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

Lt. Dan Choi appeared on the Rachel Maddow show tonight discussing his recent ouster from the Army National Guard thanks to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT). Rep. Joe Sestak was also on the program discussing the unfairness of the policy and how it might be repealed.

Lt. Choi responding to how DADT might be repealed…

Well, I’m not a politician myself, I just like so many thousands of others, gays and lesbians that are in the army, that are in the armed forces, who  raised their right hand and said “We are in a time of war right now;” it’s not about what timing is good or bad, its not about what you want to do, its about what your responsibility is. And we are saying that we are standing up to our responsibilities, and we are saying “we want to serve.”

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.

Orange County Equality California (OCEC) is organizing a rally supporting Lt. Dan Choi who was ejected from the Army National Guard for coming out on the Rachel Maddow show. Details of the event follow:

Time: May 7, 2009 from 2pm to 3pm
Location: Bridge over Campus Dr. (Irvine, CA)
Street: 4255 Campus Drive
City/Town: Irvine, CA 92612
Website or Map: http://maps.google.com/maps…
Bring Signs. Bring Friends.

More on the protest available here.

Lt. Choi’s original appearance on Rachel Maddow below.

Lt. Choi will be appearing on Rachel Maddow again tonight.