Simone WilsonSurely you've heard the good news by now: Proposition 8 was just overturned by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
And, though the religious zealots at ProtectMarriage will inevitably appeal that decision, it's definitely time to take this Internet party to the streets. LGBT advocates and city officials from both Los Angeles and West Hollywood will host dueling celebration rallies as the sun goes down.
So much party, so little time! Let's compare and contrast:
The “Special Community Event” at Los Angeles City Hall begins at 5 p.m., at which time officials will attempt to squeeze revelers into the lovely circular “rotunda” at the center of the 3rd floor. We're not sure the mayor really knows what he's getting himself into here, but that might be half the fun. (Can this please turn into a sweaty, college-style LGBT dance? Parties are so much more fun in official-looking venues that are normally serious/boring.)
Guest list:
• Antonio Villaraigosa, L.A. mayor
• Bill Rosendahl, gay city councilman
• Dustin Lance Black and Rob Reiner, founding members of the American Foundation for Equal Rights (sole sponsor of the case against Prop. 8)
• California Faith for Equality
• Courage Campaign
• Equality California
• Equal Roots Coalition
• FAIR
• Freedom to Marry
• Jordan/Rustin Coalition
• L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
• Latino Equality Alliance
• Marriage Equality USA
• National Center for Lesbian Rights
That AFER's reps are showing up at L.A. City Hall instead of West Hollywood — like they did the last time Prop. 8 was ruled unconstitutional (sigh; been a long road) — is somewhat of a blow to the county's premiere gayborhood.
NOH8's Adam Bouska picks WeHo.
However, not to be outdone, the small city of WeHo will host its own star-studded “Rally to Respond to Prop 8 Decision” at the much more spacious West Hollywood Park from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
And judging by the invite, which notes that the park is “next to the Abbey” (read: drunken revelry will ensue), WeHo's event will likely out-fabulous L.A.'s, as usual.
Guest list:
• John Duran, West Hollywood mayor
• Adam Bouska, founder of NOH8, most famous/glamorous campaign against Prop. 8
• Love Honor Cherish
• Marriage Equality USA
• Lesbian & Gay Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
• Lambda Legal
• California Faith for Equality
• Latino Equality Alliance
• Stonewall Democratic Club
• Log Cabin Republicans of Los Angeles, behind the overturning of “Don't Ask, Don't Tell”
• GetEQUAL
• Hollywood NOW (National Organization for Women)
• Christopher Street West
• Ecumenical Catholic Church of Riverside
• GLIvyN
• MarriageTrial.com
• Orange County Equality Coalition
• Equal Roots Coalition
Ha! That's, like, five more orgs!
But in all seriousness, this is not a competition. No matter where you end up, the important thing is showing 52 percent of voting Californians how we feel about their unconstitutional bigotry circa 2008 — and celebrating the crap out of this this giant step for mankind.
[@simone_electra / swilson@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]
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