Kelly Rivera Hart's Blog (11)

To say we need to keep cool heads and expect the community to do so is absurd. Face it folks, half of the state just said that farm animals are more worthy of rights and protections than us. Half of the state just said that our love isn't even as valuable as the hamburger they eat. There are reasons to be angry here. I attended the vigil at SF City Hall too and it didn't make me feel any better. It didn't make me feel empowered. It reinforced my feelings of defeat and anger. Since the beginning… Continue

Hi there To some of us, the idea of politicizing a very personal moment like one's wedding is distasteful but for most of my friends that are now able to get married, there's really not much choice. As many same-sex couples, whose nuptials are finally recognized by the state thanks to the CA Supreme Court, say “I do,” they are threatened by the prospect that California voters could undo the right to same-sex marriage by approving the ballot initiative called Proposition 8 in November. So many… Continue

Hi there This was just released by the AP today: >> Some California county clerks resist gay marriage ruling San Francisco, CA (AP) - As same-sex couples prepare to wed later this month, at least one county clerk in California's conservative Central Valley is preparing to sidestep the state high court's legalization of gay marriage by shutting down marriage ceremonies. In fact, two Central Valley county clerks — Kern County's Ann Barnett and Merced County's Stephen Jones — issued stateme… Continue

Well, the official day to let the ceremonies begin is June 17th, although there's a murmur of trying to get that pushed back to after 5pm the day before. I guess waiting all those years to have every committed relationship and every family protected equally recognized under the state constitution, has people in an awful hurry to finally legally get hitched. And this time, it won't be raining, except that here in SF there's no guarantee.. This is Our Summer of Love!! When the marriages were happ… Continue

Hi there We need to have conversations with people about the CA Supreme Court’s decision. Below are some key highlights of the CA Supreme Court's decision. Share this with friends, lovers, family, neighbors, coworkers, clergy.. • This 4-3 ruling states that any measure, whether through legislation or vote, to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples violates the state constitution. The Court held that the “CA legislative and initiative measures limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples violate t… Continue

Hi there With so much going on after last Thursday's incredible, historic victory, I haven't had a chance to do some blogging. Yes, for those of us that may have been under a rock or on the highest tip of the Himalayas, WE WON! The California Supreme court voted 4-3 to make marriage only for different gendered couples illegal and against the state constitution. Wow!! If you can, check out the text of this amazing decision at their website (just google California Supreme court decisions). So wh… Continue

Hi all After four years, over 3000 weddings, an untold number of rallies and protests and so much spiffy wedding garb, tomorrow is the decision we've been waiting for. I got a phone confirmation this morning and the Center announced it as well this afternoon, the CA Supreme Court is announcing it's decision on the Marriage case tomorrow morning at 9:30 and then posting it on their website at around 10am. And then it's on to the Center at 5pm to celebrate a ruling that has been four years in t… Continue

Hi everyone When the tsunami hit in 2004, the LGBT Community came together to host events, raise lots of money and show incredible compassion and support. I remember putting out one email and getting over a dozen responses in a few short hours. And from that, we were able to put together a huge event in less than two weeks. I hope that our Community can step up in a big way again. Please do whatever you can and share this call to action with friends, family and lists. On the night of May 2nd… Continue

Hi there The travesty that is the Chinese occupation of Tibet is one of the most shameful acts of this and the last century. And to parade the Olympic torch, which many see as a symbol of goodwill, is the most blatant example of insult to injury. Just look at some of the basic facts below and stand with me in voicing our disapproval of China's occupation and the Olympic torch relay through Tibet. Go to www.NoTorchInTibet.org to see how you can get involved. 10 Important Facts About Tibet When… Continue

Hi there In checking some blogs and news feeds this morning, I found some encouraging and exciting news.. Sources wishing to remain anonymous in the California Court System indicate that the California Supreme Court, which has until June 2, 2008 to issue it's marriage ruling, is considering issuing it on Friday, May 23, 2008, with the decision being written by Chief Justice Ronald George. The Court is readying itself for a backlash that may follow the rumored and bold decision. There is talk th… Continue

Hi there I'm sending this out in hopes that all the people whom I have come to look at and admire as the movers and shakers, the behind the scenes creators and coordinators and the recognized leadership of our LGBT Community are stirred into action and that the rest of us are provoked to learn. There was a poll in a recent Washington Blade that came up with some disappointing and disturbing results: Few gay Americans understand their basic rights, according to an analysis released this week.… Continue