This morning, the California Supreme Court, by a 6-1 vote, upheld Proposition 8, which added a section to the California Constitution providing "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
The court also unanimously held that the new constitutional provision applies only prospectively, and does not affect the continued validity of the estimated 18,000 marriages of same-sex couples that occurred prior to November 5, 2008, when the new constitutional provision took effect.
This decision highlights the very serious flaw in our initiative process that allows us to eliminate rights for classes of people so easily. We may be sad, angry, and even incredulous over this decision. But one thing is certain: marriage equality will come to California, as well as the entire nation. And we now have 18,000 legally married same-sex couples to stand with us in this quest.
A number of local, state, and national actions are planned in the wake of the decision. Find out more about these actions here.
If you are in, or close to, Marin County and cannot make it to San Francisco for any of the large rallies, Spectrum and Dan Miller invite you to gather on the garden patio at the Panama Hotel, 4 Bayview Street, San Rafael on Tuesday evening, May 26, from 5:30 - 7:00 PM (no-host bar, light appetizers). Location of Panama Hotel (map)
RALLY THIS SATURDAY IN FRESNO! MEET IN THE MIDDLE FOR EQUALITY to galvanize our forces with a day of unity of all peoples - gay and straight alike. Our peaceful events, including our Equality March and our Equality Rally, share the theme of "United for Equailty". Join with us and then take our vision back to your own communities where we can work together to change our world to include federal level equality, access & justice for all.
MARIN COMMUNITY FORUM, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 7-9 PM, ACQUA HOTEL, MILL VALLEY: Join Spectrum at this community forum featuring a panel of speakers, including Terry Stewart, an attorney who was on the legal team that argued to overturn Proposition 8 before the California Supreme Court. More info coming -- stay up to date by visiting Spectrum's website.
We must continue to believe that justice will prevail.
We must continue to have conversations about marriage equality, and how important they are to us all -- gay and straight alike. Because we know that the conversations are what change the hearts and minds of our friends, families, and neighbors.
We must channel our angry energy toward achieving our goal of equality for all.
I am thinking about a couple of lines from the poem "What I Have Learned So Far" by Mary Oliver:
Can one be passionate about the just, the
ideal, the sublime, and the holy, and yet commit
to no labor in its cause? I don't think so.
All summations have a beginning, all effect has a
story, all kindness begins with the sown seed.
Thought buds toward radiance. The gospel of
light is the crossroads of -- indolence, or action.
Be ignited, or be gone.
Be ignited. Join the cause. Don't give up.
Paula Pilecki
Executive Director
Spectrum LGBT Center
www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
California State Supreme Court will file its decision regarding Proposition 8 on May 26
ATTENTION MARIN COUNTY: Regardless of which way the decision goes, there will be a gathering in the outdoor patio at Panama Hotel, 4 Bayview Street, San Rafael on Tuesday night, 5:30 - 7:00 PM. If you're not heading in to the City, stop on by and join us. No-host bar and food.
Regardless of the decision, a series of actions will be occurring throughout the state (as well as the country) on Monday night and all day Tuesday. The following information was taken from the San Francisco Community Center's action email. For details on other actions throughout the state and country, visit www.dayofdecision.com.
Events and Actions
EVE of Decision Day
Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Grace Cathedral
100 California Street San Francisco
The night before the announcement of the California Supreme Court’s decision, the Bay Area community is invited to attend an evening of songs and meditation that will center our hearts on peace, healing and understanding. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*.
Day of Decision
Service/Blessing on Decision Day: 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
St. Francis Lutheran Church
152 Church St. San Francisco, across from Castro Safeway
The morning of the decision, Bay Area community members are invited to hear encouraging music and words from community leaders, testimonies from married couples and blessings for those who will be participating in protests or rallies. There will be a march from the church, stopping at the Center and continuing onto Civic Center Plaza. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*.
March to Civic Center Plaza: 9:15 a.m.
Meet at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street @ Octavia
www.sfcenter.org
415.865.5649
On the day of the decision, join fellow Bay Area community members at the Center to march to Civic Center Plaza in unity and preparation for the verdict.
Alternatively, prior to 10:00 a.m., on the Court’s steps (350 McAllister St) you are invited to stand in unity to receive the ruling.
Press Conference covering the California Supreme Court’s Decision
10:30 a.m.
South Light Court, San Francisco City Hall
http://www.nclrights.org/ and http://www.sfgov.org/
Attorneys, joined by religious and civil rights leaders, will discuss the impact of the court’s decision and the next steps moving forward.
Representatives Include:
Evening Rally, March and Gathering
Across the nation several communities will hold gatherings on the day of the decision for us to peacefully share our emotions with one another, show our continuing support for marriage equality and prepare to take the necessary steps to move forward. Emceed by Stuart Gaffney, John Lewis, Lawrence Ellis, Molly McKay and Davina Kotulski.
Rally:
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: San Francisco City Hall
March:
Time: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Location: City Hall to End at MLK memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens
Community Gathering:
6:45 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: MLK memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens
Saturday May 30th
Meet in the Middle 4 Equality: 1:00 p.m., Fresno
Meet in the Middle 4 Equality calls for an effort to knit a community that cries for FULL Access, Equality & Justice 4 ALL. Regardless of the decision meet on the steps of City Hall in downtown Fresno at 1pm. Busses leave from the San Francisco LGBT Community Center to Fresno at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. To RSVP for a seat on the bus, and for more information, visit http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/.
Sunday May 31st
The weekend following the court decision, clergy and worship leaders are encouraged to address the theological, social and emotional effects of the court decision during their worship service. A liturgy will be provided for congregations to use during their worship time. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*
*The coalition of co-sponsors also includes Jewish Mosaic, California Council of Churches, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Freedom in Christ Church of San Francisco, Metropolitan Community Church, The Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California, Glide Memorial Church, Marriage Equality USA, and the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the Pacific School of Religion.
Regardless of the decision, a series of actions will be occurring throughout the state (as well as the country) on Monday night and all day Tuesday. The following information was taken from the San Francisco Community Center's action email. For details on other actions throughout the state and country, visit www.dayofdecision.com.
Events and Actions
EVE of Decision Day
Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Grace Cathedral
100 California Street San Francisco
The night before the announcement of the California Supreme Court’s decision, the Bay Area community is invited to attend an evening of songs and meditation that will center our hearts on peace, healing and understanding. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*.
Day of Decision
Service/Blessing on Decision Day: 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
St. Francis Lutheran Church
152 Church St. San Francisco, across from Castro Safeway
The morning of the decision, Bay Area community members are invited to hear encouraging music and words from community leaders, testimonies from married couples and blessings for those who will be participating in protests or rallies. There will be a march from the church, stopping at the Center and continuing onto Civic Center Plaza. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*.
March to Civic Center Plaza: 9:15 a.m.
Meet at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street @ Octavia
www.sfcenter.org
415.865.5649
On the day of the decision, join fellow Bay Area community members at the Center to march to Civic Center Plaza in unity and preparation for the verdict.
Alternatively, prior to 10:00 a.m., on the Court’s steps (350 McAllister St) you are invited to stand in unity to receive the ruling.
Press Conference covering the California Supreme Court’s Decision
10:30 a.m.
South Light Court, San Francisco City Hall
http://www.nclrights.org/ and http://www.sfgov.org/
Attorneys, joined by religious and civil rights leaders, will discuss the impact of the court’s decision and the next steps moving forward.
Representatives Include:
- S.F. City Attorney Dennis Herrera and Therese Stewart, San Francisco Chief Deputy City Attorney
- Kate Kendell, Executive Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights and Shannon Minter, Legal Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights
- Elizabeth Gill, Staff Attorney, ACLU LGBT & AIDS Project
- Eva Paterson, President, Equal Justice Society, AMICI
- Raymond C. Marshall of Bingham McCutchen on behalf of civil rights groups the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, the California State Conference of the NAACP, Equal Justice Society, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc., amici
- Geoff Kors, Executive Director and Andrea Shorter, Coalition Coordinator, Equality California
- Tawal Panyacosit, Director, API Equality
- Rev. Rick Schlosser, Executive Director, California Council of Churches, amici
- Same-sex couples
Evening Rally, March and Gathering
Across the nation several communities will hold gatherings on the day of the decision for us to peacefully share our emotions with one another, show our continuing support for marriage equality and prepare to take the necessary steps to move forward. Emceed by Stuart Gaffney, John Lewis, Lawrence Ellis, Molly McKay and Davina Kotulski.
Rally:
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: San Francisco City Hall
March:
Time: 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM
Location: City Hall to End at MLK memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens
Community Gathering:
6:45 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: MLK memorial in Yerba Buena Gardens
Saturday May 30th
Meet in the Middle 4 Equality: 1:00 p.m., Fresno
Meet in the Middle 4 Equality calls for an effort to knit a community that cries for FULL Access, Equality & Justice 4 ALL. Regardless of the decision meet on the steps of City Hall in downtown Fresno at 1pm. Busses leave from the San Francisco LGBT Community Center to Fresno at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. To RSVP for a seat on the bus, and for more information, visit http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/.
Sunday May 31st
The weekend following the court decision, clergy and worship leaders are encouraged to address the theological, social and emotional effects of the court decision during their worship service. A liturgy will be provided for congregations to use during their worship time. Sponsored by The Bay Area Coalition for Welcoming Congregations, California Faith for Equality, and Equality California*
*The coalition of co-sponsors also includes Jewish Mosaic, California Council of Churches, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Freedom in Christ Church of San Francisco, Metropolitan Community Church, The Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California, Glide Memorial Church, Marriage Equality USA, and the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at the Pacific School of Religion.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Color of Funny Comedy
Special 1/2 price ticket sale on The Color of Funny Comedy show tickets for SPECTRUM friends!
Discount code word: Spectrum
San Francisco - Wed May 27 @ Victoria Theatre:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66684
Santa Cruz - Fri May 29 @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66688
Berkeley - Sat May 30 @ Julia Morgan Center:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66695
Performers:
Diane Amos, Ali Mafi, Mimi Gonzalez, Joe Nguyen, Dhaya Lakshminarayan,
Nathan Habib, Lisa Geduldig
Show info: http://www.koshercomedy.com
Discount code word: Spectrum
San Francisco - Wed May 27 @ Victoria Theatre:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66684
Santa Cruz - Fri May 29 @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66688
Berkeley - Sat May 30 @ Julia Morgan Center:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/66695
Performers:
Diane Amos, Ali Mafi, Mimi Gonzalez, Joe Nguyen, Dhaya Lakshminarayan,
Nathan Habib, Lisa Geduldig
Show info: http://www.koshercomedy.com
Bay Area Get Together for Gender Variant Kids & Families
What: Picnic in the Park
Where: Corte Madera Town Park, Corte Madera, CA
When: 11-ish to 2-3-ish, Saturday June 20th
Who: Families with children anywhere on the gender variance spectrum. If you live near the Bay Area or plan to be in town that weekend, we'd love to have you join us.
More What: This will be a great chance to gather, enjoy a nice lunch in a beautiful park that has play structures for both younger and older kids as well as playing fields for any other types of activities. We're hoping that this Southern Marin County location will be central-ish for the families living in the Bay Area or who live a bit further and would like to join us that day.
What to Bring: A picnic lunch for your family and snacks to share, if you like. Any kind of park like playing things. Should we organize some games?
What to do Next: Please let us know if you think you'll be able to make it and how many of you there will be. We want to be sure to secure a spot in the park big enough to accommodate all of us. We'll send reminders and any additional details closer to the date.
Contact Lisa with questions or to RSVP: lisant@mindspring.com
Where: Corte Madera Town Park, Corte Madera, CA
When: 11-ish to 2-3-ish, Saturday June 20th
Who: Families with children anywhere on the gender variance spectrum. If you live near the Bay Area or plan to be in town that weekend, we'd love to have you join us.
More What: This will be a great chance to gather, enjoy a nice lunch in a beautiful park that has play structures for both younger and older kids as well as playing fields for any other types of activities. We're hoping that this Southern Marin County location will be central-ish for the families living in the Bay Area or who live a bit further and would like to join us that day.
What to Bring: A picnic lunch for your family and snacks to share, if you like. Any kind of park like playing things. Should we organize some games?
What to do Next: Please let us know if you think you'll be able to make it and how many of you there will be. We want to be sure to secure a spot in the park big enough to accommodate all of us. We'll send reminders and any additional details closer to the date.
Contact Lisa with questions or to RSVP: lisant@mindspring.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
SPECTRUM LGBT CENTER HOSTS FREE NETWORKING EVENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Paula Pilecki, Executive Director, Spectrum LGBT Center
(415) 457-1115 ext. 209
SPECTRUM LGBT CENTER HOSTS FREE NETWORKING EVENT
Mixer at Integrated Design Studio in Mill Valley offers a unique meet-up opportunity for business and community members.
Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of networking for businesses and community members at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM.
Everyone is invited; there is no charge to participate. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions.
“During these uncertain economic times, networking is important not just for businesses, but for the entire community,” says Paula Pilecki, Executive Director of Spectrum, the North Bay’s nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality and justice for LGBT people. “Spectrum has contact with a particular market niche – LGBT people and the supportive community surrounding them – that makes this kind of networking event attractive to local business.”
Marketing surveys conducted over the past few years indicate that LGBT people prefer to do business with companies and brands that demonstrate support for the gay community. A 2007 survey conducted by market research firms Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs Communications revealed that two-thirds of LGBT adults would be very or somewhat likely to remain loyal to a brand they believed to be very friendly and supportive to the gay community - even when less friendly companies may offer lower prices or be more convenient.
The 2007 survey concludes that LGBT people “remain loyal to companies that support causes that are important to them, and are highly motivated to learn about corporate social responsibility in all its forms. They are among consumers most motivated to vote with their dollars." (HarrisInteractive.com)
Sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio, the networking mixer will showcase at least two dozen businesses representing a diverse offering of services, from insurance to real estate to landscape design and improvement.
Confirmed businesses to date include: AAA – Larkspur; Anspach Financial Group; B2B Incentivz/ Ohmy Advisors; Balance & Zumba Marin; Bank of Marin; Bay Area Community Resources, The Business Writing Company; Don Kline Financial & Insurance Services; Finch's Flowers; The Girls in the Vineyard; IHOP - San Rafael; Indulge Caterers; Integrated Design Studio; Irwin-Wells Associates; Jen Pennington, Pacific Union; Katharine Holland, Coldwell Banker; London Productions; Marin Country Day School; Marti Guerra, Alain Pinel Realtors; Marin Local Music; Mountain Biking Marin; Mountain Play Association; PG&E PrideNetwork; Paula Helene Beard Tax Practice; Robert Wintrode, Northwestern Mutual; Shepard Design Associates; Toyota Marin/Scion Marin; Virtual Simplicity; and The Yardsquad.
To participate in Spectrum’s networking event, contact Andre Morand at (415) 381-9500 or by email: andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org.
CONTACT: Paula Pilecki, Executive Director, Spectrum LGBT Center
(415) 457-1115 ext. 209
SPECTRUM LGBT CENTER HOSTS FREE NETWORKING EVENT
Mixer at Integrated Design Studio in Mill Valley offers a unique meet-up opportunity for business and community members.
Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of networking for businesses and community members at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM.
Everyone is invited; there is no charge to participate. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions.
“During these uncertain economic times, networking is important not just for businesses, but for the entire community,” says Paula Pilecki, Executive Director of Spectrum, the North Bay’s nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting equality and justice for LGBT people. “Spectrum has contact with a particular market niche – LGBT people and the supportive community surrounding them – that makes this kind of networking event attractive to local business.”
Marketing surveys conducted over the past few years indicate that LGBT people prefer to do business with companies and brands that demonstrate support for the gay community. A 2007 survey conducted by market research firms Harris Interactive and Witeck-Combs Communications revealed that two-thirds of LGBT adults would be very or somewhat likely to remain loyal to a brand they believed to be very friendly and supportive to the gay community - even when less friendly companies may offer lower prices or be more convenient.
The 2007 survey concludes that LGBT people “remain loyal to companies that support causes that are important to them, and are highly motivated to learn about corporate social responsibility in all its forms. They are among consumers most motivated to vote with their dollars." (HarrisInteractive.com)
Sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio, the networking mixer will showcase at least two dozen businesses representing a diverse offering of services, from insurance to real estate to landscape design and improvement.
Confirmed businesses to date include: AAA – Larkspur; Anspach Financial Group; B2B Incentivz/ Ohmy Advisors; Balance & Zumba Marin; Bank of Marin; Bay Area Community Resources, The Business Writing Company; Don Kline Financial & Insurance Services; Finch's Flowers; The Girls in the Vineyard; IHOP - San Rafael; Indulge Caterers; Integrated Design Studio; Irwin-Wells Associates; Jen Pennington, Pacific Union; Katharine Holland, Coldwell Banker; London Productions; Marin Country Day School; Marti Guerra, Alain Pinel Realtors; Marin Local Music; Mountain Biking Marin; Mountain Play Association; PG&E PrideNetwork; Paula Helene Beard Tax Practice; Robert Wintrode, Northwestern Mutual; Shepard Design Associates; Toyota Marin/Scion Marin; Virtual Simplicity; and The Yardsquad.
To participate in Spectrum’s networking event, contact Andre Morand at (415) 381-9500 or by email: andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org.
####
ABOUT SPECTRUM: Founded in 1982, Spectrum LGBT Center promotes acceptance, understanding, safety, and full inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For more information, visit www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: Spectrum’s Business and Community Networking Night
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Integrated Design Studio, 219 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
COST: Free
RSVP to Andre Morand, andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org or (415) 381-9500.
MORE INFO: www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org
Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of business and community networking at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM. This is a free event open to the entire community. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions. The networking event is sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio. RSVP and more info: Andre Morand, (415) 381-9500; andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.org.
Please re-post.
ABOUT SPECTRUM: Founded in 1982, Spectrum LGBT Center promotes acceptance, understanding, safety, and full inclusion for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. For more information, visit www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org.
FOR CALENDAR EDITORS:
WHAT: Spectrum’s Business and Community Networking Night
WHEN: Thursday, May 21, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Integrated Design Studio, 219 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
COST: Free
RSVP to Andre Morand, andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.o
MORE INFO: www.spectrumLGBTcenter.org
Spectrum Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Center invites you to an evening of business and community networking at Integrated Design Studio (IDS), 219 Shoreline Drive, Mill Valley on Thursday, May 21, 6-8 PM. This is a free event open to the entire community. Food, wine, and a raffle will round out the festivities at IDS, which boasts a lovely outdoor garden patio perfectly suited for social events and special occasions. The networking event is sponsored by Bank of Marin and Integrated Design Studio. RSVP and more info: Andre Morand, (415) 381-9500; andre@spectrumLGBTcenter.o
Please re-post.
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