Comments on: Neff: Reaching out to Californians

By: AJ

AJ — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:44:08 +0000

Carlos, would you have us punish 100% of the California population for a vote that was so close that the difference could be counted on one hand? I am a native Californian in my 40’s. I was born and raised here, and even during my years here great strides have been made. We are far to close to equality to cut our losses and boycott an entire state. Boycotting the entire state will also not garner understanding or sympathy for our cause in upcoming elections.

We need to show voters that we are people first, human beings that deserve equal rights, ot just “those people.” I am out at work and all my friends and coworkers just love my husband. They see us as a normal couple who just happens to be of the same sex. We don’t have an agenda, nor are we extremely political, but if someone asks how we feel about marriage, I simply point out all the benefits it would supply to us. Many people don’t know any better than to believe it when they’re told that Domestic Partnerships in California have ALL the same benefits of marriage, which is simply not true. Education and understand is the way to go, in my opinion.

By: Nancy, Troy, NY

Nancy, Troy, NY — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:44:49 +0000

Your opinion piece articulates part of the problem. We can’t even get our own families to support us! That is why Cleve Jones’ proposed march on DC on Oct. 11 is so important!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:37:01 +0000

Even though my marriage was spared by the court’s decision, I was heartbroken and angry by it all. And I had a right to be!

Some days I use my anger to power me through intimidating moments when I have to “come out” to near strangers and educate them. Some days are so rough that my anger only manages to get me through marking my gay money. Every little bit helps.

Don’t scold people for being angry.

It was your brother’s job to tell the angry customer that he voted against Prop 8, and to be respectful of the pain and frustration the customer was feeling. And it was your job as a visitor to realize many of us in this state put heart and soul into protecting our right to marry, and have every right to our anger now and every right to needing to vent it that day.

By: Ed Gould

Ed Gould — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 04:23:14 +0000

You forgot option “D”

That should be eliminate confusing and poorly worded referendums.
It is entirely possible that people did not understand the referendum and made it possible for people to sign something that they didn’t mean to sign.

I know it took me about a month of constant reading to figure what the referendum really was for (or against).
You probably lost at least 5-10 percent of the people because of this.
I do sympathize with you and I hope that all Californians will come to see the error of their ways.

By: Jonthan

Jonthan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:32:27 +0000

He was among the 48 percent of the voters in last November’s California election who did not support Prop 8 and, as he left Hot Cookie sadly nibbling on an oatmeal/chocolate chip/walnut cookie, I saw clearly how the GLBT community could lose again on same-sex marriage in November 2010.
===========

Linda Said: June 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 am
If i had a brother that voted against marriage equality…i wouldnt have a brother anymore. How could he vote against you and your partner. And how could you still put up with him!!
========

Re-read. Her brother voted against prop 8.

And that’s exactly the problem. Making the assumption without the facts. Lash out at someone without know what they actually think or feel. Or even worse, not listening to them before making a judgment. Isn’t that what the opposition does?

Anger is justified. Anger without reason is a waste

By: Lesbian atheist

Lesbian atheist — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:47:55 +0000

I disagree. Your argument is based off the belief that you can change someone opinion with a one-on-one heart-to-heart conversation. While, that might work in some cases it will not work for most of the people who voted against equality. Why you ask? Because many of the people that don’t want to give us true equality believe they are right because it is not their belief, but a supernatural father figures belief and they are just following orders. When it comes to that group of people talking is useless.

Marriage equality is under attack
What do we do?
Stand up, fight back!

By: Rick C

Rick C — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:18:56 +0000

There is a lot more to gain with civil discourse and civil disobedience than a bitch slap, people. How can you think otherwise? With the attitudes here, California is a lost cause. We’re dealing with a mature issue and we ought to deal with it maturely.

By: Dr. Peter Evans

Dr. Peter Evans — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:53:33 +0000

Once again, Ms. Neff;

A great, big hug and thank you—

Dr. Peter

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:18:25 +0000

“Given the court ruling, we can A, get more GLBT people and their allies to move to California to vote; B, get more voters to the polls; or C, change votes.”

You forgot choice D, MOVE OUT OF CALIFORNIA. My partner and are doing just that right now. Granted two people won’t make a difference, but it’s another $40K in taxes the state won’t be getting from us. At this point, I can’t WAIT to watch California go bankrupt, especially since those who will bear the brunt of it are those who voted overwhelmingly for Prop 8 (hint, it’s not the wealthy). In the meantime, we’ve stopped all donations to any charities other than the SPCA. The way I feel right now, the entire state can go to hell.

By: Monica Terrell

Monica Terrell — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:45:56 +0000

You gloss over the fact that she says her brother voted against Prop 8 and attack him and suggest he be disowned? Seems like some of you are proving her point.