When gay Californians and their straight allies were battling Proposition 8 last fall, the “No on 8” campaign called on gays and lesbians across the country to contribute money to the cause. The larger gay community came through, and now Protect Maine Equality needs help for the same kind of political fight.

While gay and lesbian Mainers can legally marry in their state, they face an anti-gay marriage initiative this November, with voters now casting absentee ballots. Protect Maine Equality has been gearing up for a tough campaign against anti-gay marriage forces, and the organization has already aired costly TV ads.

So this coming Tuesday, September 15, gays and lesbians in Los Angeles are holding a fundraiser for Protect Maine Equality at the East/West Lounge in West Hollywood.

Scott Schmidt, a gay Republican who worked closely with the “No on 8”

campaign, is one of the co-hosts, along with Darrell Tucci and Trip

Wilmot.

“The right to marry is on the ballot NOW, in Maine,” writes Schmidt in an email. “If we plan on relying on the help of others when our rights return to the ballot (in California), it is our obligation to step up and help our community in Maine.  It is our next and best chance to win a ballot measure on marriage, and the need is immediate.”

One hundred percent of the fundraiser's proceeds will go toward the Protect Maine Equality campaign. The event at East/West Lounge, 8851 Santa Monica Boulevard, will kick off at 7 p.m., with an open bar for the first hour. For more information, check out this link.

Schmidt and his co-hosts want to raise at least $5,000, and the minimum contribution to attend the fund raiser is $30.  Queer Town will be there with bells on.

Contact Patrick Range McDonald at pmcdonald@laweekly.com.

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