Yesterday was a day I thought was a long way off. After years of LGBT activism...first on the National level for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Board of Governors, lobbying Congress and our Senators on important Federal issues effecting the LGBT community, and then on a State level, as first, a LGBT delegate to the State Party and now as the So. Vice Chair of the Democratic Party in San Mateo County. I'm the first openly gay man to hold this position.
The State Party has for a long time been inclusive and aware of the importance of Equality, but not so on the National level. It was with extreme pride that I attended the National Convention in Charlotte. NC last year and heard for the first time from the podium the words "MARRIAGE EQUALITY" spoken. It was a landmark year at the National Convention, with at least ONE LGBT person from every state...the largest contingent of openly LGBT delegates ever. Then, later last year, when our president voiced his support, the tidal wave of open hearts and open minds continued until we found ourselves yesterday in the middle of what is one of the most significant moments in recent American history.
Beyond Proud can't even begin to express my feelings seeing the crowd outside the County Clerk's building where, 5 years ago, my husband and I stood in line for our marriage license and later that day on June 18, 2008, we were legally married in the State of California by, then, San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon (now our State Assemblyman).
Every elected offical in our realm sent words of love and encouragement (they're all in session in Sacramento) and even our County Clerk sent a message stating that his office was geared up and ready to start performing marriages as soon as the stay is lifted from the Prop 8 ruling.
Our Governor made a statement yesterday directing all offices to prepare to carry out the directive as soon as legally possible. Our State Attorney General pledged to make it happen sooner rather than later.
After Redwood City's rally, I went south to Mt. View, where a march down Castro street and speeches on the steps of City Hall continued the energy and excitement.
It may not register on many people's radar how significant this is, but for us, it is VALIDATION of the greatest order. A great gift during Pride Month!
