11:27 AM Handing off to Katie Baker, see her updates here.
11:03 AM According to Daniel, a peacekeeper with one struggle, one fight, “The goal is to get arrested, if it can’t happen here, we’ll keep moving to where we will be arrested.”
10:53 AM We’re in this for the long haul. Peacekeepers are passing out snacks and water for the seated folks, and using sharpies to write phone numbers for legal representation on folks’ arms, in case of arrest.
10:47 AM “I see you standing on the side looking pretty like it’s a pride parade. This is no pride parade. We need you chanting.” 5 Fulton, 21 Hayes, 47 Van Ness and 49 Van Ness/Mission are all offline.
10:33 AM OK, now it’s a sit in. And I got glitter blessed by a Sister. The intersection looks like it’ll be blocked for a good while.
10:29 AM Traffic is being diverted from the area, and the 5 Fulton Muni’s not running. Right now, the police seems to be giving the protesters the area.
10:20 AM The circle at Van Ness is growing, clergy seem to be blessing those impeding traffic.
10:16 AM Protesters are locking arms at Grove and Van Ness, blocking traffic and chanting. Will they be arrested?
10:07 AM Folks chanting “Iowa,” a new march is starting that we’re following, heading down McAllister toward Grove.
10:05 AM Marchers are departing the courthouse, and heading towards City Hall. Chanting “Shame on You” as they move.
10 AM Really tense. Sweaty palms, strained necks.
9:59 AM Clergy being corraled for photo shoot, 30+ of mixed faiths clad in the appropriate garb.
9:49 AM Followed the procession from St. Francis, it was about a block and a half’s worth of people. Once at Civic Center, the atmosphere is serious — this is more of a display of love and equality than, say Bay to Breakers, and you can tell that people, including several more-subdued-than-usual Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, know that this is a serious occasion.
The chanting crowd at Civic Center, which we estimate at between 700-1000, is about 99.9% anti-prop 8, with a lot of pink roses and blue armbands in circulation.
Ironically, the few prop 8 supporters seem to be sporting the largest signs, perhaps to be seen about the crowd.
All photos: Shea O’Neill
