MoahB, 27, Mountain View, CA

Dear California,

I am hurt, I am angry, I am frustrated. I am no longer valid according to the constitution. My love is no longer recognized or validated as equal under the laws of this state. I am a second class citizen.

But you know what, I'll deal. My love is still my love and it is valid in my eyes and my heart and those of my friends and family. My rabbi will still bless my wedding and my community will still celebrate my marriage even if the state no longer does.

But you know what I worry about. I worry about the message this sends to the teenager in Idaho who is scared to tell his family that he is gay. I worry about the child in Fresno who knows she is different and knows that her fellow citizens have voted against her. I worry that they may face increased verbal abuse, physical violence, shame and depression because of this vote. I worry that they will turn to alcohol, drugs or other destructive behaviors. I worry that they will think they are worthless and have no reason to go on living. I worry that they will think suicide is their only option.

I am 27 and confident. I know who I am and I don't need the approval of others. I am secure. But there are many who are not, and they need your support and love, and you have torn this away from them. I hope you realize what you have done to them. I hope we are able to save them from making terrible mistakes due to your unjust and unequal decisions.

I am hopeful that things will change, but I am scared that this choice that California has made will cost the lives and happiness of far too many of its citizens, and thousands more around the world. The repercussions I fear may be wider reaching than any of us know.

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression."
-Thomas Jefferson

MoahB, 27, Mountain View, CA