Fifteen years ago, June 17, 2008, was a very important date for Bradder and me.
On this very special anniversary, I want to thank all of our subscribers for supporting diverse voices, stories and perspectives that rarely appear in mainstream media.
That ability to share information is why The Big Picture is so important to me and my team—especially today.
An extra special thank you to our paid subscribers that fund Team Takei—the writers you've become familiar with and the people behind the scenes creating videos, social media assets, uploading content and so much more.
So why is June 17 so important?
On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court issued their ruling on In re Marriage Cases, finding 2000's Proposition 22 banning same sex marriages was unconstitutional. On June 4, 2008, the California SCOTUS denied all petitions for rehearing and to reconsider their May 15 ruling, thus removing the final obstacle to same-sex marriages starting on June 17.
But prior to the May court ruling, forces were already at work trying to deny us our rights. Proposition 8—or Prop H8—was being placed on the November ballot so Californians could add LGBTQ+ discrimination to our state constitution.
Fifteen years ago on the morning of June 17, 2008, Brad and I went to West Hollywood to get our marriage license as we knew we might not be able to get one a mere 5 months later.
June 17 was a happy, festive day.
Brad and I would have our wedding ceremony on September 14, 2008 at the Japanese American National Museum in my hometown, my birthplace, Los Angeles, California.
Then as we all feared, Prop H8 was passed on November 4, 2008.
In February of 2009, Brad and I attended the Oscars for the first time as husbands. We shared our joy and flashed our wedding rings on the red carpet—hoping it would share the message of support for LGBTQ+ marriage equality.
So what does all this have to do with The Big Picture?
How affirming would it have been to share our feelings about equality and having your basic human rights on a ballot in an open forum like this—unrestricted by advertisers?
From my legacy project—the musical Allegiance which introduced me to Jay Kuo—to my graphic novel They Called Us Enemy and now The Big Picture, my life experiences have shaped my passion to share the stories and perspectives people need to hear, but don't have access to.
For our anniversary celebration, will you join Team Takei in this mission?
If you can, will you donate a subscription?
Donated subscriptions—unlike gift subscriptions—do not require you to name a recipient. You can donate one or more subscriptions.
And if you have the means, will you join Team Takei as a founding member?
Your founding membership sponsors 10 subscriptions for people without the means to become paid subscribers.
Thank you all for supporting The Big Picture.
Live long and prosper,
—Uncles George and Brad
You both look so happy, who could deny such obvious joy. You look lovely.
Happy Anniversary! You are a treasure! (I'm sure your husband is too!!!)