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Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo      

LGBTQ Equality Activists; Plaintiffs in the Landmark Supreme Court Case that Struck Down Proposition 8 in California

Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo began their journey together in 2001.

Having wanted to marry each other since 2008, they considered options including traveling to other states for a civil union, but felt any alternative fell short of full marriage equality. Jeff and Paul took a very private thing like their love and made it very public by filing a federal lawsuit against Proposition 8 in California. Paul and Jeff were two of only four plaintiffs in the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down Proposition 8 in California. Since their victory, they have become leaders in the LGBTQ equality movement both in the US and abroad. Their story inspired the award-winning HBO Documentary "The Case Against 8."

Paul and Jeff continue to amplify the message of equality with media appearances including CNN, MSNBC, The Today Show, OWN, Time, and People. They recently received the Human Rights Campaign’s National Equality Award; were named “Californians of the Year”; received the Courage Campaign’s “Spirit of Courage” Award; named to the “OUT 100” by OUT magazine; and were in the top 10 candidates for The Advocate’s “Person of the Year” honor.

News


Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo: They Fought Prop. 8, and Everyone Won
Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo remember the exact moment when they decided enough was enough. It was 2009, and California's same-sex marriage ban, ...
Prop 8 Plaintiffs Paul Katami And Jeff Zarrillo Renew Their Wedding ...
Prop 8 plantiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarillo marked the end of LGBT Pride Month with a stylish wedding. Although already legally married, the couple ...

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