Prop 8 Portrait: My friend Rob.

This would be posting #3 in the series of gay people in my life commenting on marriage and the passing of Prop 8.

Meet my friend Rob.  I've had the pleasure of knowing him for 17 years.  He's sincere, thoughtful, and one of the funniest person I've ever met.  Whenever I see his name on my caller ID, I know I'll be in for a great time.  His thoughts in the second half of this posting.

Portrait of Rob done with ink on paper.  Some digital color used in the background 

My boyfriend and I marched in the rally to support equal marriage rights in the state of Washington Saturday.  I saw a sign that really spoke to one of the feelings I had when I learned that prop 8 passed. It read, "California...REALLY?!  Give it back!" 

 

It's so hard for me to believe that a state that has led the nation in so many issues, including tougher sentencing on the violation of civil rights, could support and pass this proposition.  Living in an urban environment and a liberal city like Seattle sometimes makes me forget how much ignorance still exists in this country.  My boyfriend and I have loved and respected each other for over 5 years.  We share a commitment to be together through good times and bad; to work on our problems and explore how we can better support one another as we grow and change.  I believe we deserve the respect to choose whether we want to legalize our union.

 

Opponents say that historically marriage was intended for a man and a woman.  Historically, interracial couples were denied the right to marry.  Historical intent does not make things right.  We have to challenge our ideas for the greater ideal, to continue to grow and improve and be what we know we can be.  I want to be recognized and treated equally.  It's simple really.  I believe the day is coming when the definition of husband can include myself and my loving partner. Until then, we have to keep the rally going.  California...REALLY?! Give it back!

Thank you Rob.  You make me proud!

This is the original drawing.  Some of the finer cross hatched detail was lost with the scanning and resizing.

Rob's partner Jason will be the next in the series.

Comments

[wheresandrae]

Beautiful portrait and beautiful thoughts as well. :)

(I actually prefer the unenhanced version of the portrait)

[Jason]

Rob is all those things, plus a damn good boyfriend and a total hottie!
Great drawing David! I think this gay marriage project of your is wonderful. Keep it up. xo Jason

[NeoCleo]

As a Californian who voted against prop 8 I can't really express the depth of my shame for the people of this state. I too have always thought of our population as forward-thinking and open-minded. Frankly, if I were a believer I'd be wishing the vast majority of LDS spend some of their eternity smoking in hell for their incredibly un-Christian gesture.

Hey MORONS, I MEAN Mormons, instead of wasting money stripping people of their rights why don't you take the same and help the poor damned souls living homeless on the streets? You pack of useless tools.

[NeoCleo]

Oh Yes, one more thing. Thank you for putting human faces with the Prop 8 issue. Your sketches are beautiful and so are your friends.