What do a married straight woman from Los Angeles and a single gay man from San Francisco have in common?

More than you might think.

We are both proud members of Let California Ring, and we're committed to securing the freedom to marry for all our gay and lesbian family and friends. But we need your help to do it.

Thalia: As a straight couple considering marriage, Mike and I felt how unfair it would be for us to take advantage of a right that was denied to so many of our gay and lesbian friends. So during our wedding, we pledged to do all we can, as straight allies, to help change the laws that prohibit the freedom to marry. Let California Ring gives us easy tools to carry out that pledge.

Seth: When I came out to my parents years ago, they expressed deep sadness that I would not be able to marry and have a family like my straight sister. While they still love me unconditionally, I have the power with this campaign to create a world where every parent can feel that all their children will have the same opportunities to realize their hopes and dreams. What happens in California has a ripple effect across the country.

We both remember February 12, 2004: the day when many people descended upon San Francisco's City Hall with the belief that they could finally marry the person they love. We were heartbroken when these hopes were shattered.

Today, nearly four years later, there are more Californians than ever who support the freedom to marry -- yet there are millions of Californians who still haven't voiced support for the freedom of gay and lesbian people to marry.

That's where supporters like us come in. We are the change-makers; we are the people with the power to bring about a tipping point in California. And to make a difference, all is takes is a few moments of our time to share the things that bond us together as fellow human beings -- a desire to love, to be loved, and to have our love recognized in an equal and dignified way.

Don't we owe this to our friends, to our family and to ourselves?

We haven't a moment to lose. If you haven't already, please add your name to the state-wide effort that's building support for the freedom to marry and pledge to reach out to the people in your life. You can also download talking points to help get these important conversations started.

Individually, we have a lot of power -- more power than you might think.

Thanks for reading,

Seth Kilbourn and Thalia Zepatos
Let California Ring Executive Committee