October 29, 2008 UPLAND - This crop of activists were a little older than the bunch demonstrating in Rancho Cucamonga last Saturday, but not much. At times numbering more than 25 people, activists braved homophobic comments and a generally conservative climate to spread awareness of the harm prop 8 would bring to our communities.
I got an urgent MySpace message Tuesday afternoon: "The recent bombardment of "Yes on 8" propaganda in the last few weeks as election day nears is frustrating at the least- I can't go anywhere without seeing the signs and can't watch a single TV program without these advertised lies. The "No on 8" signs are not nearly as easy for us to obtain in the first place, and it doesn't help when there are ignorant and obviously very closed-minded people out there making it a point to rip down every "No on 8" sign they see.
Well we are ready to make our own "No on 8" signs, and I want as many people to see it as possible. I'm taking it to the well known and busy intersection of Euclid and Foothill in Upland this Wednesday (Oct. 29th) afternoon/evening. I strongly urge anyone who believes in equal human rights, and who wants to see this country move forward, to come join me with your own home-made signs this Wednesday.
Let's make sure OUR voices get heard!"
"Beautiful," I thought. So I had to go support.
The hate was a lot more intense than in Rancho. People condemned us to hell, hurled insults, and raised many middle fingers. Even small children, hopelessly brainwashed by closed-minded parents, shouted "Yes on 8!" in their little voices.
But there was also a lot of support! Many, many people honked their approval. Many shouted words of encouragement. Many people pulled over and stood with us for as long as they could. And many young activists developed organizing skills that will definitely come in handy in the future as the struggle for our lives and our rights continues.
Check out some of the pictures!
Original: No on 8 in Upland