Next Event: Light the Way on March 4

This coming week is the most important one in the efforts to repeal Prop. 8. The California Supreme Court will hear arguments on Thursday, March 5. Let's all send positive vibes so that the justices will make the right decision based on equality and not out-dated morality.

A more visible way to send the vibes is a candlelight vigil and march scheduled for the night before, the national Eve of Justice Night. The event in San Francisco will start at the Harvey Milks Plaza right at the corner of Castro and Market Streets. The rally is set for 5 to 6 p.m. and then whoever has gathered (please come out, even if it rains) will march on Market Street toward Civic Center to the steps of the California Supreme Court. (How cool is it that the state Supreme Court is in San Francisco? Just so fitting, I think.)

For events in your area, check out the group's Web site here.

Wear the White Knot

So technically this is a white knot and not a white ribbon. Whatever it is, it's something to wear proudly. Another organization that has popped up post Prop. 8 is The White Knot. It's just a guy who came up with the idea of the white ribbon knot that people can wear, and the Oscar was the latest big event that showcased them. (Like it was so hard to get Hollywood to wear another ribbon.)

Just like the original red ribbon brought awareness about AIDS, lets hope this white knot gains as much recognition and doesn't get lost in the rainbow of ribbons out there. Just click on the organization's Web site to get one or you could actually get a ribbon, tie a knot and wear it. I'm sure that'll work too.

Pictured, of course, is Dustin Lance Black, winner of Best Original Screenplay at this year's Oscars for the film, "Milk."

A Message About Love to the Courts

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

This is a really cool video from the Courage Campaign called "Don't Divorce ..." and features same-sex couples or friends of same-sex couples saying "don't divorce my friends, etc." It's supposedly a message to the state Supreme Court to invalidate Prop. 8. There's also an online petition for supporters to sign here.

The Supreme Court, of course, isn't going to be swayed by petitions and public sentiment. They're going to rule based on the law, and that's the most we can expect from them. Still, the online petition gives us something to do so that we can feel that we're affecting change. It's hard sitting by waiting for the court to decide, so by signing the online petition, it just demonstrates to the "court of public opinion" how many people are out there who supports us. So please watch the video, and then sign the online petition. (Oh, and don't forget to do it before the deadline ... Valentines Day.)

Love Is In The Air

Of course, next Saturday is that made-up holiday about love and while people will still stress over getting flowers or making dinner reservations on a Saturday night, the days after Valentines' Day will also be important for love among the same-sex couples who want to marry.

In Sacramento, a major rally is being organized by Equality Action NOW for Monday, Feb. 16, which is the Presidents' Day holiday. Among some of the expected speakers include stars like Julia Louis-Dryfus, George Takei and the people behind the movie "American Beauty." Leading up to the major rally, the people behind Equality California (unrelated to Equality Action Now) is starting a Tell 3 campaign to encourage people to tell three friends they're gay, so more people can be out and proud.

It's a lot happening this month, but I hope you check out the events and show your support. The oral arguments before the state Supreme Court is next month on March 5. So let's start building the momentum today.

Learn more about the Sacramento rally on Presidents' Day at the Equality Action NOW site here.

Buh-Bye Jeff Kent, Don’t Let The Door Hit Ya!

OK, you’re probably wondering what a post about the retirement of baseball player Jeff Kent of the LA Dodgers has to do with Prop. 8? Well, it’s because I just read an article saying Kent, who played many years in San Francisco for the Giants, donated $15,000 to the Yes on 8 campaign last year.

Kent’s name was one of many released by the state on Monday after a court ruled that the information should not be withheld—something being pushed by Prop. 8 supporters who said they’ve been harassed and threatened because they donated to the proposition.

More on Kent later. But first I want to say how silly it is for Prop. 8 supporters to want to hide behind secrecy if they’ve stepped forward to back a controversial proposition. If you’re not willing to stand up for your principles, it makes me wonder how much you really believe in them?

These aren’t donors who dropped, say, $100. They’re people who spent more than $1,000 to have discrimination written into the state Constitution. I feel that people donating less than $100 is really like those in the crowd who raise their hands when asked who supports something. But when you donate $1,000 or more, which is a lot of money for me since I make very little, then you’re really sticking your head out and should be willing to stand up to the criticism.

On the other side of things, I don’t condone violence, which includes verbal and physical threats. I don’t believe in that, but I do support boycotts as a form of expressing one’s dissatisfaction against someone. The other threats should be reported to the authorities, but the fear of threats shouldn’t mean our voting system and related financial support should be shielded in secrecy.

As for Kent, I love the San Francisco Giants, which I consider to be my home team. But I never liked Kent when he played here. He was always arrogant and cocky, even though he tries to play the “good ole’ boy” image. I’m not surprised that he would support such a hateful proposition. I, for one, won’t miss him on the field.

New York Times article on Prop. 8 donor list.