Stressenger 1
Liane Stressenger
Nagelsen
WR1020
18 August 2013
Notes Pages Rainbow Quarterly Journal
Collage-title page
I used a collage as the opening to this quarterly publication as it delivers a punch and sets
the reader up for what will come. It is a great place to lead off from and creates visual
interest as a means to provide a method to deliver pertinent detail as the old adage goes “a
picture is worth a thousand words”.
1. The image “Demonstrators Outside U.S. Supreme Court = Get Equal” is taken by
Pablo M.Monsevais at AP. Found on Google images.
2. The image of “Edie Windsor in the court steps “ celebrating victory is by permission
from Kate Barett at Kate Barett Gallery located on her blog on June 26, 2013 on
Neighborhoodnomads.com.
3. The image of “Rings and Gavel” is taken from Bestgalresouces.com via Google Images.
4. The image of two women and marriage license referred to as “Same-Sex Marriages
Resume in Kern” is taken from article of the same name in the Bakersfield Californian July
1, 2013.
5. The image of the couple from “D.C. Same-Sex Marriage Law Takes Effect” is from the
Washington Post article of the same via Google Images.
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6. The image of two men exchanging rings is by Earl S. Cryer @ UPI and part of the article
“Gay Men Who Live in the U.S.: Study Shows…” which was found on Google images.
7. The text Gay rights after all are nothing more than…says it like it is. Plain and simple.
This is found in the book Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People’s
Right to Marry by Evan Wolfson on [loc] p.2393.
8. The quote Opinion has shifted… reveals the current state of public sentiment in a ruling
about same sex marriage and equality. This is found in the book From the Closet to the
Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage by Michael J. Klarman on
p.207.
9. The idea that it’s a matter of right or wrong…is quoted because it is a basic tenant that no
one thinks twice about when it comes to any other American rights or heterosexual
marriage. This is taken from a speech given before the vote on marriage in December of
2009 by New York Senator Diane Savino located on You Tube.
10.The concept of if two complete strangers met each other last week and got legally
married today…is chosen to illustrate how ridiculous the restrictions are that same sex
couples have been subjected to while heterosexuals can whimsically marry. This
is summarized from portions of a speech by Senator Diane Savino during her presentation
before the State of New York vote on marriage in December of 2009 located on You Tube.
Interview
I selected the interview genre because it is an expected venue in a social news journal. This
is an effective means to demonstrate facts, emotions, anecdotes and viewpoints. It provides
a sense of urgency and illustrates a rich history of gay rights and keeps a personal
perspective on what federal recognition and validation of marriage means to this couple.
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1. The concept that it is time to end discrimination in the United States is used to show the
sense of anticipation as a result of the nation waiting on tenterhooks for a crucial outcome
perhaps ending some forms of marital discrimination for same-sex marriage. This was
quoted from the book Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People’s Right
to Marry by Evan Wolfson on p.2581.
2. The fact that there have been many ups and downs… is summarized to show the pattern
of challenges that Americans have endured while attempting to find some common ground.
This reference comes from the book From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the
Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage by Michael J. Klarman on p.133.
3.The fact that in 2008 the California court ruled shares the story of what was required of
this gay couple in order to obtain what is an assumed right to inherit benefits by straight
beneficiaries who are married. This is summarized from the book From the Closet to the
Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage by Michael J. Klarman on
p.135.
4.The quote that this couple was defrauded of the ability to marry is shown in the use of
proposition 8 ran a campaign…was selected to emphasize the missed opportunity and can
be found in from the book From the Closet to the Altar : Courts, Backlash and the Struggle
for Same-Sex Marriage by Michael J. Klarman on p.136.
5. The idea that children fare best…is brought up to show there is little proof of claims that
children raised with gay parents turn out any better or worse than any other comparative
households accordingly. This quote comes from the book Why Marriage Matters: America,
Equality and Gay People’s Right to Marry by Evan Wolfson on p.1191.
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6. The idea that parenthood fosters reservations is based on results of studies conducted
looking at marital status, presence of children and attitudes towards gay marriage. This
information can be found in “Attitudes toward Gay Marriage in States
Undergoing Marriage Law Transformation” by James Wright et al. on p.11.
7. Sharing the concept that Americans have ambivalence about their own…again comes
from a study looking at factors that contribute to attitudes about gay marriage at a volatile
time when states are making significant decisions. The authors contend that increased
tension contributes to conflict in feelings and beliefs. This was published in The Journal of
Marriage and Family in “Attitudes toward Gay Marriage in States Undergoing Marriage
Law Transformation” by James Wright et al. on P.14.
8. Unlike the prior notation the statement the religious, political and social attitudes are
more likely to be responsible…demonstrates what impacts attitudes about gay marriage
apart from political influence. This provides contrast and provides a back drop for
the emotional context of the estrangement of Aesop’s family. This data is located in the
study “Attitudes toward Gay Marriage in States Undergoing Marriage Law
Transformation” by James Wright etal. on p.13 from the Journal of Marriage and Family.
9. The fact looking toward an outcome much like the Loving vs. Virginia decision in 1967
when the US supreme court struck down interracial marriage… was selected because it
shows that established laws can be reversed when found unconstitutional. This is a mirror
case that no doubt has been used in numerous challenges throughout the country. I took this
from “The Constitutional Right to (Keep Your) Same-Sex Marriage” by Steve Sanders on
p. 1428 published in The Michigan Law Review.
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10. The fact that on June 28th 2009 President Obama declared…shows a hopeful alliance
and respect that may translate to the court on behalf of further justice and recognition. This
fact is from the book From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for
Same-Sex Marriage by Michael J. Klarman on p.154.
Found Poem
I elected to include this found poem as a way to be more fluid and creative. Additionally
this provides a different perspective in the journal and lends itself to a less structured
format.
1. Evolution is a found poem comprised of language from Barack Obama in “Interview
with President Obama with Robin Roberts”, May 9th, 2012 and from Claudia Card’s article
“Gay Divorce: Thoughts on the Legal Regulation of Marriage” from the journal Hypatia
and lastly phrases taken from “No Objections: What History Tells us about Gay Marriage”
by Nancy F. Cott in The Boston Review.
Article: "DOMAS in a Coma…"
I can’t imagine any publication without an article or three or four even. Given my time
limit this one will have to do. I felt it was essential to the whole premise of the publication
and the topic to provide a primer about what has happened, why it happened, who has been
affected by it and so on as well as what the future concerns and plans to implement
additional change in the wake of DOMA and Prop 8 being struck down by the US Supreme
Court. YEAH!
1. The image of a USA Pride Map is taken from Texasleftistblogspot.com via Google
Images and represents the nation inclusive of LGBT individuals.
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2. Describing this point in the history of the USA’s ongoing civil rights movement and its’
importance is shown in the quote marks a turning point in how the United States…is taken
from the Introduction to post DOMA changes on the “LGBT Fact Sheet Series: After
DOMA What it means for you” by the American Civil Liberties Union.
3. Providing some details of the process that put DOMA into play and the biased outcomes
that ensued is punctuated by reminding the reader that by realizing ending DOMA gives
hope to all LGBT people but… is paraphrased from the “LGBT Fact Sheet Series: After
DOMA What it means for You” by the American Civil Liberties Union.
4. Explaining the dichotomy of state governments either allowing or recognizing same sex
marriage is explored in the fact that
even where same sex couples have the legal right to
marry… is paraphrased from Kubasek etal in “Amending the Defense of Marriage Act: A
Necessary Step Toward Gaining Full Legal Rights for Same-Sex Couples” on p.960
published in the American University of Gender, Social Policy & the Law.
5. Gearing up for more conflict and hard work to advocate for the remainder of the rights
of those still disenfranchised in the wake of the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions and in
particular those same-sex couples wanting to marry who live in states that bar such
opportunity is portrayed in the use of is not the time to sit back and rest easy and this calls
for stepping up is summarized from Molly Ball’s article “The New State-by-State Fight for
Gay Marriage” on p.1 in the National Atlantic Journal.
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6. Once again we see the conflict of where you live or where you marry become an issue,
Not only with US federal statutes where sorting out celebratory and domicile applications
is this a problem but in many states steps have been taken to secure a rigid observation of
heterosexual marriage. The phrase forbid same sex marriage or void or deny
recognition…is summarized from Steve Sanders in his paper from the Michigan Law
Review entitled “The Constitutional Right to (Keep Your) Same-Sex Marriage” on p1421.
7. Giving a statistic or a number to a fact always seems to validate the truth. In looking at
the issue of interstate marital laws and what happens if married in one place but life
dictates a change of venue. Sharing the fact that if you consider that according to the 2010
U.S. Census more than 130,000…is taken in summary from Steve Sanders in his paper
“The Constitutional Right to (Keep Your) Same-Sex Marriage” on p1421-1422 published
in the Michigan Law Review.
8. Moving forward and looking ahead the recognition that victory does not go undefeated if
the war is not won. This is demonstrated by the actions that civil rights groups like ACLU
take to represent those individuals and families that have been marginalized by
legal mumbo jumbo intended to defraud them of equality. Already we have witnessed many
recent victories, activists all over the country are eager to…is paraphrased from Molly
Ball’s article “The New State-by-State Fight for Gay Marriage” on p.2 in the National
Atlantic Journal.
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9. Setting goals for action is part of a great line of attack. In reviewing what activists who
are working towards designing in deciding the next steps to achieve full marital equality
is noted in the paraphrasing of demonstrate the importance of using a proven template…
which is found in National Atlantic Journal in Molly Ball’s article “The New State-byState Fight for Gay Marriage” on p.3.
10. It is necessary to assess all the possible ways that individuals may be overlooked in the
legal paper pile of variables union. The summary of consider the status of other legal
entities that are used to unite same- sex people…is from the explanation that is given by the
authors Kubasek etal in “Amending the Defense of Marriage Act: A Necessary Step
Toward Gaining Full Legal Rights for Same-Sex Couples” on p963 in The American
University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & the Law.
11. One small step for man (woman) and one major leap for Gay rights. Describing the
culmination of the better part of a multi-decade struggle in the overturning of a wrongful
tax debt collection based on an inheritance from a spouse is nothing short of miraculous.
The paraphrase of Edie Windsor showed great conviction and courage…is found on the
introductory review of “LGBT Fact Sheet Series: After DOMA What it Means for You” by
the American Civil Liberties Union.
Editorial:" Embrace Yourself"
An editorial is the right piece of journalism /writing to include in a publication of this type.
It provided a position statement for the editorial board (the assumption here is that there is
a board) to express opinions about a timely concern and is meant to inspire readers to
formulate thoughts on the topic and in this case intended to inspire a call to action.
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1. The image “Face to Face Meeting” is taken from Highway12ventures.com and found
on Google Images.
2. The script image of Telling Our Stories is from Chrisitan101.org located via Google
images.
3. The relevance of how many people are involved is important in understanding the idea
of minority and majority. This country as a democracy functions on the notion of
fairness and equity despite the imbalance of numbers. The concept of studies
show that roughly 3.5 percent reveal information about the number of people that are
about to be further impacted by ongoing debate on the issues of acceptance
of homosexuality and same-sex marriage. This is found in Dr. Gary Gates research
article “How Many People are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender?" sponsored
by The Williams Institute of Law on p.1.
4. The paraphrase regarding a majority of Americans view homosexuality... was
selected to show trends in acceptance of gay and lesbian Americans but also
demonstrate that two moral beliefs are in conflict. This is taken from James Wright,
etal in the article "Attitudes toward Gay Marriage in States Undergoing Marriage Law
Transformation" in the Journal of Marriage & Family on p.345.
5. Using the quote… if any social change seems inevitable, it is growing acceptance of
gay equality was intentionally selected to plant a seed of hope and inspire the idea that
progress is being made. This is taken from Michael Klarman's book From the Closet to
the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage on p.210.
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6. The information that a large number of people acknowledge having a same- sex
attraction and that this translates into an increased acceptance of a lifestyle that they
have not embraced was remarkable and worthy of inclusion. This provides a foundation
for the premise of the editorial. This is found in Gary Gates research article "How
Many People are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender?" Published by The
Williams Institute of Law on p.7.
7. The fact that polls demonstrated a shift in public opinion when a sitting President and
Vice President endorse same-sex marriage is further evidence that public opinion can
be readily influenced by the action of people in positions of authority. This fact is found
on the NPR blog by Ken Rudin “Gay Marriage, DOMA and the Dramatic Shift in
Public Opinion in One Year”.
8. The summary of… in particular was the upending revelation conveys the story of Sen.
Portman in stating his new found position on gay rights and same-sex marriage. This
was critical given his stature in the GOP at the time of his public statement. This
information is taken from Ken Rudin's NPR Blog "Gay Marriage, DOMA and the
Dramatic Shift in Public Opinion in One Year".
9. The quote from Rob Portman's commentary " Gay Couples also Deserve to Get
Married" about One way to look at it is… is referred to because it is an “about face”
and once again shows that even one personal story can potentially change lives and
impact the cause of same- sex marriage positively. This is found in the March 13, 2013
commentary editorial of The Columbus Dispatch.
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10. The reference to the assigned family values...In the blue paradigm autonomy, equality
and sexual freedom are valued... is noted in Steve Sanders in his article "The
Constitutional Right to (Keep Your) Same-Sex Marriage" in the Michigan Law Review
on p.1479.
11. The concept having more gays be open about their sexuality was used is supported by
research that personal core beliefs and variables in value can be influenced when
increased exposure to gay and lesbians. This leads to a higher incidence of acceptance
of same-sex marriage and towards alternative sexual lifestyles. This was found in
Michael Klarman's book From the Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the
Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage on p.210.
12. The notion that few people favor discrimination against those they know and love is
included to support the hope that the reader may feel confident that in sharing sexual
orientation. Information is given to reassure that they may be less likely to be shunned
if electing to reveal this status .This is quoted from Michael Klarman's book From the
Closet to the Altar: Courts, Backlash and the Struggle for Same-Sex Marriage on
p.211.
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13. The quote Fear is the foundation of most governments dates back to 1776 authored
by statesmen John Quincy Adams. The concept that allowing fear to rule disables a
functional and progressive government as well as an individual. I elected to include this
is it conveys the idea that inaction can lead to the further instability of a government
meant to support equality and is incumbent on the people for whom it represents to not
allow ignorance and fear to rule them. This is found in the pamphlet “Thoughts on
Government “by John Q Adams, published April 1776.
The Film Review
A film or book review is a typical item which would be included in this type of social media. It
lends an authenticity for the reader and provides connectivity to what others are watching and
reading and in what way it might impact the community the journal reaches.
1. The quote Civil Marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment…is used to show how
marriage goes beyond moral platitudes as it is an important aspect of human needs and rights.
This was taken from the introduction of chapter one and taken from Goodridge v.DPH in Evan
Wolfson’s book Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay Peoples Right to Marry
p.71.
2. In an effort to give credence regarding the normalcy and natural instinct for any two people
to commit to one and other the paraphrase of same –sex marriage would lessen the general
public’s view that it is Ok to discriminate is used. This is found in the scholarly publication by
Shulman etal “Will Marriage Matter? Effects of Marriage Anticipated by Same-Sex Couples”
on p 173 of The Journal of Family Issues.
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3. Similarly the idea if being able to obtain a recognized legal and marital status would legitimize
a same-sex partnership as noted in quote …no longer having a frowned upon lifestyle found
in Shulman etal “Will Marriage Matter? Effects of Marriage Anticipated by Same-Sex
Couples” p.173 in the Journal of Family Issues.
4. Demonstrating that marriage can be deemed legal without the religious aspects is conveyed in
the following quote. Nearly 40 percent of marriages in the United States take place without
any religious ceremony…is taken from Wolfson’s Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality,
and Gay Peoples Right to Marry on p. 1497.
5. Showing the simplicity of rights and the protections of marriage as to the “making it up as we
go along” and what can be disallowed pertaining to civil unions and domestic partnerships is
illustrated in the quote …the institution of marriage is a status well understood by everyone.
This is found in “Will Marriage Matter? Effects of Marriage Anticipated by Same-Sex
Couples” by Shulman etal in the Journal of Family Issues on p.176.
6. Establishing the inequity between same-sex marriages and federally recognized heterosexual
marriage or the “mays v. may nots” is seen in the quote Thea left her beloved Edie her
estate…by Jean Esselink in the article “Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer-A Love so Strong it
Could Take Down DOMA” published in the online journal, The New Civil Rights Movement
on March 27, 2013.
7. The lack of financial protection is illustrated in the paraphrase regarding inheritance status by
pointing out that unmarried surviving partners do not automatically inherit property. This
demonstrated another example of inequity. This was found in Evan Wolfson’s Why Marriage
Matters: America, Equality, and Gay Peoples Right to Marry on p.2618.
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8. Relating that marriage is the utmost basic right to protect all Americans in the ability to benefit
from social programs and benefits the paraphrase It seemed more like a last act…is from Jean
Esselink in the article “Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer-A Love so Strong it Could Take Down
DOMA” published in the online journal, The New Civil Rights Movement on March 27, 2013.
9. The summary of Edie took her case to court….shows the courage and conviction of believing
in what you know to be right. This is from Jean Esselink’s journalism in the article “Edie
Windsor and Thea Spyer-A Love so Strong it Could Take Down DOMA” published in the
online journal, The New Civil Rights Movement on March 27, 2013.
10. The gratitude that millions may feel knowing that because Edie Windsor and one other
complainant were the only two to take DOMA to the courts thusly providing a momentous shift
in the U. S. governments policy on same –sex marriage is emphasized in the paraphrase of
…think of Edie and Thea .Then dance like nobody’s watching is taken from Jean Esselink’s
journalism in the article “Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer-A Love so Strong it Could Take Down
DOMA” published in the online journal, The New Civil Rights Movement on March 27, 2013.
11. One word, one action is all that it takes to influence one outcome. The phrase… How the
world can change…. Originally sung in the 1969 film Cabaret and is taken from the introduction
of Ch. 1 in Evan Wolfson’s Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay Peoples Right
to Marry on p.68.
12. The image of the sketch of “Edie and Thea” is by artist Margarita Passione and found on
margaritapassione.blogspot.com at BlogSpot.
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Letter from the Editor
I chose to provide a letter from the editor to as it is a simple way to set the tone and introduce the
reader to the topics and articles while setting a tone. Letters such as this are instrumental for
tying the pieces of the journal together.
1. The quote …has brought us to this point of extraordinary momentum is used to show the
importance of the occasion in producing a special edition of the journal and marks a point in
history. This quote is taken from “The Roadmap to Victory: Finishing the Job from Freedom to
Marry.org.
2. Demonstrating the historical inequities of marriage in the United States is appreciated in the
summary of somehow considered less than full citizens… This is taken from Barack Obama in
“The Interview with President Obama” conducted by Robin Roberts and which on ABC in May
of 2012.
3. The paraphrase of… with the whole country as change continues to evolve in response to the
gay marriage debates is used to reflect on the state of the union as we prepare for the upward
battle in individual states. This is taken from Barack Obama in “The Interview with President
Obama” conducted by Robin Roberts and which on ABC in May of 2012.
4. The summary of the successes that have developed but also allow us to see the importance
of… is used to show that positive change and hope are present as further effort is employed to
ensure goals are achieved in obtaining federal rights. This is found in the National Atlantic
Journal in Molly Ball’s article “The New State-by-State Fight for Gay Marriage” on p.2.
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5. To reflect on history and tie the events together the quote … Supreme Court got interracial
marriage wrong before it got it right is used. This was taken from the last page under conclusion
in the document “The Roadmap to Victory: Finishing the Job from Freedom to Marry.org.
6. The quote … courts are murky and unpredictable …is used to show perceptions of
unpredictability and level of challenge that is projected while travelling in the uncharted legal
landscape. This is borrowed from Molly Ball’s article “The New State-by-State Fight for Gay
Marriage” on p.1 and published in the National Atlantic Journal.
7. Understanding what is considered when polling for attitudes and gaining an upswing in
latitude is demonstrated in the summary of … same-sex relationships by others is key. The
importance of capturing information that includes sexual identity ,behavior as well as existence
of same sex attraction is from Dr. Gary Gates article “How many People are Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender?” on p.2 and was featured by the Williams Institute of Law
publication in April 2011.
8. The quote … no single survey offers a definitive estimate…is included to remind the reader
that many pieces of information will be filtered and considered when individuals across the
country consider the attitudes of Americans regarding their positions and beliefs regarding
same-sex marriage. This is taken from Gary Gates article “How many People are Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, and Transgender?” on p.6 featured by the Williams Institute of Law publication in
April 2011. 9.
9.Quoting from President Ronald Reagan … all great change in America begins at the dinner
table… is found in Senator Gary Portman’s Commentary " Gay Couples Also Deserve a Chance
to Get Married” published in the Columbus Dispatch .
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10.The paraphrase of … understood that doing the work to get things done and did who did not
assume that things would take care of themselves was chosen to show that hard work pays off ,
at least in this case. This was found in the National Atlantic Journal in Molly Ball’s article “The
New State-by-State Fight for Gay Marriage” on p.1.
11. The image of “Protestors with Flag” is found on 1blogspot.com courtesy of Google Images
FACTS: Dissecting DOMA
What would a news medium be without facts? Gossip I believe. Therefore the relevance of
providing data and resources is meant to lend credence and to assist the reader to form opinions
and come to conclusions about the information that is being given.
1. The image of “Upward Statistics Graph” and dated 2008 but no author or ownership was
identified. This was found on Google Images.
2. The paraphrase …. unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court which now allows legally
married couples to receive federal protections with certain caveats establishes the intention of
omitting section three of DOMA. This is found on p.1 of the “Frequently Asked Questions:
Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)” published by GLAAD.
3. Historically the law of the land has adhered to a universal recognition of marriages
regardless of residency is a summary which shows a lack of universal parity in marriage. This is
found in “The Constitutional Right to (Keep Your) Same-Sex Marriage” by Steve Sanders on
p.1425 published in The Michigan Law Review.
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4. The fact that, so far same-sex marriage is legally recognized in thirteen states plus Washington
D.C. … is taken from “States” and found on The Freedom to Marry.org website.
5. The fact that, Over 30% of the U.S. population lives in a state… is taken from “States” and
found on The Freedom to Marry.org website.
6. The fact that, Over 41% of the U.S. population lives in a state… is found also on “States” and
found on The Freedom to Marry.org website.
7. The fact that, Over 43% of the U.S. population lives in a state… is found also on “States” and
found on The Freedom to Marry.org website.
8. …supporting the Respect for Marriage Act is paraphrased from “The LGBT Fact Sheet Series:
After DOMA” and located on the American Civil Liberties Union website ACLU.org.
9. The summary of over 1100 places in federal law where a protection or responsibility is based
on information taken from Kubasek etal in “Amending the Defense of Marriage Act: A
Necessary Step toward Gaining Full Legal Rights for Same-Sex Couples” on p.960.
10.The statement …A precaution is to seek legal guidance as some decisions may create a
negative impact legally or financially is paraphrased from the “LGBT Fact Sheet Series: After
DOMA What it means for you” by the American Civil Liberties Union.
EPIGRAPHS (not a part of the Genres)
The leading segments used at the header of the pages are used to provide a flow and theme to
each piece. The quotations are taken from lines of Maya Angelou’s famous poem “I know Why
the Caged Bird Sings” in 1969 by Bantam publishing.