A few months ago I was hired to compile a big brief detailing gay rights issues for a director working on a documentary piece. I have gay friends, and began the project thinking I knew a thing or two about their struggles for equality, but as I dove into each issue further - marriage, adoption, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, health care - I found myself in the dark. Within my research ran a common theme - when you eliminate one basic civil right you also take away many others. When an initiative like Proposition 8 passes in California it seems like our country has forgotten so many ugly mistakes of the past. I’m thrilled Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Prop 8 in California, but the true test is in the appeal. No question, this case will go to the U.S. Supreme Court, and hopefully our judicial system is ready to commit to equality for all.