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{{Infobox person
| name = Davina Kotulski
| image = Davina Kotulski at marriage equality rally.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date|1970|1|22|mf=y}}
}}
'''Davina Kotulski''', Ph.D., born on January 22, 1970, is a [[clinical psychology|clinical psychologist]], public speaker, [[life coach]], writer and notable, long-time [[same-sex marriage]] [[activist]] and leader in the [[Lesbian]], [[Gay]], [[Bisexuality|Bisexual]] and [[Transgender]] [[LGBT social movements|Equal Rights]] movement.<ref>{{cite journal
|last = Moran
|first = RF
|title = How Second-Wave Feminism Forgot the Single Woman
|journal = Hofstra Law Review
|volume = 33
|issue = 1
|pages = 223–298
|publisher = Hofstra University
|year = 2004
|accessdate = 2007-08-06}}</ref> Kotulski began publicly advocating for same-sex marriage in 1999. Kotulski is the author of ''Why You Should give a Damn About Gay Marriage'' and "''Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why it Will Prevail''".
==Background==
Kotulski was born in Oregon. She earned her [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[Psychology]] at [[Portland State University]]. In 1991 Kotulski re-located to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] in California to attend graduate school. She received her [[Ph.D.]] in Clinical Psychology from the [[California School of Professional Psychology]] at Alliant University in 1996.
==Career==
Kotulski worked as a psychologist for the Bureau of Prisons at a women's federal prison from 1996-2008. Her novel Behind Barbed Eyes is based on her work at the prison.
===Therapist and Life Coach===
Kotulski opened a private therapy practice in Berkeley, California and relocated her practice to Los Angeles in 2012 where she currently resides. Kotulski now leads empowerment workshops helping people to live their authentic lives. She continues to work as a life coach and psychologist.
===Diversity Speaker and Courses===
Kotulski is a member of the Advisory Board of Marriage Equality USA <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marriageequality.org/advisory-board |title=Marriage Equality USA Advisory Board |publisher=Marriageequality.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203070814/http://marriageequality.org/advisory-board |archivedate=2013-12-03 |df= }}</ref> and is a highly sought after speaker on LGBTQ equality and diversity. She teaches mental health and health care professionals how to work competently with LGBTQ people and their families.<ref>https://www.zurinstitute.com/dkotulski.html</ref>
==LGBT Activism and leadership==
In 1996, Kotulski met [[Molly McKay]]. In 1999, the couple became involved in working for civil marriage for [[LGBTIQ]] couples. That same year, Kotulski led a panel discussion at the California Psychological Association to discuss organizing against the [[Knight Initiative]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpapsych.org |title=California Psychological Association |publisher=Cpapsych.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref> She met Tom Henning that same year and joined Californians for Same-Sex Marriage (CASSM), an organization committed to pro-actively putting same-sex marriage on the ballot in California.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Tom+Henning+same-sex+marriage&source=bl&ots=OR-DHFWV_t&sig=TjdGwt6PBnSynUHDj8jgSZeCBPs&hl=en&ei=8n4KTd-5HIL0tgOSzZC3Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Tom%20Henning%20same-sex%20marriage&f=false |title=Tom Henning, Co-Founder of Californians for Same-Sex marriage |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
=== Marriage License Counter Demonstrations ===
Beginning in February 2001, Kotulski and her formerly "unlawfully wedded" wife,<ref>{{cite book|last = Kotulski|first = Davina|title = Why You Should Give a Damn about Gay Marriage|publisher = Advocate Books|date = April 2004|page = 202|isbn = 1-55583-873-1}}</ref> [[Molly McKay]], began going to City Halls in the San Francisco Bay Area asking for [[marriage license]]s and organizing annual "Marriage License Counter" protests to draw attention to the hundreds of rights same-sex couples are denied.<ref>[http://www.marriageequalitymedia.org/2009/02/same-sex-couples-engage-in-national_12.html 2009 Press Release describing marriage counter actions since 2001] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727065514/http://www.marriageequalitymedia.org/2009/02/same-sex-couples-engage-in-national_12.html |date=2011-07-27 }}</ref>
=== Marriage Equality California ===
Kotulski and McKay joined Marriage Equality USA and with L.J. Carusone and others, Kotulski and McKay, founded [[Marriage Equality California]] (MECA). They began organizing events such as annual Tax Day Protests held on April 15 to point out the inequities same-sex couples face with regard to taxation and representation, and launched an effort to legalize same-sex marriage in California.<ref>American Sociological Review, Culture and Mobilization: Tactical Repertoires, Same-Sex Weddings, and the Impact on Gay Activism, Pg. 870, {{cite web |url=http://faculty1.ucmerced.edu/nvandyke/docs/culture%20and%20mobilization%20-%20same%20sex%20weddings.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-12-17 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720073049/http://faculty1.ucmerced.edu/nvandyke/docs/culture%20and%20mobilization%20-%20same%20sex%20weddings.pdf |archivedate=2011-07-20 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marriageequality.org/no-taxation-w-o |title=No taxation W/o… |publisher= |date= |accessdate= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226053812/http://www.marriageequality.org/no-taxation-w-o |archivedate=February 26, 2011 }}</ref> Kotulski served on the California Freedom to Marry's Outreach Committee. (The California Freedom to Marry Coalition morphed into the Equality Alliance and is now known as the Let California Ring Campaign under the auspices of [[Equality California]]'s Equality California Institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3793463/k.BE14/Home.htm |title=Home |publisher=Let California Ring |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102180235/http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3793463/k.BE14/Home.htm |archive-date=2013-11-02 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
To recognize the life of [[Diane Whipple]], to honor her survivor Sharon Smith, and to point out the injustices same-sex survivors face, Kotulski helped organize the Diane Whipple Anniversary march on January 26, 2002.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryan Kim |url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2002-01-27/news/17527829_1_domestic-partners-death-suits-sharon-smith-whipple-s-partner |title=SFGate.com article by Ryan Kim |publisher=Articles.sfgate.com |date=2002-01-27 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
On October 11, 2003 she organized Come Out For Equality bringing together straight allies, clergy like Reverend [[Cecil Williams (pastor)|Cecil Williams]] and San Francisco Poet Laureate, [[Janice Mirikitani]], LGBT service members and veterans, binational couples, and children of same sex parents to elevate support for rights for LGBT people and address the perceived injustices of the [[Don't ask, don't tell]] Policy and the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] and to raise awareness for the [[Uniting American Families Act]] formerly known as the [[Permanent Partners Immigration Act]].
=== The Winter of Love ===
On February 12, 2004, Kotulski and McKay arrived at San Francisco City Hall for their fourth annual marriage license counter action. That's when they learned that [[Mayor Gavin Newsom]] had changed the marriage license application to applicant 1 and applicant 2 and had allowed Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon to marry. He also told the County Clerk to begin allowing same-sex couples to marry, in what would become known as San Francisco's 2004 Winter of Love.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://motherjones.com/politics/2004/03/san-franciscos-winter-love |title=Mother Jones article by Mark Morford |publisher=Motherjones.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref> As soon as they finished their rally, Kotulski and McKay became the 17th couple to wed at San Francisco's City Hall, married by Assemblymember Mark Leno.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grindle |first=Katie |url=http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/14/16703031.php?show_comments=1#16751201 |title=Indie Bay news iutems February 14, 2004 |publisher=Indybay.org |date=2004-02-14 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>"New"> [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2004/02/13/MNGUQ50F0J1.DTL&o=3 New Leaf Parties at ZinZanni] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601031021/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F02%2F13%2FMNGUQ50F0J1.DTL&o=3 |date=2007-06-01 }} by McMillan, Dennis. April 20, 2006 ''sfgate.com'', accessed August 7, 2007.</ref> They honeymooned at the Marriage Equality Valentine's Day Rally, organized by Kotulski and McKay with other same-sex marriage leaders – the rally featured comedian [[Margaret Cho]]. They and several other newlyweds then planned a Northern California Marriage Equality Visibility and Educational Bus Tour.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rona Marech |url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-02-16/news/17411849_1_mart-wal-same-sex-marriage |title=SFGate article "Taking Message to California'heartland’" |publisher=Articles.sfgate.com |date=2004-02-16 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
=== Why You Should Give A Damn About Gay Marriage ===
Kotulski's first book on marriage equality "Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage" was released in March 2004.
=== The Marriage Equality Express ===
In August 2004 the [[California Supreme Court]] invalidated their marriage, along with those of 4,000 other couples. Kotulski's response was to organize a [[Marriage Equality USA|Marriage Equality Caravan]] with the help of Molly McKay, Belinda Ryan, Wendy Daw, Jacqueline Frank, and Bev Senkowski. On October 4, 2004, Kotulski and 43 other activists loaded a bus and traveled across the country stopping in 13 states and hosting same-sex marriage forums and panels at universities and churches. The "[[Marriage Equality Express]]" culminated in the first national same-sex marriage rally in Washington, DC on October 11, 2004, [[National Coming Out Day]]. The rally featured the Hawaii Marriage Case Plaintiff [[Genora Dancel]]; [[Beth Robinson]], Attorney in the Vermont Freedom to Marry case; Reverend [[Jimmy Creech]], a Methodist minister who was defrocked for marrying same-sex couples and leader of [[Soulforce]]; Dr. [[Sylvia Rhue]], [[National Black Justice Coalition]]; [[Robin Tyler]], organizer for gay rights marches in Washington, DC and founder of StopDr..Laura.com; Kathy Kelly, Marriage Equality Georgia; Musicians [[Tuck and Patti]], who sang what Davina, Molly and the husband and wife duo agree is the theme song to the Marriage Equality Movement-"Love Warriors"; politicians [[Mark Leno]] and [[Eleanor Holmes Norton]]. Marriage Equality Caravaners also told their stories.<ref>SFGate article "Marriage equality caravan joins spirited rally in DC" cites Kotluski as the brain behind the caravan and rally, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/10/12/MNGO497KFT1.DTL]</ref><ref>"International Marriage Equality Express", article on Canadian site Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples, [http://www.samesexmarriage.ca/advocacy/EE050504.htm]</ref>
Caravan Riders remember their ''Cross Country Journey for Equality'' 14 years later.<ref>A Cross-Country Journey for Equality https://www.advocate.com/books/2018/7/09/cross-country-journey-equality</ref>
===Marriage Equality USA ===
In November 2004, she became the Deputy Director of Marriage Equality USA and co-organized a LIFT THE BAN rally in Oakland, CA with the Service Members Legal Defense Network, Equality California, and Bay Area American Two Spirits. In June 2005 she became the Executive Director of Marriage Equality USA, replacing Connie Ress. After ending her term as E.D. Kotulski joined the Advisory Board of Marriage Equality USA. Kotulski has continued to participate in same-sex marriage actions, including the marriage counter actions.<ref>Marriage Counter Action Held on Anniversary of Summer of Love, San Francisco Bay Times article by Dennis McMillan, [http://www.sfbaytimes.com/?sec=article&article_id=10121]</ref> Kotulski served as the Executive Director of [[Marriage Equality USA]] 2005-2007.
In 2006, she debated [[Maggie Gallagher]] the Director of the right wing, anti-gay, [[National Organization for Marriage|National Organization of Marriage,]] at [[Brown University]]. The [[Southern Poverty Law Center]]included NOM on its Winter 2010 list of "anti-gay groups" that "have continued to pump out demonizing propaganda aimed at homosexuals.
===Love Warriors ===
In 2010, her book "Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why It Will" prevail was published.
=== How to Come Out of the Closet and Into Your Power ===
Kotulski released a coming out program for LGBTQ people and their families "''How to Come Out of the Closet and Into Your Power''[http://www.comeoutintoyourpower.com www.comeoutintoyourpower.com] in 2011." She continues to help LGBTQ people come out of the closet and end internalized homophobia.<ref>https://www.michaelshouse.com/finding-freedom-lgbtq-symposium/</ref>
===Marriage to Molly McKay ===
In 2008, twelve years into their relationship Kotulski and McKay were legally married after the California Supreme Court struck down the state ban on gay marriage in their ruling on "[[In re Marriage Cases]]". Kotulski and McKay have appeared together on [[CNN]], [[Newsweek]], [[Time Magazine]] and [[USA Today]].
===Prop 8 and Perry V. Schwarzenegger===
Kotulski and McKay were active in the fight against [[California Proposition 8]].They played a key role in the March 4th rally against Prop 8 and Kotulski blogged about the Perry V. Schwarzenegger lawsuit against Prop 8 for Bilerico.
===Divorce ===
In June 2011, Davina Kotulski and Molly McKay separated and began divorce proceedings.<ref>{{cite news|author=Compiled by Matthew S. Bajko |url=http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3317 |title=The Bay Area Reporter Online | Wedding announcements |publisher=Ebar.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02}}</ref> Kotulski has since spoken out about the right of same sex couples to divorce as a part of the fight for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://davinakotulski.com/blog.php |title= |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327072746/http://www.davinakotulski.com/blog.php |archivedate=March 27, 2012 }}</ref>
==Filmography and Documentaries ==
Kotulski is featured in three documentaries: ''Freedom to Marry'' (shown in 7 countries and featured on [[PBS]]), ''Pursuit of Equality'', and ''I Will, I Do, We Did'' following the San Francisco marriages that took place in 2004, as well as several television shows including ''American Quest'', documenting the National "Marriage Equality Express", and a [[Queer Nation]] TV special in [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomtomarry.tv/ |title=Freedom to Marry |publisher=Freedomtomarry.tv |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pursuitofequality.com/ |title=Pursuit of Equality |publisher=Pursuitofequality.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://vodpod.com/watch/4203447-i-will-i-do-we-did |title="I Will, I Do, We Did" preview |publisher=Vodpod.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403094156/http://vodpod.com/watch/4203447-i-will-i-do-we-did |archive-date=2012-04-03 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
She also starred in [[Sarah Silverman]]'s Facebook production "[https://www.facebook.com/PleaseUnderstandMe/videos/1719540751457887/ Please Understand Me]" with comedians, [[Rory Scovel]] and [[Natalie Palamides|Natalie Palimades]].[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2054511/ IMDB]
==Recorded Interviews==
She has appeared on the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmsXzHKhlYk Convergence Healing Podcast] with Peter Bedard, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HFZXcFc1bk&index=4&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf Get Balanced] with Dr. Marissa Pei, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dcKKXwpN1U&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf&index=1 I AM Symposium] with The Practical Shaman, Renee Baribeau, [https://player.fm/series/the-practical-shaman/seducing-the-muse-davina-kotulski-the-practical-shaman Seducing Your Muse], on The Practical Shaman Podcast, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5wIkMXzlUs&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf&index=6 Balanced Living for Busy Professionals] with Diane Randall.
==Books and Articles==
* ''[https://www.amazon.com/Its-Never-Late-Your-Self-ebook/dp/B07HYL1W4L It's Never Too Late To Be Your Self]: Follow Your Inner Compass and Live a Life You Love'' (Red Ink Press, 2018)
* [https://theshiftnetwork.com/blog/2018-08-07/it%E2%80%99s-never-too-late-be-yourself It's Never Too Late To Be Yourself] (The Shift Network, August 2018)
* "A Day in the Life of a Love Warrior" and "It's OK. I love you." in the anthology''[https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-Victory-Marriage-Equality-USA/dp/149563907X The People's Victory: Stories From the Front Lines in the Fight for Marriage Marriage Equality]'' (Marriage Equality USA, 2017)
* ''Behind Barbed Eyes'' (Red Ink Press, 2016)
*"Diary of a Love Warrior" in the anthology ''Here Come the Brides'' (Seal Press, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|author=E.B. Boatner |url=http://www.lavendermagazine.com/our-affairs/books-439/ |title=Here Come the Brides |publisher=Lavendermagazine.com |date=2012-03-22 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sealpress.com/book.php?isbn=9781580053921/ |title=Seal Press |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}{{dead link|date=December 2013}}</ref>
*"Lincoln’s Birthday" in the anthology ''I Do/I Don’t: Queers on Marriage'' (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unmarried.org/i-do-i-dont-review.html |title=Book Review: "I Do/I Don't: Queers on Marriage" |publisher= |date= |accessdate= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617065507/http://www.unmarried.org/i-do-i-dont-review.html |archivedate=June 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suspectthoughts.com/ |title=Suspect Thoughts Press |publisher=Suspectthoughts.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
* ''Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage'' (Advocate Books, 2004)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alyson.com/9781555838737.html |title=Review "Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage" |publisher=Alyson.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625020200/http://www.alyson.com/9781555838737.html |archive-date=2012-06-25 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
* ''Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why it Will Prevail'' (Create Space, 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovewarriorsthebook.com/ |title="Love Warriors" book site |publisher=Lovewarriorsthebook.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.createspace.com/ |title=Create Space |publisher=Create Space |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126161130/https://www.createspace.com/ |archivedate=2013-11-26 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Alex |first=David |url=http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=5239 |title=Bay Area Reporter book review |publisher=Ebar.com |date=2013-11-28 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
*Marriage Equality Advocates Take on Anti-Marriage Prop 8, March 2009, article by Davina Kotulski<ref>Marriage Equality Advocates Take on Anti-Marriage Prop. 8 by Davina Kotulski, {{cite web |url=http://nsrc.sfsu.edu/article/marriage_equality_advocates_take_anti_marriage_prop_8 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-03-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531101542/http://nsrc.sfsu.edu/article/marriage_equality_advocates_take_anti_marriage_prop_8 |archivedate=2009-05-31 |df= }}</ref>
==Awards and Recognition==
In 2009 Kotulski and McKay were Community Grand Marshals of the San Francisco, CA PRIDE Parade<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfpride.org/parade/grandmarshals.html#individual |title=Community Grand Marshals |publisher=Sfpride.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515190716/http://sfpride.org/parade/grandmarshals.html#individual |archivedate=2011-05-15 |df= }}</ref>
In 2006, Kotulski and McKay received the Michael Switzer Leadership Award from New Leaf Counseling Center in San Francisco, CA.<ref>San Francisco Bay Times article by Dennis McMillan, "New Leaf Parties at ZinZanni", [http://www.sfbaytimes.com/index.php?article_id=4909&sec=article]</ref>
In 2004, Kotulski received the "Saints Alive" Award from the San Francisco Metropolitan Community Church and was "sainted" by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for her activism and advocacy on behalf of marriage for all couples.
In 2003, Kotulski and McKay received the "Defenders of Love" Award from the East Bay Pride Committee.
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links==
* [http://www.whygaymarriage.com whygaymarriage.com Official Website for ''Why You Should Give A Damn About Gay Marriage'' Book]
* [http://www.freedomtomarry.tv freedom to marry movie]
* [http://www.davinakotulski.com Kotulski's Official Website]
* [http://www.followyourcourageousheart.com Follow Your Courageous Heart]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kotulski, Davina}}
[[Category:American psychologists]]
[[Category:American women psychologists]]
[[Category:American women scientists]]
[[Category:LGBT rights activists from the United States]]
[[Category:Life coaches]]
[[Category:LGBT scientists from the United States]]
[[Category:LGBT people from Oregon]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:California School of Professional Psychology alumni]]
| name = Davina Kotulski
| image = Davina Kotulski at marriage equality rally.jpg
| birth_date = {{birth date|1970|1|22|mf=y}}
}}
'''Davina Kotulski''', Ph.D., born on January 22, 1970, is a [[clinical psychology|clinical psychologist]], public speaker, [[life coach]], writer and notable, long-time [[same-sex marriage]] [[activist]] and leader in the [[Lesbian]], [[Gay]], [[Bisexuality|Bisexual]] and [[Transgender]] [[LGBT social movements|Equal Rights]] movement.<ref>{{cite journal
|last = Moran
|first = RF
|title = How Second-Wave Feminism Forgot the Single Woman
|journal = Hofstra Law Review
|volume = 33
|issue = 1
|pages = 223–298
|publisher = Hofstra University
|year = 2004
|accessdate = 2007-08-06}}</ref> Kotulski began publicly advocating for same-sex marriage in 1999. Kotulski is the author of ''Why You Should give a Damn About Gay Marriage'' and "''Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why it Will Prevail''".
==Background==
Kotulski was born in Oregon. She earned her [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[Psychology]] at [[Portland State University]]. In 1991 Kotulski re-located to the [[San Francisco Bay Area]] in California to attend graduate school. She received her [[Ph.D.]] in Clinical Psychology from the [[California School of Professional Psychology]] at Alliant University in 1996.
==Career==
Kotulski worked as a psychologist for the Bureau of Prisons at a women's federal prison from 1996-2008. Her novel Behind Barbed Eyes is based on her work at the prison.
===Therapist and Life Coach===
Kotulski opened a private therapy practice in Berkeley, California and relocated her practice to Los Angeles in 2012 where she currently resides. Kotulski now leads empowerment workshops helping people to live their authentic lives. She continues to work as a life coach and psychologist.
===Diversity Speaker and Courses===
Kotulski is a member of the Advisory Board of Marriage Equality USA <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marriageequality.org/advisory-board |title=Marriage Equality USA Advisory Board |publisher=Marriageequality.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203070814/http://marriageequality.org/advisory-board |archivedate=2013-12-03 |df= }}</ref> and is a highly sought after speaker on LGBTQ equality and diversity. She teaches mental health and health care professionals how to work competently with LGBTQ people and their families.<ref>https://www.zurinstitute.com/dkotulski.html</ref>
==LGBT Activism and leadership==
In 1996, Kotulski met [[Molly McKay]]. In 1999, the couple became involved in working for civil marriage for [[LGBTIQ]] couples. That same year, Kotulski led a panel discussion at the California Psychological Association to discuss organizing against the [[Knight Initiative]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cpapsych.org |title=California Psychological Association |publisher=Cpapsych.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref> She met Tom Henning that same year and joined Californians for Same-Sex Marriage (CASSM), an organization committed to pro-actively putting same-sex marriage on the ballot in California.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TmIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Tom+Henning+same-sex+marriage&source=bl&ots=OR-DHFWV_t&sig=TjdGwt6PBnSynUHDj8jgSZeCBPs&hl=en&ei=8n4KTd-5HIL0tgOSzZC3Cg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=Tom%20Henning%20same-sex%20marriage&f=false |title=Tom Henning, Co-Founder of Californians for Same-Sex marriage |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
=== Marriage License Counter Demonstrations ===
Beginning in February 2001, Kotulski and her formerly "unlawfully wedded" wife,<ref>{{cite book|last = Kotulski|first = Davina|title = Why You Should Give a Damn about Gay Marriage|publisher = Advocate Books|date = April 2004|page = 202|isbn = 1-55583-873-1}}</ref> [[Molly McKay]], began going to City Halls in the San Francisco Bay Area asking for [[marriage license]]s and organizing annual "Marriage License Counter" protests to draw attention to the hundreds of rights same-sex couples are denied.<ref>[http://www.marriageequalitymedia.org/2009/02/same-sex-couples-engage-in-national_12.html 2009 Press Release describing marriage counter actions since 2001] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727065514/http://www.marriageequalitymedia.org/2009/02/same-sex-couples-engage-in-national_12.html |date=2011-07-27 }}</ref>
=== Marriage Equality California ===
Kotulski and McKay joined Marriage Equality USA and with L.J. Carusone and others, Kotulski and McKay, founded [[Marriage Equality California]] (MECA). They began organizing events such as annual Tax Day Protests held on April 15 to point out the inequities same-sex couples face with regard to taxation and representation, and launched an effort to legalize same-sex marriage in California.<ref>American Sociological Review, Culture and Mobilization: Tactical Repertoires, Same-Sex Weddings, and the Impact on Gay Activism, Pg. 870, {{cite web |url=http://faculty1.ucmerced.edu/nvandyke/docs/culture%20and%20mobilization%20-%20same%20sex%20weddings.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2010-12-17 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720073049/http://faculty1.ucmerced.edu/nvandyke/docs/culture%20and%20mobilization%20-%20same%20sex%20weddings.pdf |archivedate=2011-07-20 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marriageequality.org/no-taxation-w-o |title=No taxation W/o… |publisher= |date= |accessdate= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226053812/http://www.marriageequality.org/no-taxation-w-o |archivedate=February 26, 2011 }}</ref> Kotulski served on the California Freedom to Marry's Outreach Committee. (The California Freedom to Marry Coalition morphed into the Equality Alliance and is now known as the Let California Ring Campaign under the auspices of [[Equality California]]'s Equality California Institute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3793463/k.BE14/Home.htm |title=Home |publisher=Let California Ring |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102180235/http://www.letcaliforniaring.org/site/c.ltJTJ6MQIuE/b.3793463/k.BE14/Home.htm |archive-date=2013-11-02 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
To recognize the life of [[Diane Whipple]], to honor her survivor Sharon Smith, and to point out the injustices same-sex survivors face, Kotulski helped organize the Diane Whipple Anniversary march on January 26, 2002.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ryan Kim |url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2002-01-27/news/17527829_1_domestic-partners-death-suits-sharon-smith-whipple-s-partner |title=SFGate.com article by Ryan Kim |publisher=Articles.sfgate.com |date=2002-01-27 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
On October 11, 2003 she organized Come Out For Equality bringing together straight allies, clergy like Reverend [[Cecil Williams (pastor)|Cecil Williams]] and San Francisco Poet Laureate, [[Janice Mirikitani]], LGBT service members and veterans, binational couples, and children of same sex parents to elevate support for rights for LGBT people and address the perceived injustices of the [[Don't ask, don't tell]] Policy and the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] and to raise awareness for the [[Uniting American Families Act]] formerly known as the [[Permanent Partners Immigration Act]].
=== The Winter of Love ===
On February 12, 2004, Kotulski and McKay arrived at San Francisco City Hall for their fourth annual marriage license counter action. That's when they learned that [[Mayor Gavin Newsom]] had changed the marriage license application to applicant 1 and applicant 2 and had allowed Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon to marry. He also told the County Clerk to begin allowing same-sex couples to marry, in what would become known as San Francisco's 2004 Winter of Love.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://motherjones.com/politics/2004/03/san-franciscos-winter-love |title=Mother Jones article by Mark Morford |publisher=Motherjones.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref> As soon as they finished their rally, Kotulski and McKay became the 17th couple to wed at San Francisco's City Hall, married by Assemblymember Mark Leno.<ref>{{cite news|last=Grindle |first=Katie |url=http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2004/02/14/16703031.php?show_comments=1#16751201 |title=Indie Bay news iutems February 14, 2004 |publisher=Indybay.org |date=2004-02-14 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>"New"> [http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2004/02/13/MNGUQ50F0J1.DTL&o=3 New Leaf Parties at ZinZanni] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601031021/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F02%2F13%2FMNGUQ50F0J1.DTL&o=3 |date=2007-06-01 }} by McMillan, Dennis. April 20, 2006 ''sfgate.com'', accessed August 7, 2007.</ref> They honeymooned at the Marriage Equality Valentine's Day Rally, organized by Kotulski and McKay with other same-sex marriage leaders – the rally featured comedian [[Margaret Cho]]. They and several other newlyweds then planned a Northern California Marriage Equality Visibility and Educational Bus Tour.<ref>{{cite news|author=Rona Marech |url=http://articles.sfgate.com/2004-02-16/news/17411849_1_mart-wal-same-sex-marriage |title=SFGate article "Taking Message to California'heartland’" |publisher=Articles.sfgate.com |date=2004-02-16 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
=== Why You Should Give A Damn About Gay Marriage ===
Kotulski's first book on marriage equality "Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage" was released in March 2004.
=== The Marriage Equality Express ===
In August 2004 the [[California Supreme Court]] invalidated their marriage, along with those of 4,000 other couples. Kotulski's response was to organize a [[Marriage Equality USA|Marriage Equality Caravan]] with the help of Molly McKay, Belinda Ryan, Wendy Daw, Jacqueline Frank, and Bev Senkowski. On October 4, 2004, Kotulski and 43 other activists loaded a bus and traveled across the country stopping in 13 states and hosting same-sex marriage forums and panels at universities and churches. The "[[Marriage Equality Express]]" culminated in the first national same-sex marriage rally in Washington, DC on October 11, 2004, [[National Coming Out Day]]. The rally featured the Hawaii Marriage Case Plaintiff [[Genora Dancel]]; [[Beth Robinson]], Attorney in the Vermont Freedom to Marry case; Reverend [[Jimmy Creech]], a Methodist minister who was defrocked for marrying same-sex couples and leader of [[Soulforce]]; Dr. [[Sylvia Rhue]], [[National Black Justice Coalition]]; [[Robin Tyler]], organizer for gay rights marches in Washington, DC and founder of StopDr..Laura.com; Kathy Kelly, Marriage Equality Georgia; Musicians [[Tuck and Patti]], who sang what Davina, Molly and the husband and wife duo agree is the theme song to the Marriage Equality Movement-"Love Warriors"; politicians [[Mark Leno]] and [[Eleanor Holmes Norton]]. Marriage Equality Caravaners also told their stories.<ref>SFGate article "Marriage equality caravan joins spirited rally in DC" cites Kotluski as the brain behind the caravan and rally, [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/10/12/MNGO497KFT1.DTL]</ref><ref>"International Marriage Equality Express", article on Canadian site Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples, [http://www.samesexmarriage.ca/advocacy/EE050504.htm]</ref>
Caravan Riders remember their ''Cross Country Journey for Equality'' 14 years later.<ref>A Cross-Country Journey for Equality https://www.advocate.com/books/2018/7/09/cross-country-journey-equality</ref>
===Marriage Equality USA ===
In November 2004, she became the Deputy Director of Marriage Equality USA and co-organized a LIFT THE BAN rally in Oakland, CA with the Service Members Legal Defense Network, Equality California, and Bay Area American Two Spirits. In June 2005 she became the Executive Director of Marriage Equality USA, replacing Connie Ress. After ending her term as E.D. Kotulski joined the Advisory Board of Marriage Equality USA. Kotulski has continued to participate in same-sex marriage actions, including the marriage counter actions.<ref>Marriage Counter Action Held on Anniversary of Summer of Love, San Francisco Bay Times article by Dennis McMillan, [http://www.sfbaytimes.com/?sec=article&article_id=10121]</ref> Kotulski served as the Executive Director of [[Marriage Equality USA]] 2005-2007.
In 2006, she debated [[Maggie Gallagher]] the Director of the right wing, anti-gay, [[National Organization for Marriage|National Organization of Marriage,]] at [[Brown University]]. The [[Southern Poverty Law Center]]included NOM on its Winter 2010 list of "anti-gay groups" that "have continued to pump out demonizing propaganda aimed at homosexuals.
===Love Warriors ===
In 2010, her book "Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why It Will" prevail was published.
=== How to Come Out of the Closet and Into Your Power ===
Kotulski released a coming out program for LGBTQ people and their families "''How to Come Out of the Closet and Into Your Power''[http://www.comeoutintoyourpower.com www.comeoutintoyourpower.com] in 2011." She continues to help LGBTQ people come out of the closet and end internalized homophobia.<ref>https://www.michaelshouse.com/finding-freedom-lgbtq-symposium/</ref>
===Marriage to Molly McKay ===
In 2008, twelve years into their relationship Kotulski and McKay were legally married after the California Supreme Court struck down the state ban on gay marriage in their ruling on "[[In re Marriage Cases]]". Kotulski and McKay have appeared together on [[CNN]], [[Newsweek]], [[Time Magazine]] and [[USA Today]].
===Prop 8 and Perry V. Schwarzenegger===
Kotulski and McKay were active in the fight against [[California Proposition 8]].They played a key role in the March 4th rally against Prop 8 and Kotulski blogged about the Perry V. Schwarzenegger lawsuit against Prop 8 for Bilerico.
===Divorce ===
In June 2011, Davina Kotulski and Molly McKay separated and began divorce proceedings.<ref>{{cite news|author=Compiled by Matthew S. Bajko |url=http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3317 |title=The Bay Area Reporter Online | Wedding announcements |publisher=Ebar.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02}}</ref> Kotulski has since spoken out about the right of same sex couples to divorce as a part of the fight for same-sex marriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://davinakotulski.com/blog.php |title= |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-11-02 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327072746/http://www.davinakotulski.com/blog.php |archivedate=March 27, 2012 }}</ref>
==Filmography and Documentaries ==
Kotulski is featured in three documentaries: ''Freedom to Marry'' (shown in 7 countries and featured on [[PBS]]), ''Pursuit of Equality'', and ''I Will, I Do, We Did'' following the San Francisco marriages that took place in 2004, as well as several television shows including ''American Quest'', documenting the National "Marriage Equality Express", and a [[Queer Nation]] TV special in [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freedomtomarry.tv/ |title=Freedom to Marry |publisher=Freedomtomarry.tv |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pursuitofequality.com/ |title=Pursuit of Equality |publisher=Pursuitofequality.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://vodpod.com/watch/4203447-i-will-i-do-we-did |title="I Will, I Do, We Did" preview |publisher=Vodpod.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403094156/http://vodpod.com/watch/4203447-i-will-i-do-we-did |archive-date=2012-04-03 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
She also starred in [[Sarah Silverman]]'s Facebook production "[https://www.facebook.com/PleaseUnderstandMe/videos/1719540751457887/ Please Understand Me]" with comedians, [[Rory Scovel]] and [[Natalie Palamides|Natalie Palimades]].[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2054511/ IMDB]
==Recorded Interviews==
She has appeared on the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmsXzHKhlYk Convergence Healing Podcast] with Peter Bedard, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HFZXcFc1bk&index=4&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf Get Balanced] with Dr. Marissa Pei, the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dcKKXwpN1U&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf&index=1 I AM Symposium] with The Practical Shaman, Renee Baribeau, [https://player.fm/series/the-practical-shaman/seducing-the-muse-davina-kotulski-the-practical-shaman Seducing Your Muse], on The Practical Shaman Podcast, and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5wIkMXzlUs&list=PLnGg545LKRtpT_Hql0P9mEIYvuhiylXKf&index=6 Balanced Living for Busy Professionals] with Diane Randall.
==Books and Articles==
* ''[https://www.amazon.com/Its-Never-Late-Your-Self-ebook/dp/B07HYL1W4L It's Never Too Late To Be Your Self]: Follow Your Inner Compass and Live a Life You Love'' (Red Ink Press, 2018)
* [https://theshiftnetwork.com/blog/2018-08-07/it%E2%80%99s-never-too-late-be-yourself It's Never Too Late To Be Yourself] (The Shift Network, August 2018)
* "A Day in the Life of a Love Warrior" and "It's OK. I love you." in the anthology''[https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-Victory-Marriage-Equality-USA/dp/149563907X The People's Victory: Stories From the Front Lines in the Fight for Marriage Marriage Equality]'' (Marriage Equality USA, 2017)
* ''Behind Barbed Eyes'' (Red Ink Press, 2016)
*"Diary of a Love Warrior" in the anthology ''Here Come the Brides'' (Seal Press, 2012)<ref>{{cite web|author=E.B. Boatner |url=http://www.lavendermagazine.com/our-affairs/books-439/ |title=Here Come the Brides |publisher=Lavendermagazine.com |date=2012-03-22 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sealpress.com/book.php?isbn=9781580053921/ |title=Seal Press |publisher= |date= |accessdate=}}{{dead link|date=December 2013}}</ref>
*"Lincoln’s Birthday" in the anthology ''I Do/I Don’t: Queers on Marriage'' (Suspect Thoughts Press, 2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unmarried.org/i-do-i-dont-review.html |title=Book Review: "I Do/I Don't: Queers on Marriage" |publisher= |date= |accessdate= |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617065507/http://www.unmarried.org/i-do-i-dont-review.html |archivedate=June 17, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suspectthoughts.com/ |title=Suspect Thoughts Press |publisher=Suspectthoughts.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
* ''Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage'' (Advocate Books, 2004)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alyson.com/9781555838737.html |title=Review "Why You Should Give a Damn About Gay Marriage" |publisher=Alyson.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625020200/http://www.alyson.com/9781555838737.html |archive-date=2012-06-25 |dead-url=yes |df= }}</ref>
* ''Love Warriors: The Rise of the Marriage Equality Movement and Why it Will Prevail'' (Create Space, 2010)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lovewarriorsthebook.com/ |title="Love Warriors" book site |publisher=Lovewarriorsthebook.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.createspace.com/ |title=Create Space |publisher=Create Space |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126161130/https://www.createspace.com/ |archivedate=2013-11-26 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Alex |first=David |url=http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=5239 |title=Bay Area Reporter book review |publisher=Ebar.com |date=2013-11-28 |accessdate=2013-12-04}}</ref>
*Marriage Equality Advocates Take on Anti-Marriage Prop 8, March 2009, article by Davina Kotulski<ref>Marriage Equality Advocates Take on Anti-Marriage Prop. 8 by Davina Kotulski, {{cite web |url=http://nsrc.sfsu.edu/article/marriage_equality_advocates_take_anti_marriage_prop_8 |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2009-03-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531101542/http://nsrc.sfsu.edu/article/marriage_equality_advocates_take_anti_marriage_prop_8 |archivedate=2009-05-31 |df= }}</ref>
==Awards and Recognition==
In 2009 Kotulski and McKay were Community Grand Marshals of the San Francisco, CA PRIDE Parade<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sfpride.org/parade/grandmarshals.html#individual |title=Community Grand Marshals |publisher=Sfpride.org |date= |accessdate=2013-12-04 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515190716/http://sfpride.org/parade/grandmarshals.html#individual |archivedate=2011-05-15 |df= }}</ref>
In 2006, Kotulski and McKay received the Michael Switzer Leadership Award from New Leaf Counseling Center in San Francisco, CA.<ref>San Francisco Bay Times article by Dennis McMillan, "New Leaf Parties at ZinZanni", [http://www.sfbaytimes.com/index.php?article_id=4909&sec=article]</ref>
In 2004, Kotulski received the "Saints Alive" Award from the San Francisco Metropolitan Community Church and was "sainted" by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for her activism and advocacy on behalf of marriage for all couples.
In 2003, Kotulski and McKay received the "Defenders of Love" Award from the East Bay Pride Committee.
==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
==External links==
* [http://www.whygaymarriage.com whygaymarriage.com Official Website for ''Why You Should Give A Damn About Gay Marriage'' Book]
* [http://www.freedomtomarry.tv freedom to marry movie]
* [http://www.davinakotulski.com Kotulski's Official Website]
* [http://www.followyourcourageousheart.com Follow Your Courageous Heart]
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[[Category:American psychologists]]
[[Category:American women psychologists]]
[[Category:American women scientists]]
[[Category:LGBT rights activists from the United States]]
[[Category:Life coaches]]
[[Category:LGBT scientists from the United States]]
[[Category:LGBT people from Oregon]]
[[Category:1970 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:California School of Professional Psychology alumni]]
