Prop 8 and other set backs.
I know a lot of people are upset with the out come of the same sex marriage ban in CA. It is a loss in the fight for sexual equality, but it is not a defeat. As far as social reforms go the GLBT rights movement is young. The women's rights movement has been battling for change in the US almost since its inception. The civil rights movement only truly began with the abolition of slavery. And in both cases, the right to vote was the first true step for their rights. That battle is one the GLBT community does not have to fight.
Change will come! We just need to keep marching forward and as we do allies will follow. This fight cannot be won without them. Even now the younger generation gathers to aid us. The time of the old guard will pass and as the younger generation comes to power it will become easier. We will overcome and we shall persevere. The original marriage ban passed in 2000 with 60% of the vote. Eight years later Prop 8 passed by just 4%. This is evidence that the strength of the old guard is fading. A new generation is stepping up to help carry the banner of equality. I believe in my life time all such bans will be struck down and marriage will be only about the bonds of love between two people who wish to devote their lives to each other.
We have been bloodied, but we are not dead.
P.S. I've examined the exit polls and I believe the only real reason Prop 8 passed was due to Obama election. Obama drew both Blacks and Hispanic to the polls in record numbers. Unfortunately, both communities are traditionally conservative when it comes to sexuality. On a positive the age 18 to 30 voters resoundingly oppossed the proposition. Change will come and the morally conservative cannot stop it.To quote a great work, "Resistants is futile."