A letter to family and friends in California

Hi Friends and Family in California,

I'm sorry that in some cases I haven't been in touch with you in some time - I hope all is well in your lives.

I'm writing to you today to urge you to vote No on Proposition 8 on November 4th. Though most of you know that I am very opinionated about politics, I rarely make personal entreaties to friends about the causes I support. This time is different because Proposition 8 is extremely personal to me. I hope you'll hear me out, and encourage you to let me know if I can answer any questions on this subject for you.

I have lived a very lucky life. One of the most profound ways in which I am lucky is that I have two wonderful, supportive parents who are in a loving and strong marriage. And while I have not always been the most traditional person, it is certainly true that I hope one day to follow in their footsteps - to be married to the person I love.

Moreover, I hope that the young gay people of California (and elsewhere, but for our purposes, California) will soon live in a place where their love is admired and supported - where their lives and loves are equal in the eyes of the government. I believe that kids who grow up and come out in such a legal environment will be better-adjusted and more productive members of their society. And I believe that those kids will be more likely to grow up and create the sorts of stable, loving families that are the building blocks of a healthy state.

Proponents of Proposition 8 are running ads talking about how gay marriage will be taught to school children, and flaunting the fact that San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom is kind of a jerk. I hope that you and your friends will not be distracted by these tactics - and they are distractions - and will remember the fact that the question before Californians on November 4th is a matter of civil rights, and of equality under the law. Defeating Proposition 8 will not result in churches being required to conduct gay marriage. It will not change what is taught in California's schools. It will result in your neighbors and coworkers and friends, like me, being treated as equals - for the very first time - under California law.

Another way in which I am lucky is that I have been blessed to be surrounded by intelligent and passionate people - like you. I hope that on November 4th you will think of me and vote No on Proposition 8.

Thanks and love,
Dave

PS - Also, please consider donating to Equality for All's No on 8 campaign. Or consider volunteering with the same organization. Time and money are of the essence - the campaign against Proposition 8 is critically underfunded and outmanned. Your support will make a difference.