couple The mood of the approximately 300 people who gathered around the band shell at Bixby Park on Wednesday evening to celebrate the invalidation of Proposition 8’s ban on same-sex marriage was as tenuously optimistic as their victory in federal court earlier in the day. In fact, organizers had stressed that the event would go forward no matter what the verdict by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker.

“This is supposed to be a rally! City Councilmember Robert Garcia exhorted the crowd when he took the microphone, after a couple speakers from The Center reviewed the history of the fight for marriage rights in California and laid out some of the possibilities going forward. “Let’s hear you!”

Garcia stirred some boisterous enthusiasm, but it was nothing like the exuberant resolve on display in November 2008, when thousands marched down Broadway to protest the passage of Proposition 8 and announce their intention to overturn it.

And, in fact, Garcia ended up giving voice to the measured pleasure with which attendees greeted their unprecedented triumph.

“Today was a strange day—leading up to this, the feeling lots of us had was surreal,” said Garcia, who is gay. “We’ve had our hearts broken so many times. As good as it feels today—and I hope all of us celebrate—this fight is going to go on a little longer. Our excitement over this victory has to continue. But don’t ever forget how you felt when people stripped away our rights.”

Same-sex marriage was legalized in California by a 4-3 vote of the state Supreme Court on May 15, 2008. Thousands of gay and lesbian couples were legally married; several were in Bixby Park on Wednesday, at least one of them celebrating their second anniversary.

But on Nov. 4, 2008, Proposition 8 was passed by 52.24 percent of the voters, adding a new provision to the California Constitution that stated “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” Nonetheless, the same-sex marriages that had been performed during the brief window of legality remained valid.

Two same-sex couples filed suit in federal court to challenge the constitutionality—according to the United States Constitution—of Proposition 8. Judge Walker heard 13 days of testimony and arguments since January during the first trial in federal court to examine if states can prohibit gays from getting married. He released his 136-page decision today.

But Walker also issued a stay on his ruling until at least Friday, meaning same-sex marriages will not immediately resume in the state. Supporters of Prop 8, who are appealing Walker’s decision, had asked for a stay, saying allowing couples to marry pending the appeal would create confusion if Walker’s ruling is eventually overturned.

Meanwhile, people close to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community worry that their legal victory Wednesday could heighten the risk of physical danger.

“This is a great day,” said Geoff Maddox of Hate Crime Awareness, who made a point of announcing that he is straight. “But not everybody is happy about it. And some people who don’t like it might tend to act adversely. If someone is a victim, tell them to report it to (562) 433-8595.”

State Senator Jenny Oropeza also sent a representative to the event.

Councilmember Suja Lowenthal arrived late from a downtown appearance at the opening of a bicycle corral, parked her Prius on a Bixby Park walkway, tottered toward the microphone on designer high heels—and echoed the tone of cautious celebration. At least, that’s what she seemed to be saying.

“We’re feeling the sweet nectar of victory, but there are more challenges ahead,” Lowenthal said. “We need to live and breathe the messages we send across the universe, and I will be there to the very end.”

Lowenthal’s remarks were warmly received by the crowd. At least, that’s what they seemed to be applauding.

“Thank-you, Vice-Mayor Lowenthal,” said Ron Sylvester, the CEO of The Center, who served as master-of-ceremonies, as Lowenthal left the stage. “And I think I speak for everyone when I say, ‘Love those shoes!’”