First hand account of gay marriage in Cambridge PART II

[Onlooker]

Although I very much appreciate your congratulations -- from the first part of this thread http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1614590&mesg_id=1614590 -- I'm not writing to announce my marriage. I'm simply posting a first-hand account of this historic event in the hope you'll find it uplifting. In my view, every progressive played at least small part in allowing gays to take another step towards equal rights.

After going to sleep at 3 am, my partner and I woke at 7:30 am and made our way, fairly unkempt, to the courthouse to get a waiver of delay (which waves the normal 3-day waiting period required before one can get married). Everyone we came into contact with at the courthouse congratulated us, including the judge who readily granted us the waiver.

Next, we went to Cambridge City Hall to get our marriage license. Glad (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders; glad.org) was there to greet gay couples with roses and congratulations. The gay activists who helped create the environment which made gay marriage possible deserve all the praise in the world. They made history.

The line at the clerk's office was not too long. Behind us, a young straight woman was in line to get her license. She said she chose this day because her dad was gay and in a relationship for 30 years. She wanted to join in the celebration. How cool! Everyone else in the line was gay and there were young and old people, an interracial couple, a couple with children--a very diverse group.

While in line, we were asked if we wanted to actually get married at City Hall, and we decided Why not? After we got our license, the clerk asked if we wanted to get married outside, and we decided Why not? So, out the front door we go to a corner of the City Hall terrace. What were we thinking? Suddenly, out of nowhere photographers and cameramen show up to capture every word of the ceremony before the justice of the peace. It was so peculiar, but memorable too.

At any rate, I feel like we were really part of history. It's a moment that's bigger than any one of us, a moment that has a life and rules of its own. The point of today is not about marriage, it's about civil rights. It's a great victory in this age when the right-wing has so much power. While the bigots are mired in the fruits of their own lies and hatred, all progressives can share knowing their attitudes helped create the environment where gay and lesbians can take another step toward equal rights.

[meegbear]

1. Congratulations!!

Be looking for you on the news tonite!!

[The Shadow]

2. Happy Wedding Day!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Sounds like some nice memories for you to cherish.

[Deja Q]

3. While there are some rights, the fight is far from over...

and if * gets his way, we'll be sent back 1000 years. (This isn't cynicism. This is hard reality.)

You might also be a target of those who don't agree with justice and true (truer) equality.

Sincerest congratulations, BTW. Finding the right person who also wants to commit is virtually impossible, especially in our community.

[Onlooker]

5. I agree with you completely, but ...

The lesson of gay marriage in Massachusetts is that the right-wing is not as powerful as they would have you believe. Despite their control of both houses of Congress, despite their control of major media outlets, and despite their influence in big business, they can still lose on a fundamental issue like this. This is an amazing defeat for them that cuts right to the core of their hateful god-fearing bigotry.

[MsUnderstood]

4. You lucky so and so

Congradulations from the west coast! Thanks for the personal account--it makes the event that much more meaningful!

[roguevalley]

6. SNIFFLE! I love weddings. Congrats one and all! Considered yourself

flowered and hugged. From Alaska.

[Robbien]

7. It is about time! Congratulations

Thanks for sharing your story with us and allowing us to share in the celebration.

[Zookeeper]

8. Wonderful!

I'm happy for you and your SPOUSE (!). Thanks for sharing your story...:toast:

[LeahMira]

9. Again, congratulations.

I think your account of the day made everyone feel uplifted. Indeed you are a part of history.


Behind us, a young straight woman was in line to get her license. She said she chose this day because her dad was gay and in a relationship for 30 years.

I'd imagine there are hundreds of stories like this that will be told and retold as time passes. It's so wonderful that finally gays and lesbians have the same rights as all other citizens... at least in Massachusetts. I think this is a movement whose time has (finally!) come.