Zen Buddhist monk Jana Drakka married same-sex couples in 2004, when San Francisco attempted to legalize such unions, and again in 2008. She was at City Hall on Thursday prepared to marry couples.

Why did you come down here today? I grew up in Scotland and I am gay, and I was frequently beaten up and stoned — people literally threw stones at me — for being different. It was very difficult growing up as a queer person in Scotland. Last week, I was in front of the federal building waiting for the ruling, and someone turned to me and said, “Are you here to get married?” And I realized that never in my life before that did it occur to me that I could get married.

What was today like? We all stood outside waiting for the ruling, and then we all came rushing in because we thought, “This is it!” But, no. It’s been hurry up and wait, all along.

Are you optimistic that the stay will remain lifted and same-sex marriages will be performed next week? Yes! Oh, please, please, let it be. I’m very hopeful. I don’t think we can go backwards.

You blessed some couples today, since you couldn’t marry them. What was the blessing? May all beings be happy. May we be joyous and live in safety.