Hi, I'm Vivian

[viposen]

Hi everyone. I just found this website and am hoping is will provide me ideas what I, as a straight, middle-aged woman, can do in supporting the right for all people to be married. This is not a 'gay' issue, it is a human rights issue.

I'm 50 years old and grew up in Los Angeles, California, where I still live. I am straight, never married and am Jewish. I grew up in a home where my parents always had gay "married" friends; some who were together for more than 50 years. It is a point of pride for me that my parents were open hearted enough to understand that "family" is not specific to a man and woman.

I was shattered by the fact that the people of California chose to pass Prop 8. It seriously tempered my excitement about Barack Obama becoming the first African-American President.

I do believe that it is the heavy influence of "religious" Americans who create a situation where there is no separation of church and state in this country. I want to become a part of the fight against that, through non-violent means. One of the ways I think we can combat this is to boycott Utah and encourage others to do so as well. The Morman Church has disappointed me greatly and lost my respect in their support of Prop 8. Tourism is a primary trade in Utah ... I think we need to look for other places to ski, hike and tour than this state. I think that Sundance should be boycotted, as well as any other high profile events in the state.

Thank you this forum. I hope to learn a lot from you all.

[Alecto]

Welcome.

[BruceChris]

It's always nice to have straight allies

Bruce Chris

[Gennee]

Hi Vivian and welcome . I'm happy you found the site. I'm sure you are thankful for having such kind and open hearted parents.

Gennee

[tdogg]

Hi Vivian, welcome to the Soulforce forums! Glad you found your way here. Sounds like you had awesome parents who taught you compassion and equality. We need more like that. Prop 8 passing has been a difficult thing to deal with. Along with the other anti-equality propositions in Arizona, Florida and the adoption limitations passed in Arkansas. We've had some victories as well, but not quite as sweet as our losses were painful.

You can get involved. Being here is a great thing! Check out Equalityactionnow.org if you are interested in state-wide and local events (and eventually national), and/or would like to volunteer. There are numerous outreach and other actions planned and we need people! It's last minute and would be tough to make, but there is a state-wide rally at the Sacramento state Capitol this Saturday, Nov. 22nd, at 2pm. The organization is expecting 30,000 (might be a high estimate?).

The most important thing you can do is be yourself and talk to others. We need to reach out to those who weren't/aren't sure, maybe voted yes but not entirely convinced it was the right thing to do. We can't wait for the Supreme Court to rule, it's not a sure bet they'll rule against Prop 8.

Anyways, I'm just glad you're here.

Tdogg

[yeskararocks]

Hello Vivian and welcome!
I am really new here as well. I'm 33 and a single lesbian Mom in Los Angeles as well. I share the same opinions as you on the separation of church and state and wanting to be a part of making that more clear. I was raised in a christian household and have struggled pretty much my entire life with guilt and shame for my sexuality. I am coming to the realization that the church really got this one wrong!

I remember being seven or eight years old and praying for God to 'fix me' for thinking the girls at church were so beautiful. There was nothing sexual about it, but the message was already embeded in my young mind and I don't think I ever heard the word gay, yet I already felt ashamed. It was so damaging.

So, here we are! Completely different stories and experiences and we are coming together to achieve a common goal.

Welcome!!

Peace and love,

Kara

[Zerbie]

Originally Posted by viposen

Hi everyone. I just found this website and am hoping is will provide me ideas what I, as a straight, middle-aged woman, can do in supporting the right for all people to be married. This is not a 'gay' issue, it is a human rights issue.
.

Yep. Bingo!

Tdogg knows what's going on in CA regarding Prop 8 protests and community organizing. Plus, keep an eye on Soulforce - they sent out an email today saying to watch for them to announce a new activism project coming soon.

And welcome.