When the State of Maine passed Question 1 (the measure similar to Prop 8 denying same-sex couples the right to marry in their state), my reaction was to ignore it. Last fall, I drove around my rural Northern California hometown with a homemade sign that read something about love being an equal right in the face of yellow Yes on 8 signs on neighbors’ lawns, and even to consider taking in the news that bigotry had won again in Maine felt like too much to handle.
But I had forgotten what last November felt like: the tension, the queasiness, the disbelief and anger. I had forgotten that I could barely stand going to work at City Hall that week, keeping my mouth shut, and so thankful I could escape down to liberal Santa Cruz that following weekend. This week, I remembered, and I wondered if someone in Maine was in the same shock as I was. I wondered if they’d have a place to escape to and know they are loved.
I don’t remember if it was just after last Novemeber’s election or after my proposal in April 2009 that myself or someone else (cousin?) found these earrings on Etsy: Rainbow over Sacramento, Shame on H8. The entire purchase price is donated by the artist to overturn Prop.8 in California. I couldn’t afford them whenever I saw them first, but this week I woke up thinking about Maine, feeling that pit in my stomach, and decided to buy them.
Purchasing power: I am still grappling with the concept of using capitalism as a mode through which to effect change. And yet, how can it not be when my money goes directly to funding a movement for change, a change for the acceptance of love.
The money may go towards funding California’s freedom to marry as a result of this purchasing power, but, Maine, I bought these for you. I had forgotten what it felt like to have love lose out, and unfortunately you were my stark reminder. I will wear these on my wedding days, legal and not, and remember.
AlaineJewelry on Etsy