We knew it was coming. The decision would be made at a certain time and we decided to prepare. Something we are realizing we need to do more and more every day. In getting older and getting our lives together, we’re seeing that we need to be adults here. Be responsible, support our community and help change happen. My fiance and I wanted to make simple statements that everyone would understand. What do we put on our protest signs?

Several things lead us to our sign slogans. My fiance struggles with recovery from addictions and a troubled childhood every day and I, like many, have lost my job. Unemployment is very slow to come for me and last week we were robbed. Add that to the economic downturn and the fact that our love is not recognized or approved of by many, and you’ve got one hell of an angry lesbian couple.  But, we didn’t want to let our anger at the world affect our message or others. Let’s take the high road. And, besides, all the complaints wouldn’t fit on our cardboard.  

Since we didn’t know what the court would decide on Prop 8 and we wanted to get a head start on our signs, we focused on the simple and true either way. A positive message that would keep our heads in the game.

My fiance, Morgan, the artist that she is, went all out. A sturdy used cardboard posted on a piece of sustainably managed, tree-farmed select pine was a great base for her pencil outlined acrylic medium. She bought some bright polyester and plastic flowers from the Fabric Barn and used wire to attach them to the edges. Beautifully, it framed her slogan of “Peace Love and Equality”. A positive message that will endure the test of time as there will likely be more protests in the future. A very pretty sign with an even prettier woman holding it.

I was having a bit more trouble coming up with something without knowing the court decision. I had an idea but wanted to wait. I have a hard time with many fill-in-the-blank situations. A comedian at heart, I always yearn to fill in something random or silly. Other ideas included: “Your mom is married”, “Seperate and lift” and “I like walking”. After a funny hour of brainstorming, I couldn’t get over myself enough to think of something seriously useful and positive. So, when the decision ended up being to uphold Prop 8, I went with my gut, “Seriously, c’mon”.

When we got to the protest route, I found that my gut was thinking what a lot of others were thinking too. Sure, I got a few glares, but mostly, people laughed. We commiserated over the same emotion and were brought together in these times when we all feel a little beaten down. 

The combination of our two signs made for a great reaction. It seemed to evoke the “Can’t we all just get along” in all of us. It also reminded me that my girl and I are made for each other and we’ll be loving and supporting each other and our community for as long as we both shall live whether California approves or not.”

Note from Editor: This piece was written by Joanna Stanford, one of our new writers. We loved her title (and her sign at the prop 8 rally) so much we decided to make it the title of an ongoing column. A place where Joanna, Shout writers and others can voice their experiences, frustrations and stories that, well, make us think “Seriously C’mon”.

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