizing pupils with the contributions he made to the state.”

Saturday, May 22, 2010 will be the first Harvey Milk Day and Equality Action Now, an all-volunteer; grassroots civil rights organization took the lead in organizing events for Sacramento. In the past, the organization hosted several large rallies at the State Capitol protesting Prop 8, the same-sex marriage bill that passed in 2008 and upheld by the State Supreme Court in 2009.

EAN leadership wanted to make sure the city wasn’t left out in providing fun, educational, and affordable events that is all-inclusive to celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Milk. With the help of their sponsors, Badlands, Outword Magazine, Uptown Studios, Great America, California Faith for Equality, Sacramento PFLAG, Red Bull USA, Stephan’s Auto Haus, Rainbow Chamber, Sacramento International Gay Lesbian Film Festival, Equality California, B’nai Israel, A Chorus Line, and Depot, it seems they have been successful.

“Milk and Cookies” at the Crest Theater – May 19, 2010 – K Street, between 10th and 11th Streets

This special evening at the Crest Theater begins at 6:00pm with a VIP Reception. Equality Action Now invites everyone to become a VIP. Enjoy complementary wine and cookies as well as the opportunity to converse with other Harvey Milk admirers. Special guests will include Sen. Mark Leno, sponsor of SB 582, making Harvey Milk Day a “special day of significance”, and the first out gay man to be elected to the State Senate. You will also have the opportunity to speak to Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, formally a personal friend of Harvey Milk. Also, in the movie, Milk, actor Emil Hirsch played a young collage student who was befriended by Milk and was recruited to work in his Castro Street election office. That young man, Cleve Jones became a powerful AIDS and LGBT and civil rights activist. Participation in the VIP Reception will allow you to personally meet Cleve.

Beginning at 7:00pm the Crest Theater doors will open and participants will move to the main theater for a fun and educational Harvey Milk Panel Discussion. This event will start off with a performance by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and “Spoken Word” artists, Jovi Radtke and C. Foster. Mark Leno, Tom Ammiano, and Cleve Jones will then speak about the life and legacy of Harvey Milk.

Beginning at 8:00pm Equality Action Now will present the screening of Gus Van Sant’s biopic movie, Milk, starring Academy Award winning actor, Sean Penn. This special one-time screening should be a highly educational event for those who didn’t see the movie the first time around and an exciting evening for those seeing it again on the big screen with a theater full of Harvey Milk admirers.

The cost of the VIP Reception, which includes the panel Discussion and special screening, is $30. Cost of attending the Panel Discussion and the movie Milk is $10. Tickets are available at Tickets.com or at the door.

NOTE: Both the Panel Discussion and movie, Milk is rated “R” – Panel Discussion entertainment for language and Milk for language, some sexual content, and brief violence. No one under the age of 17 will be admitted without Parental or Guardian permission.

Harvey Milk Day Rally and March – Saturday, May 22, 2010 – California State Capitol – West Steps – 4-6pm

Equality Action Now is happy to host this free, family-friendly event at the State Capitol on Harvey Milk’s 80th birthday. Participants will, many for the first time, experience a rally much like Harvey Milk organized in the late 1970’s. Voices from the past, present, and future are the main themes and speakers representing each will speak to the meaning Harvey Milk has for them personally.

Highlighting the entertainment portion of this event will be the traveling cast of Broadway’s A Chorus Line straight from their run at the Sacramento Community Theatre May 19-23. Cast members will perform a musical number from A Chorus Line’s, “What I Did for Love”. Additional entertainers will include Irina Rivkin, Outmusic Awards Recipient, Small Differences Woman’s Choral Ensemble, and local artists Cooper Rae, Jovi Ratke and C. Foster.

The final speaker, introduced by a young activist, will be Harvey Milk himself (Eric Baldwin) reciting excerpts from two of his inspirational and historic speeches including the highly emotional “Hope” speech. This portion of the rally will take participants back to what was going on in the late ‘70’s but is highly relevant to today and the issues many Americans still face today. At the end of his speech, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now and Harvey Milk will lead participants in a march around the Capitol Building.

For this event, there will be a special children’s section close to the front so they can easily see and hear the event unfolding before them. Activities for the children will be provided. Organizers hope students of all ages have the opportunity be a part of this historic event.

Open House at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center – May 22, 2010 - 1927 L Street, Midtown Sacramento – 6-8pm

After the Rally and March the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will hold an Open House. Sponsored by Congregation B’nai Israel, an exhibit about Harvey Milk’s early cultural and religious life will be on display. The new Executive Director, Wendy Rae Hill and her staff will be available to speak about the current services the Center provides the community and her vision of how it can expand to be even more relevant to Sacramento and the surrounding areas it serves. This will be a great time for visitors during the Open House to learn about California’s Pride Festival here in Sacramento, volunteering opportunities and how to become a member of the Center.

Harvey Milk Day After-Party Activities – May 22, 2010 - Midtown – K Street and 21st Streets – 6-10pm

After the Rally and visiting the Gay and Lesbian Center, choose a favorite visit the Badlands or barhop to the beat of music filling the streets in celebration of California’s first Harvey Milk Day. Equality Action Now volunteers will be at the door of Badlands, Depot and Headhunters asking for donations to help cover the cost of the events.

For more information about Harvey Milk Day Events here in Sacramento visit www.EqualityActionNow.org, email info@equalityactionnow.org or call (916) 446-1082.

Cleve Jones to Highlight "Milk and Cookies" Event at the Crest Theater

2010-04-30T19:59:13Z

Sacramento, CA - On October 12, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the highly controversial bill (S.B. 572) establishing “Harvey Milk Day” to take place each May 22nd, Milk’s birthday. The signing came on the heels of President Obama awarding Harvey Milk posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom last August.

Equality Action Now, a local grassroots civil rights organization wanted to make sure Sacramento wasn’t left out in providing community-based affordable events commemorating Harvey Milk’s 80th Birthday, his Presidential Medal of Freedom award, and the California’s first official Harvey Milk Day. During the last several months EAN’s leadership and volunteers collaborated with several individuals and organizations throughout the region to organize events celebrating Harvey Milk and his legacy.

“Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion and the Screening of “Milk”

To open the week Equality Action Now is hosting a VIP Reception, “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion, and the screening of “Milk” the movie production that won 2 Academy Awards starring Sean Penn. All will take place beginning at 6:00pm Wednesday May 19, 2010 at the Crest Theater in downtown Sacramento. State Senator Mark Leno, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano and Cleve Jones are special guests.

Elected to the Senate in 2008, Senator Mark Leno is the first openly gay man elected to the State Senate, and one of the first two openly gay men ever elected to the State Assembly. Prior to his election to the Senate, he served six years in the State Assembly and four and a half years on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

As sponsor of S. B. 572, Harvey Milk Day would not have been enacted if it were not for the tenacity and perseverance of Senator Leno.

Tom Ammiano is a long-time San Francisco Democratic leader who has served the city nearly three decades as a teacher, civil rights leader, educator and Supervisor. Today Ammiano serves as a State Assemblyman.

Assemblymember Ammiano is a tireless fighter of LGBT and civil rights and recently came out for the legalization of marijuana. He was also a good friend of Harvey Milk and may have a story or two to tell participants of the VIP Reception and “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion.

Cleve Jones is an AIDS and LGBT civil rights activist. He conceived the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. At the onset of the AIDS pandemic Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

Jones began his career as an activist in San Francisco during the turbulent 1970’s. He worked as a student intern in Harvey Milk’s office while studying political science at San Francisco State University. Actor Emile Hirsch portrayed Cleve Jones in Milk, director Gus Van Sant’s biopic of Harvey Milk. Equality Action Now is especially happy to have Cleve participate in this special event.

Additional guests providing entertainment during the “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion is the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus and local “Spoken Word” artists, Jovi Radtke and C.M. Foster.

A VIP Reception with Leno, Ammiano and Jones begins at 6:00pm. The “Milk and Cookies” Panel Discussion starts at 7:00pm and the screening of Milk begins at 8:00pm. Entry to the VIP event is $30 and the Panel Discussion plus the screening of Milk $10. Tickets are available at Tickets.com. For more information about Harvey Milk Day events visit: www.EqualityActionNow.org

Marriage Equality Rally and March at the Capitol

2009-11-06T22:16:36Z

Over 200 people gathered Wednesday night]at the California State Capitol for a rally and march which marked the first anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8.

The event, “A Day of Smiles, Tears and Action,” was led by Equality Action NOW, a grassroots civil rights organization, along with several supporting organizations. The event also followed relevant elections in Maine and Washington on Tuesday.

In Washington, voters approved Referendum 71, keeping a law that expanded state benefits to same-sex domestic partners. In Maine, voters rejected a law passed by the state's legislature and signed by the governor that would have allowed same-sex marriages. Maine is now the 31st state to reject same-sex marriage in a popular vote.

Proposition 8 amended California law to recognize marriage only between a man and a woman.

Last year was not the first time that California voters were presented with a vote to narrow the definition of marriage. In 2000, Proposition 22 passed, approving the same language, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”

During his speech at the event, EAN volunteer and Camp Courage representative Chris Hauck pointed out the positive difference between the two propositions. While Proposition 22 won by over 22 points, Proposition 8 won by less than five points. Hauck also noted that Proposition 8 was not supported by a majority of voters in areas like Santa Barbara and Irvine, areas where an overwhelming majority supported Proposition 22 almost a decade ago.

Proposition 22 was eventually overturned by the California Supreme Court, allowing gay marriage for approximately five months before the passage of Proposition 8. Proposition 8 was upheld in the California Supreme Court last May in Strauss v. Horton.

As the ongoing judicial and legislative battle ensues, national groups including the American Civil Liberties Union are discouraging further legal action, saying it could do more harm than good. Instead they recommend making changes at the ballot box.

Jennie Reiken, Sacramento field manager for Equality California, strongly encouraged attendees to start canvassing. She encouraged people to educate those around them by having one-on-one conversations about their relationships.

“While the event was held to commemorate the passing of Proposition 8 and the resulting year of inequality, the rally was held to encourage people to get involved in any way they can and provide ample volunteer opportunities," EAN spokesperson Hilary Hodge said after the rally.

Following the march, several organizations made sign-up sheets available to participants. EAN recognizes there is a difference of opinion between marriage equality activists on whether to try voters again in 2010 or 2012. Whenever the issue returns to the polls, Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN has stated, “(EAN) does not take a stand one way or another since choosing a date has worked to polarize our community. We will be there whenever a rally, a vote, a stand needs to be made, and we will support all of our brothers and sisters in solidarity.”

In the near term, grassroots efforts in Sacramento continue, including an intensive two-day training called Camp Courage Sacramento this Saturday and Sunday. The training is designed to teach community organizing skills for marriage-equality activists. Registration information is available here. A fundraiser for Camp Courage will be held this tonight at Head Hunters located at 1930 K Street in midtown Sacramento.

A brief timeline:

March 7, 2000 – Proposition 8 passes in the Primary Election

May 15, 2008 – Proposition 22 overturned by California Supreme Court (in re: marriage cases)

Nov. 4, 2008 – Proposition 8 passes in the General Election

May 26, 2009 – Proposition 8 upheld by California Supreme Court (Strauss v. Horton)

Maine’s Question One – A Question For California?

2009-10-13T15:56:08Z

On the evening of November 4, 2009, members of civil and same-sex marriage rights organizations will stage a rally at the California State Capitol to protest the passing of Prop 8 exactly one year ago. Roughly three thousand miles away in the state of Maine, Question One will have been answered for citizens hoping their state is the next state to legalize same-sex marriage.

Maine is the latest battleground for supporters of same-sex marriage. On November 3, they will be the first in any state with the chance to repeal or uphold a law passed by their state Legislature and signed by their governor, legalizing such marriages. The ballot measure, Question One, results from Maine’s provision for a “people’s veto”, which means any newly passed law can be subject to repeal by voters if enough signatures can be obtained to trigger a referendum.

Back here in California, supporters of same-sex marriage are cautiously hopeful for a landmark victory that they believe would have an impact here. If the law is unhealed it could help with a positive momentum many believe is happening in California. The real question is how would a defeat, Maine voters repealing the law; affect California in overturning Prop 8?

“I don’t think anyone really knows for sure,” answered Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, a grassroots civil rights organization based in Sacramento and organizer of the California State Capitol protest. “Maine is our sister state fighting the same lies and distortions created by the religious right to repeal their same sex marriage laws. The radical right is using fear in the same manner as they used against us in California.”

Reynolds goes on to say, “November 4 will be the one year anniversary when California’s LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community lost our equality and it will be the day after the vote in Maine. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our Maine brothers and sisters. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the decision of Maine voters, knowing the track record of California gay rights activists who seem to have the resiliency to press on year-after-year, the fight for same-sex marriage will continue to move ahead until it is settled for good. While Maine could provide a boost or depression, it is likely to have a short term affect to the efforts here in California. One good indication could be the attendance and the mood of participants, both for and against gay marriage, who show up on the west steps of the California State Capitol Building, November 4th at 5:00 pm. It could be a defining moment with national implications.

One Year Ago – A Day of Smiles - A Day of Tears – A Day of Action

2009-10-08T06:59:47Z

A year ago on November 4, 2008, Proposition 8, a California ballot proposition passed in the November general election. The measure added a new section (7.5) to Article I of the California Constitution. The section reads: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” The proposition overturned the California Supreme Court’s ruling saying that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right, by restricting the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples. California’s State Constitution put the measure into immediate effect the day after the election.

On November 4, 2009, Equality Action Now, along with members of the Sacramento LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) Leadership Coalition will lead a rally and march at the California State Capitol Building to highlight the fact that the fight for civil rights for all citizens is not over. The rally will begin at 5:00 pm with sign making for participants, followed at 6:00 pm with a few speakers. At 6:30 pm Equality Action Now will lead a march around the capitol grounds.

Equality Action Now, a grassroots all-volunteer civil rights organization was born literally moments after the November 2008 elections. The award-winning group of activists lead by Tina Reynolds, co-founder and owner of Uptown Studios now serves as Sacramento’s premier civil rights organization. Even though the same-sex marriage issue is still an important focus of the organization, members have also spent their free time collecting food for the poor marched in step with other organizations such as the labor union and the Martin Luther King Jr Day parade Members also was instrumental in supporting SafeGround Sacramento, fighting for the homeless and helpless.

The Sacramento LGBTQI Leadership Coalition was formed just prior to the recent California Supreme Court decision to uphold Prop 8. Along with leaders of Equality Action Now, this group meets monthly to share information from other local grassroots and statewide organizations on preparations to overturn Prop 8.

The November 4th rally will serve as a reminder to the public at-large that the LGBTQI community, along with their many straight, political, and religious allies will not give up the fight for full equality until their rights are fully restored. While the decision of when to place this issue back on the ballot (2010 or 2012) is being decided, organizations such as Equality Action Now are continuing to mobilize, motivate, activate like-minded individuals and educate opponents who may have heard only one side of the issue.

The California State Capitol Building is located at 10th and L Street, Sacramento, CA. The rally will begin on the west steps at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 6:30 pm with a march around the capitol grounds. For more information visit Equality Action Now’s web site at: http://www.EqualityActionNow.org. or events@equalityactionnow.org or phone (916) 446-1082.

Demonstrators rally at Capitol in response to Prop 8 decision

2009-05-27T07:17:00Z

Lisa Gorden and JDD Doran-Jammer, both blind, trailed behind the crowd of people marching around the Capitol, echoing their chants “Hey hey, ho ho, discrimination has got to go.”

Although they are not gay and said marching with crowds is difficult given their physical disposition, the two friends joined in Tuesday’s rally against the California Supreme Court’s upholding of Proposition 8.

“I’m just real sad and mad about the Prop. 8 decision. It just seemed important to come out in the heat and support this,” Gorden said. “We have plenty of noise to follow.”

Gorden and Doran-Jammer were two of an estimated 2,000 who appeared at Tuesday’s rally, organized by Equality Action NOW, which refers to itself as a Northern California grassroots civil rights organization. The rally began at the Gay and Lesbian center at the intersection of 20th and L Streets and continued with a march to the west Capitol steps, where a demonstration followed.

Among speakers at the demonstration were Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Assemblyman Bill Monning (D-Monterey), joined by religious speakers, spoken-word artists, musicians, organizations such as Marriage Equality USA, Courage Campaign, NOW, Stonewall Democrats of Sacramento and representatives of Meet in the Middle 4 Equality.

Steinberg expressed his admiration for “people who are willing to take [their] own struggles out to the streets.”

“It’s not about sex, it’s about love,” said Ammiano, who is openly gay. “It’s always been about love.”

Other speakers expressed anger and frustration, identifying the court’s decision as a disappointment and a failure to protect the rights of minorities in a democracy, as well as hope for the future of gay and lesbians and their families. They encouraged participants to continue to be active beyond the rally.

“Rallies are great…movements are better,” said speaker Dayne Damme.

Several speakers addressed the group of demonstrators across the street from the Capitol holding yellow “Celebrate Prop 8!” signs. Jorge Riley explained that he and some of the other 16 demonstrators were former members of the American River College student government that passed a resolution to endorse Prop. 8 in October.

“We want to be the alternative voice,” said Michael Hart, who was demonstrating with the former ARC students.

“It’s always important to show both sides and leave it to the people to decide,” Riley said.

Riley added that he was there to “support good family values” and that he was not demonstrating to endorse hate.

Jade Beranski of Equality Action NOW said that considering the heat and that it was a work night, she was satisfied with the turnout at the rally.

To read about yesterday’s initial reactions to the upholding of Prop. 8, visit the following link:

Initial Reaction

*AUTHOR’S NOTE: ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JONATHAN MENDICK AND JENN WALKER OF SACRAMENTO PRESS*

Prop 8 decision: initial reaction

2009-05-27T00:21:51Z

There was a strange combination of emotions in Headhunters Video Lounge and Grill around 10 a.m. when the California Supreme Court decided to uphold Proposition 8, the state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages. Perhaps it was the nature of the initial announcement, which was shouted by an on scene KOVR 13 reporter while hearing the breaking news through a cellphone.

Several people cried, but most didn't have time to react, because stations like KXTV 10, KOVR 13, and KTXL 40 were already on the scene videotaping and interviewing people about their initial reactions outside of Headhunters. After the crowd of nearly 100 calmed down a bit, Laurie McBride and Paul Curtis of the No on Prop 8 Fundraising Committee explained the decision, which was a 6-1 decision to reject challenges to Prop 8, and a unanimous decision to have existing marriages remain valid.

"I hope they repeal Prop 8, but the reality is we're prepared if they don't," said Tina Reynolds of Equality Action NOW in an interview minutes before the decision. Through a megaphone, she led the crowd in cheers before and after the decision at the grill and video lounge.

"We are filled with hope. This is not the end, this is just our new beginning. We are going to have true equality!" said Reynolds to a fervent crowd after the decision.

"I'm not at the point of my life where I'm ready to get married, but there are plenty of people I'm surrounded by who are," said Jade Baranski, 23, of Equality Action NOW. "And I feel like their love is being invalidated. This is our generation's Civil Rights Movement."

Later, an 11 a.m. press conference in front of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center featured speeches from Gretchen Bender, President of the Sacramento County Board of Education, Dave Jones of the State Assembly, and Doreena Wong of Asian Pacific Islander Equality, along with several religious leaders.

"This is the first day of a new movement to show our state and the whole country that freedom, family, and civil rights should never be the subject of a popularity vote," said Bender, who married her wife during the six month period before last November, and has a 4-month-old child.

"18,000 lesbian and gay couples living in our communities throughout the state of California [are] demonstrating each and every day that they can love just like love everyone else," said assembly-member Jones to a cheering crowd in front of the Gay and Lesbian Center of Sacramento. "[Because of] the incongruity of that with this decision, I am confident that we will prevail."

"50 percent of me is really happy because I get to stay married, [because] my partner and I got married last October after being together for 18 years," said Jason Lindo, who brought his framed marriage certificate. "Part of me is really pissed."

"I'm now in a completely unique and, I find, repulsive, legal category," Lindo added. "Having something the rest of California can't have, just because I happened to be available for a wedding within that six months."

Read the court's press release on the decision here.

Equality Action NOW has the following events scheduled for tonight:

Until 5 pm: Sign making at the Gay & Lesbian Center (Headhunters will also remain open) – 20th and L Streets

5:30 pm: Rally – 20th and L Streets

6:30 pm: March to the Capital – West Steps of Capitol on 10th and L

7:00 pm: Capitol Program begins

What's happening at the Capitol: May 25, 26

2009-05-24T23:29:16Z

Monday, May 25

12-1 p.m. Elk Grove Civil War Round Table will be holding a Civil War Memorial walk and rally near the fish pond. Fifty people are expected to participate.

1-2 p.m. A 21-gun salute will be held in memorial of the Mexican-American War near the Mexican-American Veterans Memorial just north of the traffic circle on 10th Street and Capitol Avenue. Seventy-five people are expected to attend.

Tuesday, May 26

7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Happy Tails, a no-kill facility dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals, according to their website, will be holding a bake sale on the north and south entrances of the Capitol.

11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Caravan for Justice will hold its third rally at the Capitol, for "thousands of Californians who have grown fed up with laws and policies that continue to undermine our freedoms and destroy the most valuable and humane of infrastructures called: FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS," says the flier. Three thousand people are expected on the north steps of the Capitol.

1-3:30 p.m. 9-1-1 For Kids will be holding a press conference on the north steps of the Capitol for 100 expected people.

6-7 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the rose garden.

7 p.m.* - All Night?* As explained in an earlier Sacramento Press article, if Proposition 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

*7 p.m.: This event is contingent on Prop 8 ruling.
*All Night: This depends on crowd interest.

Events planned for imminent prop 8 decision

2009-05-21T05:37:03Z

Sacramento-based Equality Action NOW is coordinating with several other organizations to hold several community events around the imminent Supreme Court decision on Proposition 8, the recently passed measure that banned gay marriage in California.

Those other organizations include the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, Sacramento Regional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Leadership Coalition, Marriage Equality USA and Yes On Equality.

The court will announce the decision on whether or to uphold Prop. 8 on either Thursday, May 21, Tuesday, May 26, Thursday, May 28, or Monday, June 1, but no matter what the outcome of the decision, the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center will open at 9 a.m. on these days. Staff will be offering sign-making activities, a first aid station and on-site counseling and counseling referrals through its LGBT Counseling Program.

On decision day, a news conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the center, where legal experts, elected officials, religious and civil rights leaders and more will discuss the court decision and how to move forward. Among others, Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), assembly member John Perez (D-Los Angeles) and Professor Lawrence Levine of the McGeorge School of Law have been invited to speak.

Also on the day of the decision, the Gay and Lesbian Center will host a rally from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on its steps, with entertainment and speeches from community leaders. Twentieth Street will be closed between K and L Streets where speakers and a stage will be set up. The street will remain closed until the crowd disperses.

If Prop. 8 is upheld, Equality Action NOW will lead a march from the Center to the Captiol's west steps, where another rally with entertainment and an open mic for speakers will be held. If the crowd remains engaged, there will be an all-night youth rally led by Enrique Manjarrez, Youth Program Coordinator of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.

If Prop. 8 is overturned, following the rally at the center, the crowd will move slightly south of the intersection of 20th and K, where a stage will feature music and entertainment for the evening. This celebration will last until the crowd disperses.

According to Equality Action NOW's press release, the following community events are also planned:

An Interfaith Gathering in Strength & Hope – Led by Rev. Brian Baker & Rev. Lindi Ramsden – Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday on the Eve of CA Supreme Court Ruling on Prop 8 – At Headhunters Patio, 1930 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 – 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Co-hosted by CA Faith for Equality, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, CA Council of Churches, Catholics for Marriage Equality, Marriage Equality USA, PFLAG, and Equality Action NOW. CONTACT: (916) 708-3390 or email mhdoherty@comcast.net.

Meet Me In The Middle – On the Saturday following Decision Day, [people from around] the entire state will be converging on Fresno, CA. A bus and caravan will be leaving the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center at 7:30 a.m. for a group trek to the Fresno City Hall building. Media is invited to interview participants and send a crew on the bus if interested. For more information on “Meet Me in the Middle” and reserve a seat on the bus contactevents@equalityactionnow.org or call (916) 446-1082. Fresno event contact: Robin McGehee atcvgsanetwork@gmail.com.

What's happening at the Capitol: May 20, 21, 22

2009-05-20T03:45:13Z

Wednesday, May 20

8 a.m.-4 p.m. California Hunger Action Coalition will be holding a Hunger Action Day on the north steps of the Capitol. "Each May, hundreds of anti-hunger advocates from all over the state meet in Sacramento to educate their legislators about hunger and support anti-hunger legislation. Low-income advocates, soup kitchen volunteers, nutritionists, food bank supporters and others concerned about the 3.1 million Californians experiencing hunger travel by bus, car and airplane once each year to participate in this important event," says the event's webpage. 350 people are expected.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. American Heart Association will be holding an educational California Lobby Day on the south steps of the Capitol for a crowd of approximately 150 people. "Come out and voice your support against stroke, heart disease, childhood obesity, and [for] tobacco tax increase," says a Craigslist flyer for the event.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. California Association of Professional Scientists will be holding their annual State Scientist Day on the west steps of the Capitol. With an expected turnout of 3,000 participants, third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders are all invited to participate in the hands-on science fair with booths from the California Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Conservation (Recycle Rex will appear at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.). Teachers can still register their classes by calling (916) 441-2629, according to the event's website.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two fuel-cell vehicles will be displayed on the east steps of the Capitol, followed by a press conference.

Noon-1:30 p.m. Natural Products Association West will be holding its seventh annual advocacy event, "Health Matters," just south of the fish pond. 100 people are expected.

1:30-3 p.m. The Association of California Water Agencies will be holding a rally near the fish pond. In attendance will be around 1500 representatives of public water agencies, other water organizations, and their supporters. "The purpose of the rally is to press for action on a comprehensive water solution. The event is intended to raise the visibility of the state’s water challenges and keep the water issue before state leaders and the public," says the event's website.

Those who register here, can check in at the west lobby of the Convention Center starting at 8:30 a.m., before attending a luncheon at 11:45 a.m., and march from the Sheraton Hotel to the Capitol at 1 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

9 a.m.-5 p.m. California Department of Toxic Substance Control will be displaying a boat made from recycled plastic on the lawn north of the traffic circle to an expected audience of 20 people.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Sacramento Transportation Management Association will be holding a carpooling, bicycling and transit information rally on the west steps of the Capitol as a part of May Is Bike Month's Bikefest. 500 participants are expected.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Office of First Lady of California Maria Shriver has scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for a new garden. It can be found at 13th Street between L and N (the east side of the Capitol) according to one political blog.

6:30 p.m.- all night? If the California Supreme Court decides to uphold Prop 8, Equality Action NOW will hold a march at 6:30 p.m. from the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center to the State Capitol's west steps. Says a press release, "a second rally with speakers and entertainment will take place, followed by a march around the Capitol grounds. On return to the West Capitol Steps, participants will be invited to speak at an open mic. Speakers of all ages, all walks of life, gay, straight, children of gay couples, parents of gay individuals, students and couples who were married and who want to marry will be invited to tell their stories. If crowd interest remains high, Enrique Manjarrez, Youth program Coordinator, Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center will lead an all-night youth rally."

Friday, May 22

4-7:30 p.m. A private wedding will be held near the old rose garden at the Capitol in front of an audience of 100 people.

Candlelight vigil for gay marriage

2009-03-05T06:56:58Z

Hundreds of gays, lesbians and supporters lined the south steps of the State Capitol to recommit to the cause of fighting for equality Wednesday at around 5 p.m.

Organized by the nonprofit Equality Action NOW (which also helped organized the larger March 16 rally at the State Capitol), the people were there to tell the world that they want equality, and they want it now.

On the eve of the California Supreme Court hearing arguments on the validity of Prop. 8, the state amendment to ban same-sex marriages, the hundreds marched from the State Capitol to the steps of the Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building.

The gathered held signs with slogans such as, “We are never going away,” "God does not discriminate, people do" and "What happened to equal rights for every citizen?

After hearing remarks from Pastor David Thompson of Westminster Presbyterian Church and an opening prayer by Reverend Lindi Ramsden of the Faith for Equality Coalition, the crowd held a candlelight vigil in a show of support for the freedom for all to marry.

"On the eve of justice, you've assembled here alongside crowds from 35 other cities in this state,” Thompson said, “and I'm here to say, I do support the freedom to marry be given to all people."

Event organizers then turned the attention of the crowd to recognize that Mariko Yamada, who represents California’s 8th District in the State Assembly, was in attendance. Then one organizer used her megaphone to lead the crowd in a call and response: "What do you want? Freedom! When do you want it? Now!"

"Tomorrow, [Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Shannon Minter and his team] are going to start the fight that has never been fought before," said longtime Sacramento resident and Equality Action NOW founder Tina Reynolds.

"Even though we're thinking it's about a 50/50 [chance]," she added, "I think that we're going to win because it's about being fair. If the California Supreme Court takes away our rights, they can easily take the rights away from every other minority."

Reynolds encouraged people to join the rally in San Francisco tomorrow where 100,000 people are expected to gather at the Supreme Court of California at 350 McAllister from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow, the court will also hear views over whether the 18,000 gay marriages performed in 2008 before November should be legally recognized if the ballot measure is upheld. Though the court could decide as early as tomorrow, they must make a decision in the next 90 days.

Jade Baranski, a 23-year-old who also works for Equality Action NOW, said that her organization has "given me a direct outlet to mobilize others in our community."

"Once the court decides,” she added, “we're either planning for a celebration, or a reactionary rally."

Though there's no rally planned for tomorrow, if anything occurs, "there will be a viral rally happening tomorrow," said Baranski.