Davina Kotulski presented her story of gay marriage in San Francisco, and the subsequent invalidation from her state after the passing of Proposition 8.

Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that amended the California Constitution, prevents same-sex couples from having the right to marry.

Around 20 Iowa State students and local advocates turned out to Eaton Hall on Thursday for a discussion and brief lecture from Kotulski, a marriage equality advocate, and the author of “Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage.” The discussion moved from the recent history of gay marriage in America, to the changes the organization Marriage Equality USA would make to the “No to Prop 8” campaign.

“Iowans value equality and fairness, and it’s fantastic that there were 20 people here today showing their commitment to equal rights for all people, choosing to take time today to work towards ending discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, and Transgendered Iowans,” Kotulski said.

Kotulski talked about the “absurdity” of not having national gay marriage rights.

Kotulski told the story of her ups and downs as a lesbian in California as her rights were given and taken away by the state, barring her from the proclaimed 1,138 denied rights that same-sex couples lack. The LGBT population nationwide watched in 2008 as Proposition 8 won on the West coast. Although the movement took a step back from receiving highly coveted equal rights, Kotulski said that there were “messengers that we didn’t utilize” for the campaign.

The new edition of the campaign emphasizes a grassroots effort, receiving input from the LGBT community as well as their allies across the nation. Plans include canvassing communities, outreaching to clergy leaders and people of color, and featuring gays in the promotional material for the movement.

Kotulski was dismayed by the lack of LGBT community members in advertisements and public visibility, caused by what she called “modern homophobia.” A life coach with her doctorate in psychology, she said that communities’ lack of familiarity with the gay population leads to fear and separation.

Citing recent physical attacks, harassment, and hate crimes against the gay community, Kotulski said that the victory of Proposition 8 has “enabled opponents” and given the anti-gay initiative a reason to attack. The next opportunity for California to attempt to repeal the law will be 2010 or 2012, depending on state legislative procedure.

The definitions for civil unions, domestic partnerships and marriage differ from state to state with no singular regulation in sight.

The meeting was an ISU LGBTA function, led by president Callen Ubeda, senior in political science. His introduction led to a follow up by local activist and former gubernatorial candidate Ed Fallon. Reaching out for equal rights from every sector of society, Fallon stressed the importance of Proposition 8 and the effects that it brings to Iowa.

Fallon served 14 years in the Iowa Legislature and leads “I’M for IOWA”, a movement for independence and civil rights advocacy. Kotulski praised Ubeda and Fallon for developing the progressive movement in the state of Iowa, and working for a positive future of complete equality for the nation.