Friday, July 04, 2008

First Day of license-issuing for Gay Marriage in SF

About two and a half weeks ago our intern Diana (yep- I'm big-time now- with an intern) and I went down to city hall for the big June 16th marriage celebration (and protest). City Hall started handing out marriage licenses to same-sex couples that evening and the first ceremony was performed!
We couldn't really get to the actual ceremony because it was so crowded and because they were doing their best to keep it at least semi-private, but we were still able to be part of the excitement. It really was so amazing to be there for this. It just felt really historical and I was so proud to have my camera there and be able to capture a few of the reactions from this moment in time.













It felt somewhat draining to go back and forth from experiencing so much excitement and love to feeling so sad about people who have the potential to say such hateful things. . .





We went inside for a little bit and were able to catch a few glimpses of Mayor Newsome (or as Courtney likes to call him, "Cutie Gavin") making a speech at the ceremony.


Some others trying to sneak a peek like us.
There were 3 floors of people gathered around the various ceiling openings trying to see what was happening.


I really like this picture. Not everyone was trying to get close to the action; there were little groups of people scattered all throughout city hall, I guess just wanting to be in the vicinity as these events were taking place.


Most of the action was back outside though.








Holding up a piece of the cake from that first ceremony.








And here is Diana, in true photojournalist pose.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your pictures!

Anonymous said...

ah- thanks!

Anonymous said...

These photos just put me in the best mood. Thanks.