GAY IE

GAY I E ISSUES:
EQ IE Unity Forum proves local supporters
of marriage can have an impact

Maybe the Inland Empire isn’t a gay dead zone after all.

More than 200 people attended a Unity Forum focusing on marriage rights sponsored by Equality Inland Empire Friday, May 15, at the University of Redlands.

Featured speaker Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, said it was the 11th in a series of town halls in the state, and the best attended. That's an indication that the IE could be a battleground in the fight for marriage rights in California.

Kors and other speakers said those attending the IE meeting could make a difference in the next battle for same-sex marriage rights by telling their stories to friends, co-workers and others to change the hearts and minds of voters. Supporters of marriage can not depend on gay strongholds like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Palm Springs to bring in the vote.

While we wait for the state Supreme Court to issue its opinion on the challenge to Prop 8, Equality California is already anticipating a ballot box rematch with opponents of same-sex marriage.

Kors announced that Equality California would open an office in the Inland Empire and staff it with four organizers to support the work of local advocates. The goal is to “win marriage back and make it real,” Kors said. He said the effort needs to produce a victory so large that opponents will not continue their fight.

Speakers expressed the need for hope Friday night, but it could be a long fight for marriage rights. Observers consider it unlikely that the Supreme Court’s decision due anytime will find a way to overturn a measure approved by the electorate.

Organizers staffing California Equality’s IE office will help with door-to-door canvas campaigns, preparing walk lists and training efforts. They will also attend public events and help build coalitions.

Ironically Friday’s town hall was conducted on the one year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to allow same-sex marriage. All that changed in November when Prop 8 was approved by voters and same-sex marriages stopped.

The town hall, the first event organized by the new Equality IE, opened with a slide show of photos from IE marriages and events protesting of Prop 8.

Equality California’s new TV commercials statewide featuring couples discussing same-sex marriage rights were also screened. See one of the ads here.