Z Politics

Growing up as a young gay man in a small town in Northwest Colorado I was always drawn to California. Maybe it was because I’m half Mexican and there is such a heavy Latin population in California, especially Southern California. Maybe it’s because of after winters that could have over three hundred inches of snow I longed for sunshine and the beach. Or maybe it’s because that’s where gay people lived.

 Today after a four year long battle the California Supreme Court ruled that this states ban on same sex marriage is unconstitutional. This rules effectively says that same sex couples can now get married in the state of California. No more domestic partnerships, no more marriage light. Marriage itself.

When I called my boyfriend of a year and a half to tell him the news I was in shock. As we discussed it I cried.

After rulings that didn’t go our way in New York and Washington state I really wasn’t expecting this. I figured it would be a split ruling. And indeed it was but it was 4-3 vote in our favor!

But this victory will be short lived. It appears that after paying signature gathers the right wings has collected enough signatures to put a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage forever on the ballot in November. If passed it would nullify today’s ruling.

If my boyfriend and I were already living together I would seriously want us to talk about getting married before November, while we can.

But I will fight the proposed ban tomorrow. If it does go on the ballot Barack Obama will have to fend for himself. My efforts will have to stay here in California to fight my most important battle.

But today I am proud to live in California. I am proud of how far we’ve come. I am proud that somewhere in Colorado a young gay boy is looking to California for hope…Just like I did.