CSU East Bay Holds Mock Marriage for Marriage Equality

Today on the Cal State East Bay (CSUEB) campus the Queer/Straight Alliance (QSA) sponsored a Mock Marriage for Marriage Equality and a LGBT Resource Fair. May is Marriage Equality Month. This event was held to help support the concept of 'equal opportunity marriage’ for all and to provide support to the LGBT and straight allied community on the CSUEB campus.

Five couples, of varying sexes, genders, and sexualities were mock married today and three ceremony types were utilized: a Jewish ceremony, a Pagan hand fasting, and a traditional Christian ceremony. There were also participants of varying ethnicities within the ceremonies. In addition, this event was being held as a celebration of Multicultural Week at CSUEB.

LGBT resource and information tables were provided. Food was served and free information passed out. LGBT organizations were represented as well. A LGBT Resource Fair included many participating organizations. These organizations included: Out 4 Immigration, Counseling and Psychological Services at CSUEB, Project Eden and Lambda Youth, the Lighthouse Community Center, Student Health Services at CSUEB, Our Family Coalition, Peer Advocates for Wellness at CSUEB Family Builders, PFLAG San Ramon, API Equality, and Marriage Equality USA.

Marriage equality is a movement to allow all people regardless of sex or gender to obtain civil marriage in the United States and beyond. This event was in support of the CA Supreme Court deciding in favor of marriage equality by June 2008 and against the upcoming ballot measure to change the California constitution to exclude same-sex couples from marrying. Through the mock wedding ceremonies the QSA and supporters demonstrated support for freedom to marry for all. This event seemed to be enjoyed by all and many were educated through these efforts today.

To learn more about the Queer/Straight Alliance at CSUEB please visit their website at http://www.myspace.com/queer_ straight_ alliance