NO ON H8 PROTEST

Today the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center organized a news conference in front of the Los Angeles Mormon Temple in response to the Mormon church’s leading role in the deceptive advertising campaign for Prop 8. At the urging of church President Thomas Monson, Mormons contributed more than $15 million to fund the initiative that would repeal the right of same-sex couples to marry. It is unacceptable for the Utah-based Mormon Church, or any religious organization, to attempt to change the constitution of California to deny civil rights to any group of people. The event began as a news conference but turned into a full on rally/protest.

I attended this event as both a protester and photographer. It felt very empowering to be part of the protest. Even in my own family, the hate (and ignorance) on this issue has a place, as my own Dad voted Yes on 8.

Separate is not equal. Domestic Partnership is not the same as marriage. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans people are NOT second class citizens!

Here are some of my photos from the protest:







































Janice Dickinson showed up too - surprisingly solo without any camera crews or entourage - GO JANICE!




For a full set of images from this protest visit my Flickr page.

To keep up to date with protests sponsored by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center go to www.lagaycenter.org.

The Center has launched a new website, InvalidateProp8.org, where you can support efforts to invalidate the measure—and send a message to the Mormon church, which played a leading role in funding the Yes on 8 campaign of lies and distortions.

No On 8 Protest photos by Lydia Marcus
Photographed November 6, 2008 in Westwood, CA