I see them as a long-time couple. The one on the left has just seen something that reminded him of his mother who they buried two months earlier. He’s still grieving, and when the emotions overwhelm him, he turns to the one man he loves more than anything, his rock, his salvation, his heart.
They were married exactly one year after the US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage. They’d been waiting so long for that moment: to be legally wed and to share that special occasion with all their friends and families. Everything turned out beautifully, and they couldn’t have been happier. Now they keep this framed picture hanging over the fireplace in their living room so they can always remember how wonderful they felt on that day and how very happy they are to be married every single day since.
This beautiful video is a short film that was created in support of Australian Marriage Equality. It brought tears to my eyes when I first saw it. My hon and I were married this past summer, and this video says it all. My hope is that one day very soon everyone in the world who has found this kind of love will be free to marry, will be free to love peacefully and openly without fear of hatred or violence or discrimination.
If you can’t see the embedded video above, you can view it on YouTube.
Following the wonderful Supreme Court decision allowing same-sex marriage across the United States, my partner and I were legally married in our home state. It was a long-awaited, lovely day, and I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to all of you out there who get what it truly means. Your support and understanding mean more than I can say.
Because it’s not just about being able to state that “We’re married.” It’s about survivor benefits, next-of-kin status, legal status to your spouse’s children, access to medical coverage and disability, ability to take family leave to care for an ill spouse, inheriting your spouse’s estate, and the list goes on and on and on. Over 1100 rights and privileges granted to married couples in the US.
No more living in fear because you are merely roommates with the love of your life. Now that person is legally “your person.” No one can deny you access and information. You can be with your sick partner (or even claim their body if they’ve passed). You can make decisions as their spouse. You can more easily share finances and health coverage. You can be a family in the eyes of the government.
Thank you to all of the supporters of LGBT rights, to the Supreme Court justices who voted in our favor, and to Jim Obergefell, my fellow Ohioan. You fought for all of us and changed our lives. Thank you!