Ryan from Laguna Beach

Atticus Circle encourages for all activists speak up this Election Day. So, we wanted to share with you Ryan's story.

Meet Ryan

Hello!
For those of you that don't know me, my name is Ryan. I live in Laguna Beach. I have a loving family. I like to eat sushi and mountain bike. =) I love America. I pay taxes. And, I deserve equal rights.

I am a gay man and I, like you, take Prop 8 personally.  

I believe that we need to show California that this issue is about individuals and families- real people like you and me!  Californians need to know that this isn't a pep rally for certain churches.  The results of this election will affect us- you, me and our families- PERSONALLY.

This is why I believe that we need to get personal with California and show everyone that we are real, live people, just like them, who's rights will be taken away if Proposition 8 passes. Some of us surf. Some of us like to cook. Some of us read stories to our kids at night. Some of us like to play football. Some of us like to eat Thai food. People need to know that!

So, I decided to create a personal sign (out of posterboard) and attach a NO ON 8 sign on the bottom.

I stood at the corner of PCH and MacArthur for 3.5 hours on Friday with this sign.  The responses I got were phenomenal and positive!  During the entire period, I only had one absurd and negative reaction (and keep in mind this is in conservative OC)!   I stood next to a stoplight so people that were in their cars could read my sign as they waited for the light to turn. I literally watched lightbulbs click on people's faces as they read.  They realized that I was normal guy just like them. They realized that this issue is important enough for me to stand in front of them and the rest of the world, alone, to tell my story.

Take a look at me with my sign above.

So, if you feel compelled, try my idea. Express your story through words and creativity.  The posterboard was $.99 and it took me about 10 minutes to make the sign. It is to the point and is not threatening to people (like Yes on 8 rallies).

If you don't have time or the will to stand on the streets alone, make a sign and post it (along with your smiling face!) as your profile picture on Facebook or Myspace. And, join the Facebook Group I created called "The Faces of No 8" and upload a picture of you and your sign on there.  You could also create a youtube video and post it on there as well.  I created the group yesterday and I already have 36 people who have joined.  Our personal messages are a compelling way to get people to vote NO ON 8.

LET'S GET OUR PERSONAL MESSAGES OUT THERE. THIS IS OUR LEGACY AND OUR FUTURE!