Los Angeles saw a series of highly spontaneous and oftentimes large demonstrations against Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California during the November elections of 2008.

These gatherings were highly spirited and contained groups from various social strata, faith, ages and ethnic groups. The one constant seemed to be that of a family presence. At times the evening protests were improvised to the point where crowds of thousands marched through the streets of Silverlake, Hollywood and West Hollywood causing the L.A.P.D and the West Hollywood Sheriffs Dept. to improvise as well, and block or reroute traffic to accommodate the demonstrators. There was an open and seemingly mutually respectful communication between a rather intense security presence and the organizers of these rallies.

The First Amendment was in full swing.

Gore Vidal at the first night of protest.