Makes Me Want to Cry

“Hey-hey, ho-ho, all the phobia has got to go!” Was the chant from hundreds of gay, lesbian, transgender, and straight supporters of same-sex marriage during a massive march in Hillcrest on Wednesday evening, August 4. The chant was one of many that was heard over the constant sounds of news-channel helicopters and car horns, as the throng of people walked from the heart of Hillcrest at Sixth Avenue and University to the LGBT Community Center on Centre Street.

The procession was in celebration of the decision by chief U.S. Northern District judge Vaughn Walker to overturn Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage; he deemed the proposition unconstitutional.

Graphic designer and photographer Erny Castro was among the hundreds of people marching down University Avenue. “I couldn’t believe it when Prop. 8 passed, and now that I see everyone coming together, I’m just so happy…it makes me want to cry.”

And while the mood around Hillcrest was festive, the disappointment for Prop. 8 supporters was evident.

Tony Krvaric, chairman of San Diego’s Republican Party, issued a press release shortly after Judge Walker’s ruling. “A majority of Californians continue to believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman,” read the release, which referred to the ruling as another example of an “activist judge…legislating from the bench.”

"The Republican Party of San Diego County affirms its unwavering support for traditional marriage, and we look forward to this being resolved accordingly by the Supreme Court in a timely manner."

The upcoming appeal of the decision by Prop. 8 supporters has opponents like Castro unconvinced that the debate is over.

When asked if he is pondering whether he should propose to his longtime boyfriend, Castro responded, “I’m not sure. I’m thinking about doing it while we can, if they decide to take our right away again.”