Equality California has launched the “Win Marriage Back” campaign aimed at restoring marriage equality California. In this effort they have release new television ads telling  the stories of real familes in California who were impacted by the passage of Proposition 8.

Ruben & Hector

[youtube width=”480″ height=”295″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBi5QJenrBU[/youtube]

Frances & Cynthia

Second Lieutenant Sandy Tsao wrote a letter to Barack Obama last January when she came out of closet, asking the President to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT).

What follows is an excerpt from the letter and it’s response from GlaadBlog.

An excerpt from her original letter in January reads:

We have the best military in the world and I would like to continue to be part of it. My mother can tell you it is my dream to serve our country. I have fought and overcome many barriers to arrive at the point I am at today. This is the only battle I fear I may lose. Even if it is too late for me, I do hope, Mr. President, that you will help us to win the war against prejudice so that future generations will continue to work together and fight for our freedoms regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.

This past Tuesday, May 5, Sandy received a package from the White House. As Sandy unwrapped the thick envelope and looked inside, she tearfully fell to her knees. Protected between two pieces of cardboard, the parcel contained a handwritten note from President Obama.

The President, responding to Sandy’s letter, wrote:

Sandy – Thanks for the wonderful and thoughtful letter. It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I committed to changing our current policy. Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs Congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment. — Barack Obama.

I believe this is an indication that if we are patient, Obama will deliver on much of his promise to the gay community.

Visit GlaadBlog for the rest of  Sandy’s story.

The New Hampshire House of Representatives  followed in the footsteps in the Senate approving an ammended gay marriage bill by a margin of 178-167.

The bill now goes to to the desk of Governor John Lynch, who has  said previously that the word marriage should be reserved only for a union between a man and a woman.

Governor Lynch from the Union Leader:

“I have a responsibility as governor to do what I think is best for the people of New Hampshire. I will continue to talk with the Legislature and with the people of New Hampshire about that bill.”
…

“We have been flooded with calls. People can’t even get through. The phone lines are basically jammed … I’m not going to be guided by the numbers of calls that come into the office. That will not have an impact on my decision.”

Add your voice to the flood by calling Governor Lynch’s office  at 603-271-2121.

The Maine House of Representatives has voted to grant same-sex couples the right to marry by a vote of 89-58. Last week the Maine Senate voted 21-14 for same-sex marriage as well.

A recent poll shows Maine voters are evenly split on the issue. And, while it remains unclear if Governor Baldacci would sign the bill  should it reach his desk, he has suggested recently that he would favor the legislation.