2008.54.1

2008
3.5 in WIDE x 3.5 in DEEP
(8.89 cm WIDE x 8.89 cm DEEP)
2008.54.1


This chain consists of 15 interlocking pieces of construction paper strips, each strip approximately 2'' wide and made into circles approximately 3.5'' in diameter. Scotch tape holds each circle together. The chain was collected at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center on May 16, 2008 - the day when the California Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriage. The celebration began at 5:00 PM that day. The lobbies and stairways were packed with people, who were spilling out onto the streets. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus performed songs such as "Going to the Chapel," the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence mingled with community members in front of the Center, and hors d'oeuvres and champagne were served. In an auditorium, people involved in the movement for same-sex marriage, including Mayor Gavin Newsom, took turns making speeches on a stage. It was in this room that the paper chain was created. A small area was set aside as the "Kid Space," which was intended to entertain children while adults listened to the speeches. A volunteer led the children in this craft project, saying that connecting the paper chain links represented the way in which the legalization of same-sex marriage links together families. Some children took their chains with them, but others hung theirs on the wall or on a railing.

Used: San Francisco LGBT Community Center | Lesbian and Gay Community | Gay rights | Same-sex marriage

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