A Marriage Pre-Party in West Hollywood

Stars like Jay Leno and heroes like Judy Shepard and T.R. Knight kicked up their heels to launch Pride Month and revel in the California supreme court ruling lifting the state's ban on same-sex marriage

By Neal Broverman

The stars collided Wednesday night at a raucous party and mock commitment ceremony at West Hollywood's Abbey Lounge that served as a precursor to Pride Month and the official legalization of same-sex marriage in California.

Tonight Show host Jay Leno -- who has been chided in the past for making homophobic jokes -- was the biggest name at the event, officially called "A Celebration of 'Love and Pride' in an Effort to Erase Hate." Leno told the crowd, "I live in Hollywood -- who doesn't know gay people in Hollywood? Who doesn't love gay people?"

Even though Leno received the most media attention, Judy Shepard -- mother of slain college student Matthew Shepard -- was the crowd favorite. When Shepard addressed the crowd, she was greeted with thunderous applause. Shepard said she and Matthew spoke about gay marriage before his death, and she knew he was proud now and "looking down" at the celebration.

Abbey Event Judy Shepard plus (Jenn Kennedy) x 395 | Advocate.com
Judy Shepard and Mark Cornelson

Abbey Event hands up (Jenn Kennedy) x 395 | Advocate.com
Headed to the altar

Abbey Event walking the ailse (Jenn Kennedy) x 395 | Advocate.com
Marriage-bound

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Broverman is The Advocate's associate editor. Photography by Jenn Kennedy.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Jonathan
Date posted: 6/9/2008 5:27:00 PM
Hometown: Mableton

Comment:
I as a gay male know Jesus Christ and he loves and forgives us all. If you read the bible Jesus says nothing about, but Paul does. And if you read again they used gay people to decorate etc. and the color purple was used as a a sybal. It's amazing u come to this site to voice your thoughts what actual brought you to this site. To mention Jesus Christ look at all the churches in there exceptise except two like Cathoclic and Baptist whom go out in the parking lot and sin over and over, one is hate, Jesus loved and nothing but.
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Name: Tom
Date posted: 6/9/2008 3:18:00 PM
Hometown: Laguna Beach

Comment:
Daniel hon, First, we in the LGBT world feel that you too have a right to an opinion but darlin, if you're going to pray for something...pray for grammer! Second, we all put ourselves in someone's hands and heart if we're lucky. (I have Mark). But if for you it's someone named Jesus well right on for that! Nothing like a little Latin I always say....and Third Daniel honey....you seem to be spending a lot of your time on this site...hummm...."preaching"...is there something you might want to share with all of us? Pride rocks! Hugs from Tom in Laguna
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Name: Tom
Date posted: 6/7/2008 2:20:00 PM
Hometown: Winnipeg Canada

Comment:
We absolutely admire the American LGBT community for keeping up your fight against the army of religious fanatics and bigots. Congratulations to all of you regarding the California win. Perhaps your success will now spread across the country! Keep it up.
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Name: Bonnie
Date posted: 6/6/2008 3:40:00 PM
Hometown: White Plains

Comment:
You don't have to like it Daniel. If it bothers you that much, just move on. You and your people will never be happy. Why did you come to this site if you have such issues with the LGBT community? Keep a smile on your face and love in your heart!
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Name: Janice
Date posted: 6/6/2008 12:11:00 PM
Hometown: Houston, TX

Comment:
How Beautiful! Glad the rednecks and bigots are dying off so justice can prevail.
Back to top
Name: daniel
Date posted: 6/6/2008 5:08:00 AM
Hometown: Phoenix

Comment:
Pls do not be sick,you guys living in illusion.Men and women are to be united and also can be united.When i see you get perverted,i got so much of concern at you.Kindly get rid of this nasty,unusual life and live normal,kingsize life in Jesus Christ.You would get ok ,just ask Jesus Christ to take charge of your life.Pls Pls.

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