Dr. Betty Sullivan’s Gift Guide for Valentines Pages 10 and 11
Bay Times photographers take us ‘round About in Photos Page 12
New! Astrology & Advice Columns Page 17
The LGBTQ Newspaper and Events Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area | July 28 2011 www.sfbaytimes.com
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Prop 8 Unconstitutional
Celebration in Castro After Proposition 8 Goes Down
PHOTO BY RIN K
Bayard Rustin Coalition co-chair Andrea Shorter spoke at the Prop 8 Decision Victory Party at the LGBT Center on Feb. 7.
By Dennis McMillan
Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis along with Teresa Howe and Christin Orbin (center) stood with a throng of celebrants outside the Federal Courthouse when the Prop 8 decision was announced Tuesday, February 7.
The federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled 2-1 on Tuesday that Proposition 8, the California constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008 that stripped the freedom to marry from same-sex couples, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. It is the first time in the nation’s history that a federal appeals court has struck down a statewide ban on marriage for same-sex couples. In 2010, US District Judge Vaughn Walker invalidated the measure, con-
cluding that it violates the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. Proponents of Prop 8 appealed the decision in the Ninth Circuit, which resulted in this week’s decision. The panel additionally rejected a motion that Judge Walker should have excused himself from the case because he is gay. “Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to of-
ficially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples,” wrote US Circuit Judge Stephen Reinhardt. “The Constitution simply does not allow for laws of this sort.” Back in 2008, the controversial proposition was approved by 52 percent of the state’s voters and amended California’s Constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. Reinhardt this week wrote, “By using their initiative power to target a
minority group and withdraw a right that it possessed, without a legitimate reason for doing so, the people of California violated the Equal Protection Clause” of the federal Constitution. “We hold Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional on this ground.” He based the ruling on Romer v. Evans, a 1996 Supreme Court decision that invalidated an amendment to the Colorado Constitution that prohibited any tier of government from enacting anti-discrimination measures protecting LGBTQ individuals. (continued on page 17
Sweet Inspiration: Mom and Pop, Castro Style
PHOTOS BY S TE VEN UNDE RHIL L
/SFBayTimes
PHOTO BY RIN K
February 9-22, 2012 | www.sfbaytimes.com
Celebrants took to the streets after this week’s monumental Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. In San Francisco, a victory party was held at the San Francisco LGBT Commun it y Center at 5pm on Tuesday. “We are thrilled that the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down Proposition 8, aff irming retired Chief US District Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional,” said Community Center Executive Director Rebecca Rolfe. “This is not just the right decision based on law, but it is the right decision to bring fairness and equality to thousands of same-sex couples throughout the State of California.” The stage was set with many placards stating: “Liberty, Justice, and Equal Marriage;” “We All Deserve the Freedom to Marry;” and “Strike Down Prop 8.” The Rainbow f lag waved triumphantly. The Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band played Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” as if to musically urge: “Don’t stop believin’” in marriage equality and “Hold on to the feelin’” that one day we queers will no longer be second class citizens.
Sister Dana with friends Karen Lee Jaffe aka Kitty Tapata, Sister Hellen Wheels, and Lori
Performing artist Liz Primo surrounded by her dancers at the End Up
With its inviting, old fashioned glass case full of delectable desserts, it’s no wonder that many happy couples have lingered, and fallen in love, at Sweet Inspiration on 2239 Market Street in the heart of the Castro. One such story concerns the Bay Times’ own Juan Torres.
While such romantic cake chemistry remains a mystery, it’s clear that Sweet Inspiration is a treasured mom and pop establishment, Castro style. Business partners Michael Colter and Wendy Mogg both have out, queer children and Mogg is openly bisexual.
On his first date with his now partner, Chris Shaffer, Torres had dinner, but then stopped by Sweet Inspiration for dessert. The warm atmosphere proved to be just the right romantic
elixir, with the two men staying for hours, talking, laughing and enjoying the good vibes. They have been together ever since. Could there be some secret love potion in such heavenly desserts as their chocolate cake with a chocolate mousse filling, raspberry sauce, vanilla cream frosting and fresh raspberries? Or maybe the combination of fresh oranges, vanilla and cream cheese in their Orange Cake somehow spins magic?
“Establishing ourselves as business people in the LGBTQ community invites deepening relationships, reaffirms our children’s paths and reminds us each day how fortunate we are to live in such a progressive city
with such a well-established LGBTQ presence,” Colter told the Bay Times. He and Mogg took over Sweet Inspiration last year, and have since been working to turn it into a vibrant, thriving spot. “Our plan was not to come in and remodel or change what the community had come to know and love,” Colter explains. “It was to repair, revitalize and reinvigorate in a way that the regulars would appreciate while opening our doors to other communities to come and join us.” (continued on page 17)
Dozens upon dozens of people took the microphone to have their say, proclaim victory, and warn that the fight for equality is far from over. Kelly Rivera Hart acted as emcee, bringing people to the stage. Notably, Andrea Shorter of the Bayard Rustin Coalition pointed out that the day of that victorious decision was approaching Black History Month. Sister Merry Peter of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Inc. noted that Canada (her original homeland) had become the fourth country in the world and the first country in the Americas to legalize same-sex marriage. (continued on page 17)