Earlier today, 12pm – 4pm:
A flurry of text messages from one person to another flew along the Sacramento gay text tree.

Barry to me: “FWD: Candlelight vigil for equality on the steps of the capitol from 5 to 6. Please come and show your support. Bring candles. Pass this on!”

I passed this on and added it to LGBT Sacto.com.

I did not know how many local people had received this text. I forwarded it on to around ten people nonetheless. I was sure that it was only going to be a small gathering of like-minded activists.

Leading up to the 5pm start time, there were following text messages that caused some confusion on where to meet and whether it was still happening. Worried, I did my own text messaging to a few friends, including to the one who originally text messaged me.

From Rachel to me: “Actually, the vigil has been canceled. We don’t want to appear like we’ve given up. Ballots are still being counted. Keep hope alive!”

Me to Barry: “Oh no! Rachel just texted and said that the vigil is canceled. Is this true?”

Barry to me: “Not that I have heard. I don’t care if I am the only one. I will be there.”  I was relieved to hear this.

From Rachel to me: “I’m sorry about this – new location for vigil 2night – Lambda Center at 5pm. 1927 L Street.”

There seemed to be mixed messages, but that was expected for a spur-of-the-moment vigil. I chose to go to the Gay and Lesbian Center instead of the Capital.

Earlier today, Gay & Lesbian Center, 5pm:
Looking back at the event, I think: Wow! People gathered, then more came, then more, and more, and more. We all listened to a small motivating speech about the future of our rights, motivations, and goals. This was very inspiring. We then marched around the block chanting “What do we want? Equality! NOW.” Over and over. We echoed off the buildings and down the streets. People honked their horns and yelled out of windows. People were on the corners taking pictures and videos on their phones. It was very exciting and thrilling. At one moment, I even became emotional.

We held our candles as we chanted for over an hour, waiting for the news stations to arrive. They eventually did, but I did not see them. I did see the helicopter, police, and riot truck. I received calls from roommates and family: “You are on the news! I did not think it would be so big. How exciting!“

The camaraderie is what touched me the most tonight. I was surrounded by friends and queers alike, coming together for the same cause: Our rights; to let Sacramento and California know that we are not second-class citizens! I want to say thank you to everyone for tonight.

Equality Action Now is a new website created this week: equalityactionnow.org
Please visit, join, and contribute where you can.

It is too early to post videos from the event, but I will post them as they surface. Stay tuned..

See also…
News10: Sacramento Prop 8 Vigil Draws Hundreds, Closes Streets
SacBee: Crowd gathers in Sacramento to voice opinions on Prop 8 vote
SacBee: Sacramento rally protests Proposition 8
KCRA: Police Prepare Riot Gear At ‘No On 8′ Vigil