New Documentary "For My Wife" Looks at Real Consequences of Banning Gay Marriage

One of the most surprising questions I've received as chairman of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission came at our booth during a recent VillageFest. A woman visiting the desert asked me, “Why do you need a Human Rights Commission in Palm Springs? Everything seems so free, safe and comfortable here.” While it's nice to be perceived as an idyllic community, I explained that we, too, face problems of discrimination and intolerance in many areas such as minority rights, elder abuse, housing and employment protections and LGBT issues. I added that the mission of the Human Rights Commission is to provide a forum for education and discussion of all those issues. The woman left with our commission literature, perhaps a bit crestfallen, but enlightened. Providing such education is the reason the Human Rights Commission will host a free screening of the documentary “For My Wife” at 6 p.m. Friday at the Palm Canyon Theater. It's the story of how Charlene Strong of Seattle unexpectedly became an activist for marriage equality after encountering appalling obstacles and prejudices following the tragic death of her longtime partner Kate Fleming. Full Story from MyDesert.com: http://www.mydesert.com/article/20090921/OPINION/909210302/1026/news12

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