Actors Unite Against Prop 8: A blog about a series of videos against Prop8.
On November 4, Californians will go to the polls and decide whether or not to make same-sex marriage illegal. Proposition 8 would amend the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. The passage of Prop 8 would be a tragedy for gay and lesbian Californians and their families.
In an effort to defeat Proposition 8, I’ve joined a group of actors in creating a series of videos that explain why we are voting NO on Proposition 8. You can watch all of these videos at http://www.Prop8Online.com.
We hope you’ll take a moment to visit our website, view the videos and join us in voting NO on Proposition 8.
Actors Unite Against Prop 8: A blog about a series of videos against Prop 8.
The people of California have had their say, and they voted to pass Proposition 8, which amended the state constitution to say that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. This is not democracy working as it should. This is not right.
There are so many reasons why this proposition should have been defeated, for the simple reason that it’s wrong. It’s wrong to single out any group of people and deny them civil rights, and that is what this proposition does. This is why we actors have come together — from all walks of life, all parts of this state, representing every color of skin tone, sexual orientation and religious affiliation — to speak out publicly against Proposition 8. We want everyone in California to know that we support equal rights for every citizen regardless of sexual orientation and we are willing to work hard to achieve fairness for everyone by repealing Proposition 8.
Actors Unite Against Prop 8 is a blog that features a series of video testimonials from actors about the importance of voting against California’s Proposition 8. The videos have been produced by the Screen Actors Guild and the union’s Foundation.
The California Supreme Court ruled in May that Proposition 8 is legal, but the fight for marriage equality is far from over. The No on Prop 8 campaign has filed a petition with the court to overturn the decision and activists are working hard to mobilize supporters.
Now, more than 25 actors have united to educate voters about the consequences of Proposition 8. The stars have made a series of YouTube videos for a blog called “Actors United Against Prop 8.” So far, the actors include Jamie Bamber, Robert Gant, Greg Grunberg, Jon Hamm, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and William H. Macy.
One video features “Gossip Girl” star Wilson Cruz, who plays gay teen Rickie Vasquez on ABC’s “My So Called Life.” He said he had been following the issue since he was 16 years old.
“I always had it in my head that if I ever worked again and was not just doing temp work in between jobs that I wanted to do something,” he said. “And when this opportunity came up to be a part of this video series, I jumped at it because it was everything I wanted to do.”
The videos were made at the behest of Dustin Lance Black, who you might know from Milk and Big Love. But this time he’s not in front of the camera. He’s behind it, directing a series of short videos put together by out actors in support of No on 8. The first video features Neil Patrick Harris, Jamie Babbit (director of Itty Bitty Titty Committee) and Bruce Vilanch. Lance Black himself makes an appearance toward the end of the video.
The project is clearly a labor of love for Lance Black, who was inspired to make it his cause after attending an anti-Prop 8 rally with his boyfriend, Tom Daley. The videos have a serious tone, and make some really good points about why Prop 8 is wrong. I’ll admit that I didn’t really understand how Prop 8 would affect me until I watched them (I’m not gay or lesbian).
The first video is below, but be sure to check out all eight at Actors United Against Prop 8
I’m an actor, and I’ve been waiting for a chance to speak out against Proposition 8. But I didn’t have the platform or the resources to do it on my own. Then came this project, Actors Against Prop 8, which is allowing me to join with other actors in speaking out against this unjust law.
This is a statewide movement that’s spreading like wildfire across California. Other states are mobilizing actors in support of marriage equality and working to overturn similar laws. We’re all part of a nationwide effort.
Here’s what we’re doing: posting videos on the web that speak directly to voters about why Proposition 8 is wrong, and how it would impact our friends and loved ones.
If you’re an actor yourself, or if you know an actor who’d like to participate in this project, please contact us at this site.
We look forward to your support!
