Tracie Jones & Valerie Paget
Tracie is a Forensic Social Worker who works with the Public Defender’s Office Juvenile branch. Valerie is a self-employed Clinical Social Work Consultant/Therapist who works with medically fragile individuals. They have worked in their fields for many years and feel driven to advocate for those who may be unable to advocate for themselves. Valerie and Tracie met in 1998 and soon realized they wanted to spend their lives together. A short time later, they exchanged wedding rings. They filed for Domestic Partnership in 2001 to ensure some basic legal recognition and protection. On their 10 year anniversary, in April 2008, they were married in Vancouver, Canada. In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that marriage between same sex couples is protected by our state constitution, therefore recognizing Tracie and Valerie’s marriage as valid in the State of California. Threats of Prop 8 became immediately apparent and they at once began volunteering with Equality California and the No on 8 campaign. Although very discouraged to have recognition of their marriage threatened, they will continue to fight this discrimination all the way to the State Capitol…..on foot.
Sarah Richardson
Sarah Richardson worked as a volunteer phone bank trainer and coordinator with the No on 8 campaign. Her family's persecution during the Holocaust inspires her to commit her life human rights, dignity and equality for all. Sarah is a board member and co-founder of SAFER (www.safercampus.org) and a PhD candidate at Stanford University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles. Sarah has volunteered to coordinate media outreach with John Dwight.
Sage Collum
Sage is a mother and a grandmother. She came out later in life after 27 years of marriage. She is passionate about this fight because “I was married to a good man for 27 years. If I am ever lucky enough to find another person I want to spend 27 years with, I would hope that I could marry her. I see no reason why my civil rights should be altered now that I know I am lesbian. Even if I never find a woman to share my life, I want to be equal to every other person. If we don’t have the same rights as others, we don’t have full equality.” Sage brings experience and organizational skills learned in raising two children, volunteering, and working in a variety of jobs.
John Dwight, Jr.
John has many years of experience producing and promoting events in the US and abroad. He has produced over 50 multi-media events throughout his career with over 50,000 people in total attendance. He has extensive knowledge in coordinating on-the-ground and online logistics for a variety of event types. John has volunteered to coordinate media outreach with Sarah Richardson.
Alexi Weden
Alexi Weden is a Forensic Social Worker who works with the Public Defender’s Office Juvenile branch. She has been inspired by the dedication Tracie and Valerie have given to this very important cause and believes in equality for all. Alexi has volunteered to help maintain the blog and answer questions that may arise.
Katie Escudero
Katie Escudero is a bisexual biracial Latina from New Mexico. She is a recent graduate of Colorado State University where she studied Ethnic Studies, Sociology, and Women's Studies. For the past several years, Katie has participated in many actions and organizations where she was able to transform her studies into action. Most recently, Katie worked as staff on the No on Prop 8 campaign. Katie has been, and continues to be, a strong source of support and encouragement.
