2008.54.2

Each of these two signs is made of 8.5'' x 11'' white paper with a message handwritten in crayon. A: The first part of the message is, "LOVE MAKES A FAMILY..." with the "O" in "LOVE" drawn in a heart shape. A round sticker (.5'' diam.) shows a yellow five-pointed star with a smiley face on an orange background. B: The continuation of the message is, "AND THE COURT'S MADE IT LEGAL!!" (note that "court's" is written with an unnecessary apostrophe). A round sticker (.5'' diam.) shows a yellow five-pointed star with a smiley face on a green background. These signs were 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 these signs were displayed. 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 a craft project (see 2008.54.1), and these signs were posted on the wall behind them.

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