DAY 32 - CASTRO TO THE CA SUPREME COURT!

PICTURE UPDATE: As mentioned on Day 31, we had friends (David and Lisa) fly in from OHIO to join us as we reached the CA Supreme Court. Lisa has known Tracie for about 23 years and she met Valerie soon after Tracie and Valerie became a couple. Lisa has in a lot of ways been like family for Tracie - THANK YOU GUYS!!

DAY 32 - We started our day at the corner of Castro and Market. Kelly (from SF Pride) joined us and got the crowd going. There were several people that joined us to walk the last 2 miles of our 450 mile trek! It was very exciting and a little weird knowing it was the last day. You'll notice someone is missing... Matt has been with us for the last few days and planned to join us this morning, but was having difficulty parking. He caught up to us after a few blocks and you'll see him in the next few pics with the pink umbrella.

A representative from Mayor Gavin Newsom's office presented us with a Certificate of Honor before we started our last mornings walk.

On our way, we stopped by the LGBT Center at 1800 Market. We were greeted by staff and supporters, some of whom joined us for the rest of the march.
We had a group of 25-30 for the last half of our walk. We chanted some, got to know new friends, and shared stories about what we've all been doing to defeat prop 8.

When we got to the steps of the City Hall, we were immediately greeted by familiar faces. Chris, Lisa, Carol, Jill, Melissa, and Sandy (people that we met over our 32 day march that drove up for our final walk). It was such a wonderful experience having met them over the past 300 or so miles and then having them come to the final day!! We also loved meeting new people and having them join us was an honor.

Molly McKay, Media Director for Marriage Equality USA, had been emailing and talking to us about our arrival at City Hall. She put together a beautiful welcome!! Thank you Molly! Here she is at the podium introducing us before we each said a few words.

Molly had invited MANY organizations and individuals to join in the welcome party. Those that participated were: Ana Damiani from Senator Mark Leno’s office who gave us a Certificate from the Senator; County Board Supervisor David Campos who gave us Certificates from the City of San Francisco; MCC Minister Lea Brown; San Francisco Pride Board Member Kelly Hart; SF LGBT Center Director of Community Development Roberto Ordenana; Polly Shrek from Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (pictured below); Danielle Askini from One Struggle, One Fight; Cat Kim from Join the Impact SF; Vicki Kolakowski a local civil rights hero and attorney; and Matthew French social anthropologist and fellow walker. She ended the festivities by presenting us with a Marriage Equality umbrella that says "Let Justice Roll Like the Rain."

After the speakers, we walked from City Hall to the steps of the Supreme Court. While we walked we sang Marriage Equality Christmas Carols led by Molly (in the santa hat below).

WE MADE IT!! We reached the steps of the California Supreme Court ending a March that began on the corner of San Vicente and Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood 32 days ago!

When we have faith and courage.

When we take hold of a moment in history.

When we confront the challenges that face us.

Amazing things can truly happen.

Thank you to everyone that took part in this amazing journey with us.