I feel as anxious right now as I did nearly two years ago as I waited for the election results regarding Proposition 8. Tonight, I might be even angrier.

Or, hopefully, I might be elated and have renewed hope.

Almost two years after Proposition 8 passed in California – allowing the rights of a minority group to be stripped away by a popular vote – we will hear Judge Vaughn Walker’s decision today, sometime between 1pm and 3pm Pacific (4pm and 6pm Eastern), on whether Proposition 8 will remain the law of California or whether it should be overturned. [1]

Click here for a list of response events happening across the country.

The fight over Proposition 8 was one of the reasons why I decided to dedicate my life to fighting for LGBT equality. I was appalled that our rights had been put to a popular vote — and I was ashamed that it could happen in my state. Years ago I left Mississippi, my home state of inequality, for California — thinking that I would experience equality here. My heart was broken in November of 2008, when I realized that not even California could live up to that promise.

I don’t know what will happen today. I don’t know whether I will be taking to the streets in celebration or in frustration. Whatever happens, I know that I want to be with others. And, here at GetEQUAL, we hope you will do the same.

Click here to find others who are organizing response events tonight.

It is clear that our community wants to send a message that our families and our pursuit of liberty and justice for all is deeply important to us. Whether we take to the streets in elation or in anger, there are events scheduled across the country today that we wanted you to know about. Today is not a day to be alone — it is a day to join with others. It is a day to network. It is a day to build community. Use these events as a way to meet others in your area who want to fight for full equality, and share contact info with those who are no longer willing to settle for being treated as second-class citizens.

Regardless of what happens, we want to make sure you have a way to join others today. Veteran “LGBT press” pool reporter Rex Wockner is keeping track of events across the country on his blog — you can either look for an event in your area or add your own.

Click here for a list of response events happening across the country.

Whatever happens today, we will need to keep organizing. We will need to continue to build community, renew our sense of vision and recommit ourselves to the fight for full equality. Personally, I hope we get to do that tonight in celebration, as we begin this next chapter in our fight for the dignity and equality we deserve.

Get Out! Get Active! GetEQUAL!

Robin McGehee and the GetEQUAL team

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[1] “Prop 8 Decision Day FAQ” — http://metroweekly.com/poliglot/2010/08/prop-8-decision-day-faq.html