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By Felicity Figueroa Photography by Laura Kemp and Eduardo Figueroa
Irvine, California,
September 20, 2008 (Cable Muse Network) –Seven
Straight Nights had a great turnout with over 60 people – teenagers, retirees, singles and families with small
children, gay and straight - and lots of signs, both homemade and official ones from the “No on 8” campaign
(California Proposition 8 is against equal marriage protection for all citizens). We gathered in the Irvine United Congregational Church parking lot and then began our march to the intersection. I think we all
felt hopeful and empowered, walking together with a common purpose and then congregating on the street corner to wave
our signs.
The best part
was the reaction of the public. More car-honks than ever received at our former peace vigils! Plus, there was a Southern California
cross-country tournament going on at the same time at the nearby local high school. Many participants and their family members
stopped to ask about the measure (California’s Ballot against same gender marriage).
One
woman from Camarillo said, "I don't understand how, with the sinking economy, gas prices and two wars, people can
be spending their time worrying about whether two people who love each other can get married. It's ridiculous!" Well
said!
A father
from LA County noted how surprised he was that such an action was taking place in "conservative" Orange County.
He then told us he was an attorney in Los Angeles working on the “No on 8” campaign!
We covered all
four corners of the main intersection and, as it began to get dark, we lit candles and stood for a while before making
the trek back to the church. All-in-all, it was a wonderful event.
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