On July 6, 2006, when the New York Court of Appeals handed down its execrable decision in Hernandez v. Robles, in which it denied same-sex couples the "fundamental right" -- in the opinion's own words -- to civil marriage based on the "assumption" (again, quoting) that "marriage is important to the welfare of children" and because the State of New York had a compelling interest in depriving a segment of its own citizenry their rights in order to encourage the other 90-something percent to have responsible relationships, I joined a throng of angry protesters in Greenwich Village's Sheridan Square to give voice to my rage.
Tonight, all across Oregon, same-sex couples and fair-minded supporters are gathered in candlelight vigils to protest the unnecessary delay that was placed on the state's new domestic partnership law.
And where am I?
Home eating a pork chop.
Look, I'm there in spirit, okay? At the New York protest, it was a) summer and nice, b) on my way home from work, c) light out, d) in close proximity to any number of good bars and I didn't have to drive, and e) there was a good chance of seeing hot guys, like Empire State Pride Agenda's Chris Cormier or Search for Love's Joel Derfner (woof!).
In contrast, the Portland location for the vigil is in southeast. For you non-Cascadians, this is the equivalent of Park Slope. Okay, fine, it's just across the river, but it's in the wrong direction and, like Samantha on Sex and the City says, "I don't do borough." I mean, if someone found an ancient pirate map of Portland, over southeast it would say, "HERE BE ANGRY LESBIANS WITH STROLLERS, YAARRR." Not my scene. Did I mention it's: dark, cold and raining?
So here's my candlelight vigil, Beaverton-style. (Like the shirt? I thought you would.) I'm having a lovely glass of Côtes du Rhône and listening to Barbra. Up yours, Alliance Defense Fund!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
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8 comments:
> Did I mention it's: dark, cold and raining?
Hey, you're the one who wanted to move to Portland.
I'm with you on this one Andy. Another problem with the vigil: They scheduled it for 5:30. I mean, who can attend something like this at 5:30? The unemployed? (It's some weird Portland affectation, I think. Portlanders always schedule public events like this way too early in the evening, as though everyone has to be back home and tucked in bed by 9 pm or something.)
OMG I was at the Greenwich Village protest! We were there together without even realizing it!
OMG you are so not a bear.
You're looking good...have you been working out?
5:30 PM: Lots of Portland gay partners, expecially the lesbians, have kids, and like to bring them to rights-events (according to multiferous moms I have talked to at the two gradeshools) ... so, yes, this is "cut out of work a little early and keep the kids up a smidge late" scheduling ... plus then you might get on the live newscasts. Family-friendly is supposed to be what it's all about, right?
How was the protest in Portland, did it make the news and such?
You didn't really say that about southeast, did you?
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