Queer
Speaking Out for Equal Rites and Against Proposition 8
May 26th
On May 26th, the California Supreme Court issued its ruling on the validity of the Proposition 8 ballot initiative and upheld a voter-mandated ban on same-sex marriage. The 6-1 decision will allow the state constitution to define marriage as only that between a man and a woman. Demonstrations to protest discrimination have been taking place throughout the day in California and elsewhere in the nation. In San Francisco, police arrested more than 150 protesters for blocking an intersection near City Hall shortly after the ruling was announced.
Here in Santa Cruz, hundreds of people of rallied at 5pm at the Town Clock and marched a short distance. Read More and View Photos
Rally in Santa Cruz Against Proposition 8
Nov 15th
On November 15th, hundreds of people rallied in Santa Cruz to protest the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The rally, which began at the Santa Cruz County Courthouse and ended at the Clock Tower, was part of nation and worldwide events against the passage of California’s Proposition 8 and other anti-gay legislation in the November U.S. elections. Read More and View Photos | More Photos
Watsonville Shines at First Annual LGBTI Pride Celebration
Aug 24th
People throughout the Monterey Bay Area marched, danced, and sang, with style and grace, at the historic, first annual, Watsonville LGBTI Pride Celebration on August 24th. Many families and youth took part in the march and rally, as well as non-profit, community and religious organizations. The most flamboyant marchers may have been Grupo Horizontes, a social support group in Watsonville and Santa Cruz for gay and bisexual Latinos that works to elevate personal esteem and mutual respect within the queer community with a focus on personal identity. The Brown Berets, perhaps the most recognizable organization in Watsonville, received a loud applause they marched into the plaza with a spray-paint banner that translates from spanish to english as, “Liberation for All of the Oppressed.” Read More and View Photos
Dykes Rally and March in Santa Cruz without Sponsors or Permits
May 31st
The 16th annual Santa Cruz Dyke March took place on May 31st to increase lesbian visibility and activism. The gathering, unsponsored and unpermitted, began at the clock tower and featured local poets and musicians. After a three and a half hour rally, queers from near and far, and allies, marched down Front St. to Laurel St. and then up Pacific Ave. while spectators lined the sidewalks. Read More and View Photos
