8 the Play shows the closing arguments of Hollingsworth vs. Perry, a trial unseen to the public, that became one of the most important federal trials for marriage equality. Even though this trial occurred five years ago, this play is still being read by universities and regional theaters across the country. Why? Because while the case for marriage equality in California is over, the road towards same-sex marriage in the rest of the United States is not. 

 

Labeled as unconstitutional in 2010, it took three years of preliminary hearings before Proposition 8 was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. We still have fourteen states that ban same-sex marriage, eight with appeals still under review. Proposition 8 reminds us that we still have work to do in regards to acceptance of the LGBT community.

 

In 8 the Play, we don’t just watch actors play out a federal trial in front of us. These are the stories of real people wanting basic human rights. Two couples who want to get married, start a family, and live a normal life. They just happen to be two men and two women. It’s not just a play about gay rights, it’s about human rights. Two couples who want to be recognized by their government and have the freedom to love who they desire.