Victory Lap

On Wednesday, Judge Vaughn Walker smacked down California's Proposition 8 voter initiative banning same-sex marriage in Perry v. Schwarzenegger. Afterwards, many pro-equality San Diegans gathered to march through Hillcrest to the LGBT Center for a rally. The march was at a good time of day but the marchers were walking west-to-east, so it was backlit and a lot of photos were pretty meh.

I know, big day like this and I'm complaining the light wasn't better. See how I am? Click the photos to view them larger.
If Harvey Milk were alive today (and if he had a giant papier-maché head) this is what he would have been doing after the ruling.

The crowd gathers at Sixth and University.

Crossing the street to join the crowd.

Holding hands and watching the marchers go by.

Walking down University past Rich's nightclub, draped with a huge "=" flag.

Walking with a much smaller "=" flag.

LGBT Center CEO Delores Jacobs asks the speakers and the crowd to raise a toast to the victory.

Former SD City Council member and current California State Assembly candidate Toni Atkins.

Clergy members from many denominations were at the rally to endorse the decision.

The cheering crowd inside the Center.

SD Mayor Jerry Sanders first addressed the crowd inside the Center, then walked outside to repeat his remarks to the overflow crowd. He admitted that his position on marriage equality has evolved over the years, and even apologized to the crowd for remarks he made when he was first running for mayor.