2008-11-15 Prop 8 protest at the Vancouver Art Gallery

2008-11-15
When the world was elated with the election of Obama as president of the United States, gay Americans and their supporters were despondent about the anti-gay ballots measures passed in California, Florida, Arizona and Arkansas. . . .

Proposition 8 was particularly troublesome because it revoked previously granted human rights, a first in American history. . . .

When the grassroots "Join the Impact" movement spread around the world, there was still no organizer for the Vancouver event on November 15. I was dismayed with the ignorance and apathy of people around me so I decided to step to the plate. I bought a $100 megaphone and some posters. It took a long time to gather quotes from various people like Martin Luther King, Bayard Rustin, Elie Wiesel, and other notable human rights advocates. . . .

I was surprised that the local leaders of the gay community didn't help me. I got no response from the local Amnesty International. I guess homophobia is still a very difficult subject even in Canada where same-sex marriage is legal. We were fortunate to be joined by Megan Cavanagh, an actress in "Exes and Ohs", along with her TV and her real wife. . . .

The Ubyssey should be very proud of their excellent coverage. They were able to relate this world event to the students and alumni of UBC. The local media was busy with the municipal election that day. About 100 people showed up at the Vancouver Art Gallery which was a pretty good turnout considering the 4-day short notice and the election. Still I wish there were more people who cared. . . .

Video courtesy of the Ubyssey: http://www.ubyssey.ca
http://www.viddler.com/explore/Ubyssey/videos/60/

Category:

News & Politics

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• Ubyssey
• Vancouver
• Art
• Gallery
• prop
• proposition
• Obama
• protests
• California
• Arizona
• Florida
• constitutional
• amendment