A peaceful group of at least 500 gathered in the rain at the capital building in Providence this afternoon to protest the message of California's Proposition 8 and to show solidarity for marriage equality in Rhode Island. Speakers from Marriage Equality Rhode Island, the organizers of the local event, as well as members of the state legislature and Providence Mayor David Cicilline spoke to the group assembled on the state house lawn.

Providence Mayor David Cicilline

Part of a national day of action with events in over 300 cities, the Providence event provided an opportunity for everyday people to speak to the group as well, and their stories were compelling. The lesbian couple with a 13-year-old daughter who had to go to Massachusetts to get married because they wanted their daughter to have two parents. The young man who emigrated from India, lured by the promise of America, who urged us to live up to our image of freedom. The straight man who reminded all of those who express solidarity with the LGBT community that small acts of courage in our everyday lives matter and that silence is not an option.

It was an encouraging day, and several speakers noted the importance of keeping up the visibility and building on the momentum we have. As one speaker noted, Rhode Island is sandwiched between two states that already have marriage equality.

Jack and I were happy to have the opportunity to be there and celebrate our friends and family who deserve the same rights that everyone else has. And we are very proud to be represented by Sen. Chuck Levesque, who co-sponsored S2204.

Maybe this will be the year.