Comments on: GroundSpark Exclusive: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s Wedding Video http://groundspark.org Igniting Change Through Film Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:44:54 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Jill http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-42 Jill Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:14:37 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-42 I am so grateful Del and Phyllis were able to achieve full equality before Del's passing. It is an inspiration to younger activists such as myself to be able to watch the accomplishments of a life of dedicated work to two movements that are so close to my own heart. We stand on the shoulders of the great women who have come before us - thank you, Del and Phyllis. Best of luck, California - lead the way toward full equality for the rest of us! Jill Portland, ME I am so grateful Del and Phyllis were able to achieve full equality before Del’s passing. It is an inspiration to younger activists such as myself to be able to watch the accomplishments of a life of dedicated work to two movements that are so close to my own heart. We stand on the shoulders of the great women who have come before us – thank you, Del and Phyllis.
Best of luck, California – lead the way toward full equality for the rest of us!
Jill
Portland, ME

]]> By: Beth http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-41 Beth Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:44:02 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-41 The irony of these words has been ringing in my ears since Del and Phyllis finally, legally, married: "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." Such a fine example of pure, spiritual, "faith-based" love is Phyllis and Del's union--despite hateful man-made laws. Prop 8 tears their divine union asunder. I'm not religious but I'm certain that Jesus would vote "NO" on Prop 8. Who can doubt that their love triumphed surely because it was God's will. The irony of these words has been ringing in my ears since Del and Phyllis finally, legally, married: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” Such a fine example of pure, spiritual, “faith-based” love is Phyllis and Del’s union–despite hateful man-made laws. Prop 8 tears their divine union asunder. I’m not religious but I’m certain that Jesus would vote “NO” on Prop 8. Who can doubt that their love triumphed surely because it was God’s will.

]]> By: Cynthia Strain http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-40 Cynthia Strain Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:58:20 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-40 I read Phyllis and Del's book in the early 70's when I first came out. In fact I gave it to my mother to read also. We both benefitted enormously from their wisdom and insight. The book came at a time when there was very little understanding or tolerance, let alone acceptance, of homosexuality. I have been fans of theirs ever since. I just want to express my deep appreciation and respect for these two women. No one will ever know how much good they have done in their remarkable lives, but I'm sure it reaches far and wide and deep. Thank you Del. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I read Phyllis and Del’s book in the early 70’s when I first came out. In fact I gave it to my mother to read also. We both benefitted enormously from their wisdom and insight. The book came at a time when there was very little understanding or tolerance, let alone acceptance, of homosexuality. I have been fans of theirs ever since. I just want to express my deep appreciation and respect for these two women. No one will ever know how much good they have done in their remarkable lives, but I’m sure it reaches far and wide and deep. Thank you Del. I’m deeply sorry for your loss.

]]> By: Kim and Terry http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-39 Kim and Terry Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:48:04 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-39 Today at SF City Hall we witnessed an extraordinary tribute to the life of our friend Del Martin. We hold Phyllis in our hearts and pledge to keep the fight going. We've lost a fierce champion for equality, but heaven has gained a courageous angel. Today at SF City Hall we witnessed an extraordinary tribute to the life of our friend Del Martin. We hold Phyllis in our hearts and pledge to keep the fight going. We’ve lost a fierce champion for equality, but heaven has gained a courageous angel.

]]> By: GRACE KERR http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-38 GRACE KERR Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:47:50 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-38 HOW WONDERFUL AND SAD AT THE SAME MOMENT. I CRY IN JOY, SADNESS , AND DISAPPOINTMENT . JOY FOR THE LOVE THEY SHARE. SADNESS THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR RECOGINITION AND NOW DEL PASSES AWAY TO LEAVE PHYLLIS WITH ONLY BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES. AND LAST IN DISAPPOINTMENT THAT WE ALL CAN'T SHARE THE SAME IN EVERY STATE AND NATION. IF WE PAY TAXES, VOTE, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, THEN WE DESERVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS ANY PERSON REGARDLESS OF SEX, RACE, CREED, OR RELIGION. GOD BLESS AMERICA FOR ONE SMALL STEP AND THE COURAGE FOR EACH OF US TO STANDUP FOR YOUR RIGHTS! THANK YOU PHYLLIS AND TO ALL WHO MADE THIS VIDEO POSSIBLE! HEARTWARMING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING! HOW WONDERFUL AND SAD AT THE SAME MOMENT. I CRY IN JOY, SADNESS , AND DISAPPOINTMENT . JOY FOR THE LOVE THEY SHARE. SADNESS THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT SO LONG FOR RECOGINITION AND NOW DEL PASSES AWAY TO LEAVE PHYLLIS WITH ONLY BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES. AND LAST IN DISAPPOINTMENT THAT WE ALL CAN’T SHARE THE SAME IN EVERY STATE AND NATION. IF WE PAY TAXES, VOTE, WORK, AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, THEN WE DESERVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS ANY PERSON REGARDLESS OF SEX, RACE, CREED, OR RELIGION. GOD BLESS AMERICA FOR ONE SMALL STEP AND THE COURAGE FOR EACH OF US TO STANDUP FOR YOUR RIGHTS!
THANK YOU PHYLLIS AND TO ALL WHO MADE THIS VIDEO POSSIBLE! HEARTWARMING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING!

]]> By: Moira J Sullivan http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-37 Moira J Sullivan Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:47:47 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-37 “Registered partnership” - not marriage - has been legal in Sweden since 1995 and exists in several countries today. The clinical phrasing makes it easy to create and dissolve partnerships, like registering a business. The first partnerships were often created as expressions of political victory – a milestone for so-called "equal protection under the law", but which does not come close to the meaning of honor and commitment in marriage. This was a hard earned victory in California shot down in 2004 and which still risks extinction on the ballot in November 2008. Massachusetts paved the way in the USA to make it happen. Hopefully one day it will become Federal law and we can sponsor our partners wherever they reside. There are seven "nations" in the world today that acknowledge marriage including Massachusetts and California. The right to marry should be a fundamental right and certainly is embodied in what is meant by "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence. Neither of the Presidential candidates sanction marriage. Nor did Hillary (or Bill) Clinton. Certainly Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon showed the world love and endurance for 55 years. And as more "nations" legalize marriage let these two women's love be a shining beacon. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is one of the most courageous and forward thinking politicians we have today. The words he read for Del and Phyllis about marriage express that it is something that should be carefully considered. For sure this is what these two lesbian pioneers did and waited over two generations for the right to legally marry. “Registered partnership” – not marriage – has been legal in Sweden since 1995 and exists in several countries today. The clinical phrasing makes it easy to create and dissolve partnerships, like registering a business. The first partnerships were often created as expressions of political victory – a milestone for so-called “equal protection under the law”, but which does not come close to the meaning of honor and commitment in marriage. This was a hard earned victory in California shot down in 2004 and which still risks extinction on the ballot in November 2008. Massachusetts paved the way in the USA to make it happen. Hopefully one day it will become Federal law and we can sponsor our partners wherever they reside. There are seven “nations” in the world today that acknowledge marriage including Massachusetts and California. The right to marry should be a fundamental right and certainly is embodied in what is meant by “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence. Neither of the Presidential candidates sanction marriage. Nor did Hillary (or Bill) Clinton. Certainly Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon showed the world love and endurance for 55 years. And as more “nations” legalize marriage let these two women’s love be a shining beacon. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is one of the most courageous and forward thinking politicians we have today. The words he read for Del and Phyllis about marriage express that it is something that should be carefully considered. For sure this is what these two lesbian pioneers did and waited over two generations for the right to legally marry.

]]> By: Pat and Lisa http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-36 Pat and Lisa Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:39:18 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-36 It was your courage and bravery that inspired us to be strong during our suit in NY State for recognition of our marriage -- a lawsuit we won. We often think of the two of you and how strong your love must have been to see you through such turbulent times in the past. It's the type of love and dedication that many people can only wish for. While Del is gone, she lives on in so many peoples' hearts. Phyllis, our thoughts are still with you as we help fight homophobia and bigotry in California and throughout this country. Our best to you now and always. It was your courage and bravery that inspired us to be strong during our suit in NY State for recognition of our marriage — a lawsuit we won. We often think of the two of you and how strong your love must have been to see you through such turbulent times in the past. It’s the type of love and dedication that many people can only wish for. While Del is gone, she lives on in so many peoples’ hearts. Phyllis, our thoughts are still with you as we help fight homophobia and bigotry in California and throughout this country. Our best to you now and always.

]]> By: Blue O'Brien http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-35 Blue O'Brien Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:58:49 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-35 Dear Phyllis, thank you for paving the way for women such as my partner and I. I will never forget Del and the fight she possessed as a gay women all these years just trying to marry the girl she loved!. Dear Phyllis, thank you for paving the way for women such as my partner and I. I will never forget Del and the fight she possessed as a gay women all these years just trying to marry the girl she loved!.

]]> By: Shelly Bailes/Ellen Pontac http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-34 Shelly Bailes/Ellen Pontac Tue, 30 Sep 2008 21:01:47 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-34 Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching video with us. Thank you, too, for sharing your life and showing us that "being out there" is the road to full equality. You are always in our hearts, Shelly Bailes and Ellen Pontac Thank you for sharing this beautiful and touching video with us. Thank you, too, for sharing your life and showing us that “being out there” is the road to full equality.

You are always in our hearts,
Shelly Bailes and Ellen Pontac

]]> By: judie venturini http://groundspark.org/del-and-phyllis/comment-page-1#comment-33 judie venturini Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:58:52 +0000 http://groundspark.org/?page_id=89#comment-33 I remember sitting with Del in their home over 30 years ago discussing the political achievements of our community. This video reflects the eternality and unity of Spirit in the lives of all. The blessings of this day will forever reflect the power of Love. May we never settle for less than justice and truth in our lives. I remember sitting with Del in their home over 30 years ago discussing the political achievements of our community. This video reflects the eternality and unity of Spirit in the lives of all. The blessings of this day will forever reflect the power of Love. May we never settle for less than justice and truth in our lives.

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