Californians Against Hate has researched and named the top 12 financial contributors to the “Yes on Proposition 8” campaign that heavily influenced people in key states to discriminate against and take away the rights of LGBTQ people in America. For those of you who haven’t been paying attention, Proposition 8 is an amendment to the Constitution that restricts same-sex couples from marrying. Despite all the efforts and progress which allowed and recognized same-sex couples the right to marry, and despite the many same-sex couples who did get married, Proposition 8 overrides all of those marriages. It is amazing to me that our Country still has such a conservative mindset even after electing President Obama, who views all people as equal no matter their sexual orientation.

Recently we asked for reader feedback on why they are against Prop 8 and for gay equality. For more information on this open call for participation and using YOUR voice: Why Are You Against Prop 8? Share Your Stories. Keep your submissions coming, here is Volume III!

Read more of Volume III….

Be sure to check out my favorite column so far of Jarko De Witte van Leewen’s “Four” series called “Bill.” He dedicates this column “to all the brave people who fight for equal rights for GLBT people and couples, and who don’t give up the fight in times of hardship.”

Here is a excerpt:

“We were in our car, driving to the place where a video conference would link us to the family court of Camden County, Pennsylvania for the finalization hearing regarding the adoption of our son Wolf, when I got this SMS from Philip: ‘Yay, we did it! The Senate has passed the bill!’ Two simple sentences that brought silence to my heart, and a smile to my face. “The Senate has passed the bill, Jos,” I said to my husband. It was raining and he was focusing on the road.”

To read more: Four by Jarko De Witte van Leeuwen: “Bill”

Recently we asked for reader feedback on why they are against Prop 8 and for gay equality. For more information on this open call for participation and using YOUR voice: Why Are You Against Prop 8? Share Your Stories. Keep your submissions coming, here is Volume II!

Recently we asked for reader feedback on why they are against Prop 8 and for gay equality. For more information on this open call for participation and using YOUR voice: Why Are You Against Prop 8? Share Your Stories. Keep your submissions coming!

Read more…

Our travel writer, Arthur D. Wright’s new column:

On May 17th, 2004, the first state in the Union to allow same sex marriage is the “Old Colony State,” of Massachusetts. The governor at that time dug up an old law that forbade marriages of same sex couples that did not reside in the state. He subsequently lasted one term and declined to run for office again.

To read more: Same Sex Marriage In Connecticut

Local activist and straight ally, Stephanie Hart, who spoke first in Wilmington, NC’s rally on November 15, 2008’s speech:

“I was not sure what I was going to say. And then late last night I was watching Henry Rollins speak in South Africa, and he also spoke with Desmond Tutu, and they brought up things that inspired me for today.

I quote his holiness, the Dalai Lama, “Ultimately, humanity is one and this small planet is our only home. If we are to protect this home of ours,each of us needs to experience a vivid sense of universal altruism. It is only this feeling that can remove the self-centered motives that cause people to deceive and misuse one another. If you have a sincere and open heart,you naturally feel self-worth and confidence, and there is no need to be fearful of others.”

To read more…

Photos of the Wilmington, NC Against Prop 8 rally – if used on website please credit OutImpact.com.

Article: Wilmington, NC Protests Prop 8 In A National Day of Unity

November 15, 2008 – 1:30p EST – 3:00p

To view more please click on headline.

One-hundred thirty people, both from the gay community and straight allies gathered together in a peaceful protest on a beautiful warm Saturday afternoon in Wilmington, NC at the Federal Building in solidarity with the national protesting of Prop 8 passing in California at 1:30p EST on November 15th. Local organizers Kati Heffield and Mary Eller helped spread the word via social networking sites like Facebook that Wilmington would be represented as part of the estimated 300 cities taking part in the national protest.