It’s fascinating to see what’s transpired in our community since voters passed Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage in California last week. Ordinary people are doing extraordinary things. Average citizens are taking to the streets. Young activists are gathering and organizing to participate in our battle for fundamental, constitutional rights.

Despite the heartbreaking setback, our community soldiers on.

Last weekend’s march east on University Avenue from First to 30th streets drew more than 8,000 people. The sight of so many people gathering from all walks of life – and many from outside our community – was phenomenal to say the least.

There was a sentiment, however, echoed among some demonstrators: “Why march in Hillcrest?”

Yes, it is San Diego’s GLBT community, but in Hillcrest and North Park, we’re not met with much opposition. In overwhelming numbers, passengers in the cars passing Saturday’s march were very supportive; honking, waving and shouting their kudos to us as we walked past.

Granted, the images from Saturday (which popped up in nearly all local news media) were stunning; the sheer size of the march warranted coverage from each of the news outlets.

Our message may have been delivered through news media, but marching in our neighborhoods (Hillcrest, North Park, etc.), we’re preaching to the choir.

In the wake of the election we learned seven out of 10 black voters in California supported Proposition 8.

A more symbolic march with a more powerful message would begin at the door of one of our city’s largest black churches and conclude at the Catfish Club, a gathering place for black San Diegans. It would end with an outreach rally – a way to tell our stories to people living in the black community. Our message was lost on them before the election (or we simply took their support for granted), but we can build bridges now that will be advantageous for both communities in the future.

We might be angry with black voters – but rescinding our support of their community would be spiteful and sad. We need to engage them in conversation and appeal to them as people who know the horrible impact discrimination wreaks on lives. And, we must keep in mind, there is a vibrant black community within our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. We must continue to support members of that community as well.

Also, as we organize grassroots marches we must recognize and respect diverse voices; some are analytical, some are optimistic and some are plain angry. Discouraging members of our community from expressing anger at Yes on 8 supporters or the Mormon church runs contrary to what we’ve fought for – namely, the right to have our voices heard.

In a community as large as ours, not everyone is going to be on the same page. While expressing anger or discontent may not be the most effective way to create change, it is a cathartic way for some to grapple with our monumental loss (not to mention, it’s protected by the Bill of Rights). We’ve had some say they were discouraged by organizers of the march from carrying signs criticizing the Mormon church. It’s disheartening to hear there are still those in our community who will attempt to censor others.

Saturday’s rally in Hillcrest was a powerful reminder of our community’s ability to stand united against adversity and demand change. It was a testament to our prevailing progressive spirit, and it was organized in nearly no time by extraordinary individuals committed to winning our rights.

Now, it’s time we take our message to communities outside our comfort zone. It’s time we march in conservative areas in North County and East County and in Mid-City. It’s time we march in areas less friendly to our cause.

Chances are, we’ve reached the hearts and minds of a vast majority of people in Hillcrest and North Park – but if we don’t try to appeal to people outside our communities, we’re facing an uphill fight.

This Saturday, Join the Impact, a nationwide movement to raise awareness about Proposition 8, will organize rallies in cities throughout the nation. In San Diego, meet at Sixth Avenue and Upas Street in Balboa Park at 10 a.m. to march to the County Administration Building on North Harbor Drive. The march will conclude with a rally at 1 p.m. at the County Administration Building.