Same Sex Marriages at San Francisco City Hall, Plus LGBTQ Pride Saturday

Today my daughter and I went down to San Francisco's Civic Center. Ordinarily, I'm not there on a Saturday ... my couch and a good book usually beckons. But, what the hell, it's Pride weekend and I most likely will not make it in tomorrow -- I hate crowds. Guess what? It was crowded in SF at 11:30 already! But we walked around and I took photos. My main goal was to go to City Hall -- yep, they opened today to officiate for all those patiently waiting same-sex couples. San Francisco is very special. Thanks, officials! Gavin Newsom and his team led the way. Thanks all!!

(I purposely use "same-sex couples" instead of gay or lesbian couples because -- they could be bisexual.)

Here's my photo scrapbook ... some of them anyway. Enjoy.

And ...

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HAPPY COUPLES AND THEIR FAMILIES ... SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO THEIR KIDS!!

All photos (c) 2013 K. Smokey Cormier
If you want to enlarge a photo, double-click on it.


Outside of City Hall folks are already celebrating and the SF Pride committee is preparing for the onslaught of thousands and thousands of people tomorrow.

 Food stands are already in operation

The main stage is getting prepared. Sound system is being fine tuned.

Larkin Street Youth - a service for all queer youth

Pinkness

LGBTQ dogs want some attention too, ya know

Now ... inside City Hall ... it's a really beautiful building.

And couples are getting married all over the building. It's got some cool nooks to get married in.

Guests are shooting pictures and filming.

These brides are waiting -- they're next. (I'd be nervous!)

beautiful

Stairway down into the rotunda.

Under this dome -- lest we forget -- the bodies of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were lain in state. They were assassinated by Supervisor Dan White.

There they are -- the brides -- post ceremony!

Lots of LGBQ clerics were the greeters throughout the building. Here are three arriving just as my daugher and I were leaving.

What a day! More to come.

Glee: Teenage Dream

This is amazing and wonderful ... a valentine to all the young gay men out there ...



[If it doesn't stream smoothly, go right here.]

Ms. Manitoba has lived through severe homophobia. This video made me sob. I cried for sadness and joy. Sadness for all the young ones who have lost their lives because of homophobia. Joy that we have come at least this far. In my day, Lee Grant couldn't say "pregnant" on her TV show and now we have this. I am thankful. More road to go, however.

When do I get to vote on YOUR marriage?

Leah Garchik is reporting in her column today (sfgate.com) in the San Francisco Chronicle:

P.S.: As to fashion statements, Donald Currie saw the T-shirt in the window of the In-Jean-ious Lounge on Castro Street: "When do I get to vote on YOUR marriage?"

I REALLY REALLY WANT ONE OF THOSE T SHIRTS!!

I may even drive into San Francisco tomorrow to get one. I better call first and have them hold one for me.