Everyone knows who Lisa Sanders, daughter of Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders, is. Lisa has been very vocal and active in the fight for our GLBT rights and so has her father. In fact Mayor Jerry Sanders is considered one of the top gay friendly Mayors in the country. He, Lisa and his family have done so much, not only for GLBT rights but for the greater good of all of San Diego and its residents. They both continue to fight for what is right and just, and have spent countless hours trying to improve the lives of many people in San Diego and beyond. This recently took them both to San Francisco for the Prop 8 trial where the Mayor testified on behalf of those who challenged Prop 8. Of course Lisa Sanders accompanied him to San Francisco to support her father and the history that was unfolding for gay and lesbian civil rights. Lisa has been involved with helping GLBT people as well as those in other communities, reaching out in any way she can and is not afraid to roll up her sleeves to help. She advocates for human rights and hopes to continue this throughout her life. Lisa Sanders who is a lesbian and an activist quickly became synonymous with activism on all levels in San Diego at just 26. She is married to her wife Meaghan Yaple. She is someone who is passionate about what she believes in and has all the action to back it up. She has stood out and up in a time when few her age would have had the interest and dedication, not only for her rights but the rights of others. The Gay & Lesbian Times was lucky enough to get her opinions and thoughts about what is going on with Prop 8, gay and lesbian marriage rights and what she has been up to lately.

GLT: What was it like being in San Francisco at the trial for this historic event?

LS: It was really emotional seeing my father on the stand describing our relationship and talking about when I was young. It was also awesome to be there with him and it continues to bring us closer and closer. It makes our relationship even stronger and I felt really proud of him and

thankful.

GLT: When marriage licenses are issued in San Diego will you re-marry your wife?

LS: We actually got married in Vermont and she is from New York. They do not issue marriage licenses in New York; however they do recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere. So yes, we will definitely do that and look forward to being married in California where I am from and we live. I have the form downloaded and filled out as it could happen tomorrow.

GLT: Can you tell us about what you saw and what it was like in the court room?

LS: Well, it was not a jury case. It was two sides on other ends of the room from each other with seating in the back. Everyone was wearing black, grey or brown and the only dress I could borrow was bright yellow (laugh), so I felt really uncomfortable. He (Mayor Sanders) was really far away and he was extremely emotional and it showed. The cross examination went nowhere and the wording was kind of funny. I can’t remember it verbatim but when the briefing was going on the other side said congratulations to us. It was somewhat weird. They had asked if there is a difference between domestic partnerships and marriage. My father said yes. We did not celebrate her domestic partnership we celebrated her marriage. It was just really exciting to be in the city where it kind of all started.

GLT: What do you believe will be the outcome for gay marriage in California, and how soon do you believe it will be?

LS: Um. You know it is really confusing and I do not know what it all means. I do know it is in the future and at the most about three years. I think the path it is taking is a great path to get it across the board. But at the same time I am hoping that it will be this week. I have my application and I am getting ready like it could happen at any time. I always recommend The Center and use it for information. It is my big source for information. If someone there does not know something they can always refer you to someone who does.

GLT: What do you believe will happen with the stay?

LS: The stay is the most confusing thing for me, and I think a lot of others. I think it will go our way though. It is the hardest thing to understand and I am trying to be as patient as possible this week. There has been a lot of talk of what will happen with the stay this week. I do know that the courthouses and system are on board and ready to marry gays and lesbians again.

GLT: When you and your father were at The Day of Decision what was the energy like?

LS: It was full of excitement with such an alive and connected community and with my father and my family there I was really proud and happy to share that with them. I was there the first time and it was similar to that except it was more exciting to see what we had achieved.

GLT: Why do you believe Judge Walker wanted your father’s testimony in court?

LS: Well it was the attorney who wanted him to testify. I think it is because he stands for progress. My father has always been behind me and has always supported me. He has made such a big statement about it in so many ways.

GLT: Does your family get along with your wife?

LS: Oh yeah! They love her to death and her family loves me, so I feel really lucky. We went through the natural progression of our relationship and when we were ready we got married in Vermont. Being married is very different than having a girlfriend. It feels very different and you are treated with more respect and you carry a sense of pride about it.

GLT: What does being an activist mean to you?

LS: In my life it means being involved working on a campaign and always helping your community and helping with change. Some of my friends don’t have money to donate and I always tell them they can help in other ways. It is also helping all of San Diego in and out of the GLBT community. In San Diego we are spoiled. Even though it is considered a conservative city we have it very good. We have places we can go and be ourselves. But we need to continue what those who came before us started.

GLT: Do you feel that a lot of younger people should be fighting harder for their rights, and become more involved?

LS: Um! Younger people should always be involved because they should be a part of the change and take ownership over their rights and what happens in the world. I think there is a place for all of us when it comes to involvement.

GLT: You grew up with a Mayor as a father. Is there any chance that you will follow in his footsteps?

LS: No I have no goals to go into politics. You can do a lot without being a politician. I have more interest in striving to be a part of all types of communities and becoming more involved with that.

GLT: What do you think your father’s legacy will be and what do you think yours will be?

LS: I don’t know. He just does what is right and just. But I think he will always be remembered for standing up for our community, being an amazing cop and Mayor and what he did for all San Diegans. I also think he will be remembered for doing the right and fair things. As for me I do not know yet as I am only 26. Hopefully though, being active and involved and seeing where that takes me.

GLT: How did you feel when your dad apologized to the GLBT community?

LS: It was interesting. I wasn’t expecting that. He has always been supportive of me, so from my perspective it is different. However, I know how much it meant to the community to hear it. I felt very proud of him.

GLT: What advice would you give to young people in our community?

LS: Continue to work hard as there is so much work to do. A great organization to get involved with is the Harvey Milk Foundation. To continue staying connected with our past we need to continue the movement. Even though we have it good here, and we could have marriage next week, we need to do more work and be patient as well.

GLT: Do you want to be a parent?

LS: Yeah, I do want to be a parent because I want to do for somebody what my parents have done for me.

Lisa, thank you very much for your time and all your support. You are an inspiration to our community. Thank you. l