Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "gay rights"

Community Reacts to Prop 8 Decision

2011-11-20T06:36:10Z

Thursday, the California Supreme Court published their written decision allowing proponents of Prop 8, namely ProtectMarriage.com, to step in the place of the State of California to argue in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in essence saying that Judge Walker’s decision to strike down Prop 8 was wrong and the “will of the people” should take precedence over the state’s constitution.

This ruling has implications far beyond the question of the constitutionality of Prop 8, but for many same-sex couples who have committed themselves to each other, some who have children who worry about protecting them as well as older couples who face going into nursing homes, separated from their long-time partners without recourse, it means more time sitting on the sidelines, hoping and praying they too will soon be treated equally under the law.

Hanging out at the Cornerstone Restaurant in the heart of Lavender Heights were a few gay activists who wanted to be together when the decision was published. Depending on who you spoke to, the response to the court ruling was varied.

Benancio Garza (20), a board member and youth leader for Equality Action NOW, a local grassroots civil rights organization, was trying to wrap his head around what this means for him personally and the youth he represents in the community.

Garza has stated before that he is unsure of his feelings about marriage, however one thing was very clear, “The fight for equality for everyone has not ended. It’s sad that even today, we still allow discrimination to be debated on.”

Commenting on the Equality Action NOW Facebook page, Joseph Gray, a student in culinary school wrote, “It’s truly sad that a portion of our fellow citizens in California will not allow all adults the opportunity to marry and show their fullest and deepest love to their significant other. If they want to 'protect' marriage so badly, they need to make divorce illegal! If I had the right to marry my (same-sex) significant other I know we would never divorce!”

In an email from Tina Reynolds, Equality Action NOW’s Executive Director exclaimed, “I just knew that the court would rule in the favor of equality on this – I just knew it! Once again, I am enormously disappointed that I am voted to maintain a 2nd class citizenship.”

While some in the community saw this latest step in the judicial process as a setback, others were delighted that finally this issue is back on the fast track to be resolved.

Matt Baume of the American Foundation for Equal Rights said that he didn’t find the decision as a setback at all. “Whether (ProtectMarriage) have standing or not, what they don’t have is a case. Prop 8 was exhaustively examined in court, and the ruling against it is air-tight. The proponents have spent the last year throwing out every trick and stall tactic in the book, and for what? They know they can’t win.”

In an article in the Los Angeles Times, it was stated the lawyers for the two same-sex couples who are challenging Prop 8 said Thursday that a federal appeals court ruling on the constitutionality of the same-sex marriage ban could come down any day now that the California Supreme Court has ruled that initiative sponsors have the legal right to defend it.

What is now clear to everyone the Prop 8 fight is more likely, because of this decision, to end up on the steps of the United States Supreme Court.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is Public Relations Director and President of Equality Action NOW. You can reach Pierce at kpierce8272@yahoo.com.

Prop 8 Stand-In Question Answered Today - Community Gathers at Headhunters to Await Decision

2011-11-17T10:46:30Z

The California Supreme Court announced it will issue a written opinion today at 10 a.m. on whether conservatives who sponsored Proposition 8 are entitled to defend the measure that overturned a 2008 ruling recognizing the right to same-sex marriage.

The leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local Sacramento civil rights organization is inviting the community to gather at Headhunters/Cornerstone Restaurant on the corner of 10th and K Streets beginning at 9:30 a.m. to await the decision.

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 ProtectMarriage.com, 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 the California Supreme Court answers 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.

Disclosure: Ken Pierce is the Public Relations Director and President of the Board of Directors for Equality Action NOW.

Equality Action NOW and Gender Health Center Hosts Coming Out Party

2011-10-04T05:21:21Z

Come out, come out, wherever you are! ~ Harvey Milk

Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center are co-hosting an all-ages party to formally introduce the “coming out” of the first elected Board of Directors for E.A.N. on National Coming Out Day - Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Hoppy Brewing Company (6300 Folsom Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95819) starting at 6:00pm.

Equality Action NOW is a nationally-known civil rights organization based in Sacramento and is at the forefront of speaking out and standing for the rights of all people since its inception. The organization was born moments after the November 2008 general election when President Obama was elected and Proposition 8 was voted into law which states that marriage can only be between a man and a woman.

Tina Reynolds and her staff at Uptown Studios were devastated at the news that LGBTQ citizens had lost Marriage Equality here in California and set out immediately to create a web site and organize their first Marriage Equality rally and march at the state capitol to protest the new law. Several rallies, marches, protests, and equality events later and Equality Action NOW recently elected their first Board of Directors and have taken their first steps towards becoming a 501c3 non-profit.

The Gender Health Center is a non-profit service organization meeting the counseling needs of the LGBTQI community in Sacramento focusing on the “T” or transgender. The Center provides excellent counseling/therapy services to anyone who expresses the need as well as anyone who self-identifies or is perceived to be gender variant.

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an internationally observed civil awareness day for coming out and discussion about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and asexual. Founded in 1988, the day is observed by members of the LGBTQA community and their allies on October 11 (October 12 in the U.K.) each year.

There is a suggested donation for the coming out mixer of $5 to help cover the costs of the event and will go to both Equality Action NOW and the Gender Health Center to help with their programs. Paid donations will get you a wristband for happy hour drink prices all night long. Please bring the family as this is an all-ages event. In addition it is $2 taco night and half off appetizers after 9:30pm. A special gay trivia game will begin at 10pm.

MEET THE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of EAN was officially hired by the board as its first Executive Director. Reynolds, a long-time activist and business owner, along with her employees of Uptown Studios, an award-winning website and graphic design firm founded the organization within days after the 2008 general election where President Obama was elected and Prop 8 became law.

Today Equality Action NOW is one of the most visible and active civil rights organizations in the Sacramento region. In the beginning members focused on defeating Prop 8 and held huge rallies on the west steps of the state capitol. It wasn’t long before the organization diversified their efforts to include fighting for civil rights beside other minorities and disenfranchised people of color, sexual orientation, age, disabled, and those in poverty.

Elected as the first Chairman of the Board is a well-known Sacramento gay and civil rights activist, Ken Pierce. Pierce volunteered with Equality Action NOW early on as their Director of Public Relations and continues to serve in that capacity. Born and raised in Texas, Pierce moved to California in 1989. Since becoming EAN’s PR Director, he has worked hard to brand the organization as a premiere civil rights group who’s focus Is to “mobilize, motivate, activate, and educate” the public to the issues important to the group. This was Pierce’s second year on the Sacramento Pride Festival Organizing Committee. He works for Manpower during the day and has his own Public Relations Firm part-time. This year Pierce received the “Harvey Milk Activist Award” at the organization’s 2nd annual Harvey Milk Day event.

Vice-chairperson, "Vihil" Heather Vigil is a U.S. Navy Veteran from Woodland, CA. In 2003 she received her BA in Art History and Museum & Gallery Studies from Humboldt State University, in 2008 Vihil received her MBA in business development from Ashford University and has experience working in small business management, corporate accounting for small to large professional services firms and currently serves as an association membership director for four state-wide non-profit organizations based out of Sacramento. Vihil is also owner/primary photographer of Vihil Photographix, a Sacramento based fine art photography studio. As a regular supporter of the Crocker Art Museum, Vihil continues to spread a passion for the arts by encouraging others to explore the local arts attractions of Sacramento. Currently Vihil is developing a workshop series titled, "Business for the Artist" to be held in midtown Sacramento beginning January 2012.

Emily Bender is the current Treasurer for Equality Action Now. She is an active Community Organizer and volunteer for underserved populations, including gay rights and youth empowerment. She has been an adult adviser for the Friday Night Youth Group at the Gay & Lesbian Center for over nine years. Emily is a co-founding member of the 20s-Something Group that meets on Thursdays at the Center. She is a native of Nicaragua and has lived in Northern California for most of her life. Her formal education includes an M.A. in Organizational Leadership, a Master's Certificate in Public & Nonprofit Leadership from Chapman University, and a B.A. in Rhetoric & Communications with a minor in Psychology from the University of California at Davis.

Rachel Pearman is a founding member and Secretary of the Equality Action Now Board of Directors. She received her undergraduate degree in Government, and is currently working on her Masters in Gender Equity in Teacher Education. In addition to EAN she has volunteered to raise funds for HIV/AIDS and with the Sacramento Pride organizing committee. She lives happily with her partner in Midtown Sacramento.

Rounding out Equality Action NOW’s board members at-large include:

Angela F. Luna serves as EAN’s education lead and author of the first LGBT history workbook, “In Celebration of Harvey Milk” for grades 4 through 12.

Benancio Garza (20), college student, Christian, and EAN’s youngest board member. Garza is director and creator of EAN’s “Youth Force” dedicated to motivating, activating, and educating our youth and future leaders.

Enrique Manjarrez has been an activist for 5+ years fighting for queer youth and pro LGBT legislation. Manjarrez works for Breaking Barriers and is EAN’s Spanish Spokesperson.

Tyx Pulskamp is very active in the transgender community and works for STEP, Strategies to Empower People.

Sarah Barkawi, EAN’s straight ally recently had a commitment ceremony with partner Eli. Until there is full marriage equality for all, the couple stands in support. Barkawi also volunteers for the Matthew Sheppard Foundation.

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.

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.

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.

Leaders Stand With Crime Victim

2011-06-09T16:38:55Z

Assemblymembers Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) and Alyson Huber (D-El Dorado Hills) and numerous community leaders, including the leadership of Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights organization are holding a news conference on the West Steps of the State Capitol this afternoon, June 9, 2011, at 2pm, speaking on behalf of Seth Parker.

Parker, 26-year-old man was assaulted in the parking lot of the Strikes Family Entertainment Center in Elk Grove late Sunday night, the Elk Grove Police Department reported.

Parker, of Sacramento, said Monday he believes he was attacked because he is gay.

In a news interview, the victim said he and several female friends were leaving Strikes at about 11:30 p.m., when two males who had just been dropped off at the location began harassing their group. When one of the men began directing derogatory comments at Parker, some of Parker's friends turned to confront the two men.

Parker said he intervened and then began to walk away from the two men when he was punched on the side of his face from behind, he said. One of the two men made derogatory comments about Parker's homosexuality, "to the point where it was stuck in my head like a bad song," Parker said.

A friend drove Parker to a local hospital, where he was found to have multiple facial fractures, he said.

A full report of the incident has not been released and no one knows whether the attack is being investigated as a hate crime.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action NOW stated that, “We are showing up to take a stand and be vocal and let all communities know this is abhorrent. Hate is hate and it is not okay!”

“My generation has to deal with bullies on the school grounds every day,” says 19 year old Benancio Garza, Gay Youth Spokesperson for EAN, “This is what happens when those same bullies are allowed to get away with hate speech. It turns into hate violence.”

Gov. Jerry Brown Proclaims Sunday “Harvey Milk Day”

2011-05-21T02:53:58Z

Equality Action NOW Hosts Event at the Crocker Art Museum

Today, California Governor Jerry Brown officially proclaimed Sunday, May 22, Harvey Milk Day. Last year Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law the Harvey Milk Day bill, in honor of the slain San Francisco supervisor who fought for LGBT rights.

The proclamation begins by saying, “In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man in the history of the United States to be elected to public office. This milestone achievement gave hope to millions of gays and lesbians across the country that a day would come when they could live their lives openly and honestly without fear of discrimination.”

This year, even more then the first Harvey Milk Day, there has been a backlash of anti-gay rhetoric from organizations such as SaveCalifornia. After learning of the proclamation, Randy Thomasson, President said, “"Children are being led down a wrong road by the glorification of Harvey Milk. An official 'Harvey Milk Day' promotes the unnatural and unhealthy homosexual, bisexual, and transsexual lifestyle to minors. Just as Harvey Milk ignored the health risks of homosexual behavior, his legacy will be to pull even more young people into this disease-prone lifestyle. Just as he advocated for openly homosexual teachers as role models, 'Harvey Milk Day' will train boys and girls to follow a worse role model -- Milk, a predator of teens who knew no sexual boundaries or sexual danger."

Ignoring the negative calls for boycotting and protesting events honoring Harvey Milk, celebrations have grown worldwide. Here in Sacramento, Equality Action NOW, a local civil rights, organization is hosting live entertainment by spoken word artist, Jovi Radtke, and the screening of the Academy Award winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk at the Crocker Art Museum, Sunday beginning at 6:30pm.

Equality Action NOW leaders are inviting individuals and families to participate. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door. For more information visit their web site: www.EqualityActionNOW.org.

EQCA Awards LGBT Caucus and PowerPac

2011-05-19T16:38:08Z

The award program Monday evening, May 16 was short and sweet but the importance of the gathering outweighed the brief ceremony. Equality California (EQCA) held their annual awards presentation at the beautiful Citizen Hotel. In attendance was a who’s who of LGBT and governmental officials.

EQCA founded in 1998, works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. Their stated purpose is to help improve the lives of LGBT Californians. The organization sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, build coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process.

Something the organization is most focused on is writing and advancing legislation that directly affects the lives of LGBT citizens, and this year it is especially geared to our youth. Bills such as the “Fair Education Act”, “Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education”, and “Seth’s Law” which will tighten up anti-bullying polices in schools are receiving a geat deal of attention, mainly by anti-gay groups such as SaveCalifornia.

All-in-all this year there are twelve bills and one resolution EQCA will have something to do with getting to a vote and hopefully made into law - at least here in California.

Monday evening EQCA and their supporters gathered to recognize two major players in the legislative process. First the organization recognized PowerPac.

PowerPAC is a nonprofit advocacy and political organization. The organization was created to champion democracy and social justice in states and communities across the country. They direct financial and human resources to strategic local and state legislative fights, ballot initiatives, and other campaigns by organizing donors who are committed to social justice politics. They identify priority areas for investment and help donors achieve maximum political impact with their political giving.

The second award went to the entire California LGBT Legislative Caucus. The Caucus was formed originally in June 2002. Its role is to present a forum for the California Legislature to discuss issues that affect LGBT Californians and to further the goal of equality and justice for all Californians. Formation of the LGBT Caucus made California the first state in the country to recognize an official caucus of openly-LGBT state legislators.

The LGBT Legislative Caucus had grown each year and this term has seen the largest number yet. The seven members include Assembly Speaker, John A. Perez; Senator Christine Kehoe (Chair); Senator Mark Leno; Assemblymember Tom Ammiano; Assemblymember Toni Atkins; Assemblymember Richard S. Gordon; and Assemblymember Ricardo Lara.

It is through the collaborative efforts of organizations such as EQCA, PowerPac, and of course openly out LGBT legislators and their allies that full equality and civil rights will become a reality for hundreds of thousands of LGBT citizens. It is up to those same LGBT citizens and their allies to elect more gay government officials and openly back the bills that affect them.

Equality Action Now Hosts 2nd Harvey Milk Day

2011-05-09T03:41:45Z

Equality Action NOW, Sacramento’s leading grassroots civil rights organization is hosting the 2nd Annual Harvey Milk Day event at the beautiful Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street, Sacramento, CA), Sunday, May 22, 2011. A special VIP reception will be held from 5 -6:30pm. VIP Tickets are $50 per person.

Beginning at 6:30pm there will be a short presentation in the auditorium, a performance by Spoken Word Artist Jovi Radtke, then the award-winning documentary; The Times of Harvey Milk will be shown. The film is educational and is appropriate for all ages. Tickets for the film-only will be $15.

Reserve your tickets online at www.EqualityActionNOW.org.

Funds raised at this event will be used towards scholarships for Midwest Academy of Social Activism Training.

Harvey Milk Bio –

Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was a highly controversial and revered politician who became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

Early in his life, politics and gay activism were not an interest of his. Only after his experience in military service, in the theatre, business, and in the counterculture of the 1960’s at around the age of 40 did he begin to participate in civic matters or was even open about his sexuality.

Milk moved from New York City to settle in San Francisco in 1972 during a migration of gay men to the Castro District. He took advantage of the growing political and economic power of the neighborhood and ran unsuccessfully for political office three times.

Because Milk was very theatrical in his campaigning and he showed that he was not a one-issue candidate, he increasingly became popular. Finally he won a seat as city supervisor repersenting the Castro District in 1977.

Milk served 11 months in office and was responsible for passing a groundbreaking and stringent gay rights ordinance for the city.

On November 27, 1978, Dan White, another city supervisor who had recently resigned but wanted his job back, assassinated Harvey Milk and then Mayor George Moscone in their offices at City Hall.

Despite his short career in politics, today Milk is an icon in San Francisco and a hero to hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender people throughout the nation, and the world.

While Milk’s election to public office made him a trail-blazer to many who came after him, it was what he stood for that continues to serve as a beacon of light, courage, and inspiration to so many and a thorn in the side of those who are vocal against gay and civil rights.

When the older citizens of his district were being mistreated, he stood up for them. When big business took advantage of the common worker, he stood with the unions. When a witch-hunt ensued on gay teachers, he went toe-to-toe with the Anita Bryant’s of the world and stood up publicly to protect their civil rights.

And when a young student told him that he had a new outlook on life because of what he had accomplished, Harvey Milk issued one of his most-used quote to let others know that one of the most important things we can give to LGBTQ youth is, “You’ve gotta give them hope!”

Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2009.

Harvey Milk Day History–

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. Last year, Equality Action Now hosted one of the first Harvey Milk Day events, which included the screening of the movie, Milk and a rally at the California State Capitol.

Harvey Milk Day events continue to grow worldwide. There is even a nation-wide push to issue a special Harvey Milk postage stamp.

One of the main reasons for Harvey Milk Day is to educate young people about the life and importance Milk still has in the fight for civil rights and about treating each other with respect. Equality Action NOW hopes students, parents, and teachers will join them on Harvey Milk’s birthday to celebrate his life and legacy.

Harvey Milk Day Resource Information –

1. BOOK – "The Mayor of Castro Street" by Randy Shilts - 1982 – St. Martin’s Press, New York
2. CHILDREN’S BOOK – "The Harvey Milk Story" by Kari Krakow (Author) and David Gardner (Arthur/Illustrator)
3. NEW STUDENT’S WORKBOOK – "In Celebration of Harvey Milk" by Angela F. Luna (Sacramento teacher and Equality Action Now member) – January 2011 – Self-published AuthorHouse.com.
4. MOVIE – MILK – 2008 - Directed by Gus Van Sant, Written by Dustin Lance Black, Starring Sean Penn.
5. DOCUMENTARY FILM – The Times of Harvey Milk – 1984 – Directed by Rob Ebstein.
6. WEB – A Photo History of Harvey Milk – by Strange de Jim with photos by Daniel Nicoletta – http://www.strangebillions.com/harvey/

Local teacher releases children's Harvey Milk workbook

2011-04-14T03:58:41Z

Whitney Avenue Elementary School fourth grade teacher Angela F. Luna recently self-published a children's workbook aimed at fostering compassion and understanding toward the LGBTQI community.

Luna, a member of the Equality Action Now leadership, said the activist group encouraged her to work on LGBTQI curriculum for school-age children after the first Harvey Milk Day on May 22, 2009.

What resulted is her new 32-page book called “In Celebration of Harvey Milk: Educational Materials for Grades 4 through 12” that honors the memory of the gay rights activist who was assassinated in 1978.

To Luna, it was Milk's courage to be himself at a time when it wasn't popular to do so that she admires so much. “That inspires me everyday,” she said.

“In this day and age, 30 years later, people are still afraid to come out … (Milk's) courage is so amazing to me,” she said.

Luna was not able to get married because of Prop 8, but now she doesn't care what the opposition may or may not do in response to her book. As a teacher, she said, she has a responsibility to teach her students about Harvey Milk because youth are at risk.

“I just care that students are safe at school,” she said.

Since it has been published, the LGBT Task Force for the Sacramento City Unified School District sent out a memo to all district staff stating that the book is available upon request to SCUSD teachers who wish to review it. (Whitney Elementary is a San Juan School District school.)

When Luna piloted the book last year in her classroom, students had to get permission slips signed by their parents to participate. Of the 22 in her class, eight opted out of the lesson.

“I feel it's another form of discrimination … In a sense, the children who could have benefited most weren't able to participate,” Luna said.

One activity incorporated in the lesson plan for the book has students determine when the phrase “That's so gay” is used with a negative connotation. Another has students determine whether a statement about Milk such as – He realized he was gay at the age of 27 – is true or false.

Luna said many of the students were surprised that Milk knew his sexual identity at 14 years old and that he was not just an activist in the gay rights movement but also fought for elderly and disabled people's rights.

“They didn't (call him) a hero,” Luna said, “but I could tell they were impressed he helped so many people.”

Luna said she hopes that this year, with a new administrator on campus, students won't have to get permission slips signed to participate in the workbook activities.

Luna has taught for 16 years and was a finalist for the San Juan Unified School District's Teacher of the Year in 2011. She currently is a candidate for National Board Certification.

The book is available to the public on Amazon.com

Same-Sex Couples in Sacramento County Engage in National Request Marriage Actions

2011-02-10T18:41:45Z

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011, from Noon to 2:00pm Marriage Equality USA, Equality Action Now, GetEQUAL, and members of the Faith Community will request marriage licenses for local same-sex couples at the Downtown Sacramento County Clerk’s Office at 720 F Street (Cross-street 8th), Sacramento, CA 95814.

At local marriage counters in cities nationwide, same-sex couples will request marriage licenses at their local County Clerk’s Offices to raise awareness of the harms and impact the inability to marry causes on their families.

Since 2001, Marriage Equality USA chapters have engaged in these annual marriage counter actions to render visible the discrimination that is enforced every day. “It is an affront to the basic dignity of the LGBTQI Community as fellow human beings when same-sex couples are turned away from the marriage counter, but it gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and show that they live in every community and want to honor and protect our families like everyone else,” said Julie Tindall, Marriage Equality USA Sacramento County Chapter Leader and straight supporter. “Marriage discrimination is wrong and harms real-life families. All Americans deserve equal treatment under the law. The time has come.”

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now issued this statement, “On Valentine’s Day we will be at the clerk’s office to show we are still unequal in the eyes of our fellow citizens - we will show up until there is equality for all, we will fight on the side of what is fair and equal... separate marriage laws are not fair or equal!”

Equality Action Now youth spokesperson, Joey O’shea, 22, stated that, “Marriage equality holds a high importance to me, because I believe everyone should have the possibility of happiness." EAN youth media intern, John Wells, 18, said, “Being around same-sex married couples gives me hope and is a visible sign that while I had a bad time being bullied at school and kicked out by my parents, things do get better. I want to have a committed relationship with my future husband and raise a family. I want my family to have all the legal protections any other family has today. For certain, marriage equality is important to the well-being of my generation of LGBTQ youth.”

Founded in 2000, Marriage Equality USA is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to gender identity or sexual orientation. For more information go to www.marriageequality.org.

Equality Action Now is a local Sacramento grassroots civil rights organization founded in 2008. For more information go to www.EqualityActionNow.org .

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.

Love Can't be Appealed!

2010-08-19T20:05:57Z

Love Can't be Appealed!

"You look like an army of lovers," State Senator Mark Leno told the crowd of peaceful protesters, gay and straight, during a rally on the Capitol's west steps Wednesday night.

Many of them were supposed to be saying their "I do's" today. Instead, they're still fighting for their civil rights.

The marriages didn't happen because the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit placed their own stay in the Federal Prop 8 Case, which doesn’t allow the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Leno gave an encouraging speech, referring to the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution's 14th amendment.

Leno quoted this section from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
He asked the crowd, "do you agree that all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are not meant to be excluded from that right?"

"I do!" was the resounding reply.

He went on to read that the 14th Amendment states that its Due Process Clause prohibits state and local governments from depriving persons (individual and corporate) of life, liberty, or property without certain steps being taken. This clause has been used to make most of the Bill of Rights applicable to the states, as well as to recognize substantive rights and procedural rights.

He concluded by reminding everyone that there has never been a civil rights movement that hasn't prevailed.

Marlene Shire-Anderson and partner Sara אלישבע Freid, Kevyn Gibson and his partner Jon Walker were acknowledged as two of the couples who were going to be wed and had to postpone.

Speakers stressed that we need to elect officials who support equal rights, our civil rights; those people like Attorney General Jerry Brown and Governor Schwarzenegger.

"We need to elect Jerry Brown and Pamela Harris in November," said Nicola Simmersbach.

Tina Reynolds and her partner Kate Moore.

Pat Ianni holds a sign during the peaceful protest.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Gay Marriages Allowed, Just Delayed

2010-08-12T23:11:38Z

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker has delayed gay marriages for another 6 days. This gives opponents of same-sex weddings until Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. to get a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on whether gay marriages should resume.

Diana Ruiz and her partner Nicola Simmersbach share their reaction to Judge Walker's decision with the media today at the County Recorder's Office. Four couples were anticipating obtaining their marriage licenses if the stay were lifted.Patricia Ianni and Angela Luna were anxious awaiting the decision at the County Recorder's Office in downtown Sacramento.

In deciding whether a stay is appropriate, the court looks to four factors:

whether proponents have made a strong showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits;
whether proponents will be irreparably injured absent a stay
whether the stay will substantially injure other interested parties; and
whether the stay is in the public interest.

Reactions from lawmakers and others:
Save California calls Judge Walker "a tyrannical judicial activist" over his Proposition 8 decision today.

Sacramento GLBT Center says postponement of gay marriages is a "huge let-down for couples wanting to marry today."

Christian group ADF says group will file appeal to Ninth Circuit immediately to appeal Prop 8 verdict.

Governor Schwarzenegger says "today’s ruling continues to place CA at the forefront in providing freedom and equality for all people."

Rick Jacobs, Courage Campaign founder and chairman:

"Today's ruling means that in less than one week, equality under the law will be restored for millions of loving families across California. Lifting the stay is ultimately consistent with both legal precedent and the findings in this case. Specifically, that every American has a civil right to marriage, and that by depriving millions of families this right, Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. Judge Walker's ruling affirms that the purpose of our judicial system is to protect our constitutional rights, not to take away those rights. All Americans agree that weddings matter and marriage is the foundation of strong families. Families and the institution of marriage itself can only be strengthened by the inclusion of more committed couples bound by unconditional love and enduring partnership."

In overturning Proposition 8, Judge Walker wrote: “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.”

The case will probably be heading to the Supreme Court.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Bye Bye Prop 8 | Celebration photos in the Capital

2010-08-05T18:33:36Z

Bye Bye Prop 8 | Celebration photos in the Capital

Several hundred people came to 21st and K, in the parking lot of McMartin Realty, to celebrate the overturn of Federal Prop 8 in Sacramento, the State Capital, last night.

All ages of folks, straight and gay, came to honor and celebrate the court decision overturning the gay marriage ban yesterday.

It got off to a bit of a rocky start right after the announcement, when several gay couples headed over to the County Recorder's office to tie the knot.

They were turned down on the spot.

Part of the decision included a "stay", not allowing marriages to start immediately. It may be a matter of days before the stay is lifted.

An appeal has been filed over the gay marriage ruling.

Here are some snapshots from the historic day in Sacramento, CA.

Wendy Rae Hill (left), holding daughter Addison, and her partner Carrie Tedrick went to the County Recorder office after the overturn of Prop 8 to be married and were turned down as were other couples. Apparently there is a "stay" in force at this time not allowing same sex couples to wed immediately.

Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (Dem. San Francisco) at the press conference.

Tina Reynolds, co-founder of ACTION EQUALITY NOW, peers at the crowd in front of the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center before the press conference began.

Darrell Steinberg speaks to the crowd. Tom Ammiano behind him.

A jubilant crowd gathered for festivities.

Jennie Reiken, Equality California (EQCA) starts of the celebration.

Jessie Martin and her daughter Carin, foreground, had a 'front row seat' in front of the stage.

Ken Pierce, Director of Public Relations Equality Action Now enjoys the crowd and music.

Tina Reynolds, far right, with Roger Dickinson, 9th Assembly District, and two friends.

Kels Rogers, Rendevous Cool w/Beans, takes a break from singing.

Melissa Martinez takes in the crowd and music.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Sacramentans react to landmark Prop. 8 overturn

2010-08-05T00:12:01Z

Sacramentans were expectedly divided following Wednesday’s ruling overturning Proposition 8, which amended the California Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.

Chief Judge Vaughn Walker of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California determined Wednesday that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

“Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples,” according to the decision in the case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger.

Vaughn also declared that Prop. 8 “prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis.”

“It was our highest hope for the outcome,” said Tina Reynolds, founder of Equality Action Now, a gay rights group that formed Nov. 5, 2008, the day after Prop 8 was passed by California voters.

“It’s the very best ruling that he could have made,” she added. “It’s equality across the board. We called all the county marriage licensers and told them they’d be busy.”

Reynolds said marriages wouldn’t be possible Wednesday pending the court’s formal ruling, but she expected them to start up in the next few days.

Carla Hass, spokeswoman for the Sacramento-based Protect Marriage, which supports banning gay marriage, declined to comment Wednesday after the decision, saying all public announcements would be made on the group’s website.

As of press time, the group’s website had not been updated.

Groups for keeping marriage between a man and a woman are likely to appeal the decision.

“What a wonderful, wonderful day,” State Senate President pro-Tem Darrel Steinberg said at a press conference Wednesday. “The long, long race for equality is not yet over, but I think we lapped the other side.”

Steinberg added that Judge Walker taught all Californians and Americans a civics lesson.

The ruling was of special importance to Nicole Scanlan, who legally married her wife in the five-month window before Prop. 8 was enacted.

“We are already legally married, but my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters will now be equal,” she said.

Scanlan said she knows firsthand the feeling of being a “second-class citizen” and the change in that feeling when she was legally married.

“When you are able to do something fundamental that all Americans have the right to do...the feeling is indescribable,” she said.

Other couples rejoiced as well, including a pair of women who already tried to marry today and vowed at the press conference that they will be going back to get a marriage license every day until they are granted one.

“I think they should be able to get married,” said Ashlin Washington, who works in Sacramento. “I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

Law student Viana Barbu agreed.

“That’s fantastic,” she said. “Legally, it was the right thing to do. You’re technically not supposed to amend the (California) Constitution that way anyway.”

Though many agreed with the court’s rulings, just as many were opposed, basing their arguments on both religious beliefs and the fact that Prop. 8 was a voter-approved measure.

“Does it matter if you vote on anything anymore?” asked one man in front of the Capitol who declined to give his name.

“I don’t believe in gay marriage,” said Michael Cato. “God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve. To me, this is an abomination.”

Sacramento resident Larry Carter agreed, saying the decision should be reversed, as it is against his religious beliefs.

Not all religious sects are opposed to gay marriage, however.

The Very Reverend Brian Baker, dean of the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, said he will happily marry same-sex couples.

“I am thrilled that same-sex couples in the state of California will be able to marry again,” he said at a press conference Wednesday.

Baker added that it is important not to compel anyone to perform a marriage ceremony against his or her beliefs.

Prop. 8 was approved by 52 percent of California voters in 2008 and stopped gays from being married. That ended a five-month period in which about 18,000 gay couples were married.

Two gay couples brought the matter to federal court in January, and Wednesday’s decision was effectively the culmination of that case.

Photos of press conference, Tina Reynolds and Darrel Steinberg by Kati Garner.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Sacramento LGBT Community Prepares For Federal Prop 8 Ruling

2010-06-24T17:29:24Z

Following a five-month hiatus, intriguing closing argument to the Federal lawsuit against California’s Proposition 8 were heard in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco on June 16, and a decision in the case is expected shortly.

The leadership of Sacramento’s Equality Action Now, a local, grassroots civil rights organization and the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center are planning to respond to whatever ruling Judge Vaughn Walker decides in the case with a rally at the Sacramento G&L Center, 1927 L St.

As of this writing there are no indications when the ruling will take place. Organizers are preparing for any day or time it could be announced. There were rumours flying yesterday that the decision could be handed down as early as this Friday, June 25, 2010, but the general thinking is the decision will not be made before this weekend’s San Francisco’s Gay Pride events or even prior to July 4th, Independence Day.

There are two possible rulings that could be made. Ether the banning of same-sex marriage will be viewed by this court to be unconstitutional and once again it will be legal for same-sex adults to attain a marriage license in the state of California, or the law which had caused so much controversy and millions of dollars on both sides spent to repeal or uphold will continue to be the law of the land.

One way or another one thing is certain, the ruling will be appealed and the case will continue to the Federal Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the Unites States Supreme Court.

Planners of the “D-Day” event are encouraged by early indications that the possibility of the decision on their side is high. With hope that they are right, plans are being formed to close down 20st street between K and L streets, the block the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is located near, for a celebration.

Speakers and entertainment are being lined up and the community is being informed through a vast social networking infrastructure that has been developed since the general election of 2008.

Of course, organizers are also planning for a defeat which could start within hours of the decision at the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center, with a short press conference and then begin a protest march to the California State Capitol where participants will be able to express their feelings of the decision and speakers will offer their support and encouragement.

In any case, Sacramento will be ready to be vocal about what is predicted to be a cornerstone to the future of same-sex marriage here in California.

For more information about plans for “D-Day” go to the web site for Equality Action Now (www.equalityactionnow.org) or the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (www.saccenter.org).

Sacramento Pride Grows Up to Role as California's Capital Pride!

2010-06-18T07:46:57Z

With an iconic new location--Sacramento's scenic Capitol Mall, expanded marketing efforts and a growing roster of prestigious corporate sponsors and exhibitors, the 26-year-old Sacramento Pride Festival is expected to break attendance records on Saturday.

The June 19 Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attracting an estimated 10,000 visitors and bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of economic benefit to Sacramento’s downtown area. Festival admission is $10.

After a number of years at South Side Park, the Festival will move to Capitol Mall in 2010, where a street-festival layout sandwiched between the Tower Bridge and the State Capitol dome is expected to add novelty and cachet to “California’s Capital Pride.” Adding to the buzz are headline entertainers from New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, a new high-energy Amtrak Dance Pavilion featuring popular regional DJs, and give-aways including $50 in free play at Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel, California State Fair and Village People concert tickets, music downloads from Masterbeat and more.

Featured on two live stages will be “Ru-Paul’s Drag Race” winner Bebe Zahara Benet, singer-songwriter and LOGO Channel star Joel Evan; musical comedy duo That’s What She Said (TWSS); and Kaylah Marin, whose dance remix single “On the Floor (Oh Baby Please)” hit #4 on the Billboard Club Play Charts. Local favorites include songstress Gwen McMillin, folk singer Joshua Macrae, and punk-soul-hip hop band RCWB (Rendezvous w/Cool Beans). A complete entertainment schedule is attached.

The Sacramento Pride Festival will kick off with a Pride Parade at 10 a.m., featuring State Assembly Speaker John Pérez as Grand Marshall. The parade will begin at the intersection of 7th and T streets and proceed on 7th Street to the Festival entrance at 7th Street and Capitol Mall.

An Opening Ceremony and ribbon-cutting will follow the parade at 11 a.m. on the Festival 4th Street Stage, featuring Assembly Speaker Pérez, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and other dignitaries.

Sacramento Pride would not be possible without the support of its generous corporate sponsors, including Title Sponsor Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel, Wells Fargo, Outword Magazine, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, HP, Rainbow Pages, Regional Transit, Faces Nightclub, Barefoot Wine, Bud Light, JetBlue, WriteAway Communications Services, Infinite Entertainment, Uptown Studios, SMUD, Amtrak, CARES, Cheer SF, California State Fair, Power of Two Promotions, Lumens Light + Living, Safeway, IKEA, Sacramento News & Review, Curve Magazine and SF Weekly.

Sacramento Pride is produced by the volunteers and staff of the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center and proceeds support Center programs and services, including youth services, adult discussion groups, HIV support services, transgender support services, a free weekly legal clinic, gathering space for local community organizations and more. For more information about Sacramento Pride, visit www.sacramentopride.org.

"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.

Local Civil Rights Group On Watch Today

2009-11-03T15:59:29Z

Sacramento, CA – Today is election day across the nation and members of Equality Action Now, a local volunteer grassroots organization are watching three key areas who’s outcome could impact the struggle of the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transsexual, Questioning, Intersex) community here in California.

While Tina Reynolds, co-founder of Equality Action Now, and her army of volunteers are preparing for tomorrow’s “One Year Ago” rally and march at the state capitol to call attention to California’s gay community and their own struggle to overturn Prop 8, they will be paying close attention to elections in the states of Maine, Washington, and the city of Kalamazoo Michigan.

The first and most important battleground for supporters of is in the state of Maine. Mainers 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 same-sex 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. Last minute polls indicate that support of same-sex marriage is squeaking ahead but it is still too close to call.

The state of Washington is a voting mail-in state so while their Referindom 71 has already been decided, the results will not be in until later today. Referindom 71 would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage. The bill reads that same-sex couples, or any couple that includes one person age sixty-two or older, may register as a domestic partnership with the state. Registered domestic partnerships are not marriages, and marriage is prohibited except between one man and one woman. This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of registered domestic partners and their families to include all rights, responsibilities, and obligations granted by or imposed by state law on married couples and their families.

Today the citizens of Kalamazoo Mishigan will be voting on the Kalamazoo “Non-Discrimination Ordinance”. The City Commission passed the inclusive non-discrimination ordinance on June 29 after five public forums were held to hear comments about the ordinance. The final ordinance, which simply adjusts current employment and housing/accommodations law to protect gay and transgender people as it currently protects people based on race, gender, and religion, includes revisions proposed during the public forums. If passed, the city ordinance could be a template other cities could adopt in the future.

All three elections may or may not have an impact close to home here in California. In any case gay and civil rights activists across the state have already been actively supporting the three other elections by fundraising, phone banking, and as with the all important Maine vote, sending trained organizers to key cities to lend support on the ground. This is a good indication that activism is growing and many individual organizations, big and small are pooling their resources to support common issues.

Here in Sacramento, Tina Reynolds, fresh from attending the National Equality March in Washington DC is reflective and defiant saying,“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, Washington and Kalamazoo. We will stand on our own state capitol steps in solidarity with our brothers and sisters fighting for their civil rights everywhere. We will celebrate with them or join arms and continue to gain strength to fight on a national level with them!”

Whatever the outcome in other states, it is likely that California will continue to be an important battleground for gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Camp Courage Comes to Sacramento

2009-10-17T05:15:21Z

Highlighting the one-year anniversary since Prop 8 was passed into law, Equality Action NOW, is co-sponsoring along with Courage Campaign and 20 other organizations and individuals, Camp Courage Sacramento, November 7-8, 2009. Camp Courage is an intensive two-day training designed to teach the principles and skills of community organizing and how to become an effective activist.

Drawing on techniques honed for decades by progressive social movements and proven results used by the Obama campaign, Camp Courage teaches empowerment, team building, leadership development, and grassroots organizing skills. It is designed primarily for new activists of all ages or those who have never engaged with the broader community about social issues. While overturning Prop 8 is a current focal point of attention, Camp Courage will educate individuals to plan and implement campaigns that cover a wide array of importance to the community at large.

Camp Courage will cover basic community and political organizing skills, such as finding your voice by telling your “story of self”; leadership development; principles of successful organizing; developing collaboration and building effective teams; techniques of voter persuasion; organizing a phone bank; canvassing; tabling; throwing house parties and online organizing.

In addition to providing participants with essential activist tools, Camp Courage provides a unique opportunity for community members to meet and network with like-minded individuals and organizations which they can connect, join, and put their newly learned skills to immediate use. Trainings have already been held in Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, San Diego, East LA and more recent in Washington DC.

Faculty and leaders of the camp include Tori Osborn, Mike Bonin and Lisa Powell. Participants of Camp Courage Sacramento will be enlightened and motivated by speakers such as Lt. Dan Choi, a West Point graduate who was discharged from the National Guard because of “homosexual conduct” and who appealed directly to President Obama to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” rule. Also appearing is Rev. Eric P. Lee, President/CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. More speakers will be announces later.

Courage Campaign, creator of Camp Courage is the online organizing hub for progressive Californians. They have a network of over 700,000 grassroots and netroots citizens empowered to leverage online tools for offline activism. Courage Campaign is a multi-issue organization that focuses on several California progressive issues, including marriage equality.

To sign up, go to: http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/campsacramento

Equality Action NOW is an award-winning local Sacramento grassroots volunteer organization filled with dedicated activists who fight on several civil rights fronts, one of which is the fight to repeal Prop 8. In co-sponsoring Camp Courage, EAN hopes to help make the first-ever Sacramento gay activist school a success by recruiting participants to become campers in this important event.

For more information about Equality Action Now visit: http://www.EqualityActionNOW.org

Benefit for Camp Courage at Greens Hotel

2009-09-22T22:46:18Z

Camp Courage, a two-day training camp for activists seeking to fight for gay rights, will be receiving a sizable boost in funds thanks to a fundraiser benefit at the Greens Hotel on Thursday. The camp was inspired by the "Camp Obama" program that taught community organizing strategies to supporters of the president's campaign last year. The camp's goal is to prepare for a campaign for gay marriage in 2010, hoping to reverse Proposition 8, which passed in 2008 and declared: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

"This is the first Camp Courage to take place in Sacramento," said Cynthia Dall, the fundraiser for the city's branch of the camp. "We really need to get Sacramentans out there for their support."

The fundraiser will feature a no-host bar, appetizers, a five-course dinner, DJ and live music and speakers from Camp Courage, who will explain what the program is all about.

Sponsors include Darrell Steinberg, Sacramento Young Dems and The Coffee Garden.

Food will be provided by Joshua Ploeg, also known as "The Traveling Chef." Ploeg is the author of numerous vegan cookbooks, including his latest, the Proustian "In Search of Lost Taste." For the event on Thursday, Ploeg's plates will be vegetarian with some vegan focus as well.

Musical guests are varied, and, like the chef, are providing their services for no profit.

Aside from DJ Larry Rodriguez, the other music acts are Dog Party, Christine Shields and Phil Franklin, Thomas Bixby, and a possible appearance by Willie Winant, who is practicing to perform with John Zorn.

The strangest act in the lineup is Dog Party.

"They're a two-piece sister act consisting of an 11-year-old on drums and a 14-year-old who sings philosophical lyrics," said Dall. "I first saw them at another event, and thought of them when I was planning for this one. Their content is really deep, like 'Do you see what you think you see?'"

Artists are encouraged to bring their work to hang and even sell that night. To have pieces put on display, they must bring them to the hotel by 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

"We promise to take good care of them," Dall said with a laugh.

Prices will be on a sliding scale from $30-$65, depending on how much the attendee can afford. Kids 12 and under get in for free.

Artists can contact Rebecca at 916-852-7409.

The Camp Courage event will take place from Nov. 7-8 at the Elks Lodge on 11th and J streets.

Anyone interested in signing up for the camp or finding more information can do so at http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/campsacramento

The Greens Hotel is on 1700 Del Paso Blvd.

A third way for the marriage debate

2009-03-11T06:44:42Z

The AP is reporting that a pair of college students have proposed a ballot measure that will replace the word "marriage" with the term "domestic partnership" in all state laws. Secretary of State Debra Bowen said today that supporters can begin collecting the 700,000 signatures to get the measure on the ballot. Domestic partnerships will retain all the rights of marriage, and all couples will be eligable for domestic partnership, regardless of sexual orientation.

Is this a good or bad idea? Please express yourself.

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.

Hundreds gather in support of equal rights at Capitol

2009-02-16T23:59:28Z

Hundreds of supporters of equal rights for all Americans gathered this afternoon on the state Capitol's west steps, waving flags and cheering on gay and lesbian couples who have claimed the right to marry, as spelled out by the California Supreme Court.

Political stars such as Senate President pro Tem Darryl Steinberg and Senator Mark Leno joined entertainers Margaret Cho, Wanda Sykes and Star Trek's George Takei and his husband Brad Altman in celebration of equal marriage rights and in anticipation of the upcoming decision by the Supreme Court regarding Proposition 8.

The court, located just across the street from the Capitol, will decide the constitutionality of Prop. 8 on March 5. Prop. 8, which was passed by a majority of voters in November, would overthrow the court's own legal judgement of last year that preventing gays and lesbians from marrying would be unconstitutional discrimination against a minority.

Monday, President's Day, with state workers off for the holiday, the Capitol resounded with the cheers of gays and lesbians and their many straight supporters, who listened to speeches from Steinberg, Leno and attorney Gloria Allred and her clients Robin Tyler and Diane Olson, whose suit led the Supreme Court to rule in favor of gay marriage.

Olson spoke before Allred, introducing her by excoriating the small band of anti-gay picketters across the street, saying "They've pick on us for years, and now they're whining because we're posting their names on the internet?" She asked the question rhetorically, in reference to a recent suit in which anti-gay contributors to Prop. 8 asked the state to make an exception for them to election sunshine laws. The suit was dismissed in Federal court.

Allred read the text of the Supreme Court's decision in favor of equal marriage rights, which amounted to a de facto reaffirmation of the Bill of Rights, after each section calling out, "Do you agree with the Supreme Court?" To which the crowd yelled out, "Yes!"

"What they were saying was, 'There's no reason to give special rights to a special class of people,' that is, straight people," said Joshua Maddux, who was there with his girlfriend, Janie Bose. "I'm being tongue-in-cheek, a little," he added. "But really, that's what it boils down to, doesn't it? Should straight people get special rights that aren't available to gay people? Should different classes of people get different rights? As a straight person, I think that's just un-American."

One highlight of the day was commedien Margaret Cho's debut as a singer/songwriter, which was redolent with foul-mouthed lyrical jokes that restored some of the edge to an event that seemed, despite the subject matter, decidedly mainstream.

Cleve Jones speaks on equality

2008-12-12T01:55:40Z

A crowd of people gathered outside the Sacramento Convention Center on Wednesday afternoon to hear Cleve Jones speak on equality and civil rights.

Jones is an activist, lecturer, author and was mentored by Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. Jones is portrayed by Emile Hirsch in the film "Milk" with Sean Penn which is currently playing in Sacramento theaters.

Cleve Jones is currently leading a boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt, whose owner donated $125,000 to the Prop 8 campaign.
Some individuals who gathered for Jones's speech were holding signs, one read "More than a word" with the word "love" written in different languages.

One particularly eye-catching sign read "Sleep With The Right People" which is the name of an alliance between UNITE HERE and the LGBT community.

UNITE HERE is the union that represents hotel and restaurant workers in securing equal and fair treatment. According to their Web site, UNITE HERE represents over 450,000 workers and 400,000 retired employees in North America.

After a question and answer session, Jones concluded his demonstration outside the Convention Center with a powerful speech on civil rights:

"I don't refer to it as marriage equality anymore, I refer to it as equality. We want equality in all areas - civil marriage, military service, adoption, taxation, social security. The most important rights that accrue to heterosexual couples through marriage are determined by the federal government.

"If you think you're equal act like it. Don't settle for crumbs. No more bargaining. No more compromise. We're equal. Now's the time. We are equal! We are equal!"

Tina Reynolds, who is one of the founders of Equality Action Now - a group that formed the day after the election when Prop 8 did not pass, was an active part of the discussion with Cleve Jones.

Reynolds described the sentiment behind the rally:

"Equality Action Now isn't doing individual boycotts but we're really here to say not where you should spend your money but why would you want to spend money at a place that doesn't support your community? When they advertise to us and they take our money and then they sink $125,000 into a campaign against us, it seems like we should stop and really look at what it is and where we're spending our money."

Were you at the Convention Center on Wednesday afternoon? Did you drive by and see the signs? Have you seen the "Milk" movie? What are your thoughts?

Photographs taken by Catherine Foss

Sarah Payne also reported on this story.