I want to take more time to sort through my feelings and write a great piece that captures all that is bouncing around in my head and I want to post it now. So perhaps the polished prose will come later, today I’m just so happy with the ruling of the Supreme Court. Yes, we are all waiting for the day that marriage equality will be the rule of the entire land, not just 12 states. But just take a moment, 12 states! And the federal government now ready to recognize our unions at no less than.
In the 20 years since I came to California, the world for gays and lesbians has changed so much. I was active in the “No On Knight” campaign. Does anyone remember it? At the time, I thought we were fighting a lost cause, but I knew I had to be in the fight. After all, I didn’t have a steady boyfriend in my life, much less a man I wanted to marry. Not much was at stake for me. Or so I thought.
In 2008, Jeff and I were ready to commit to each other and getting married “for real” seemed just like the perfect cherry on top of our happiness. On our special day we had insisted that our friend Bob, who officiating beautifully at our wedding, used the traditional words: “Through the power vested in me by the state of California, I declare you married.” My face felt sore for days from the happy grin I simply couldn’t stop wearing the entire day.
Little wonder that I was fighting tears on my way to work today when I heard the news on the radio. After 5 years of marriage equality ban in California and for the very first time recognized by the federal government, we are truly married. The next time we enter the country we will be able to file one customs declaration. The next time we file our federal income taxes, we will file them as a married couple. So many firsts to come.
Congratulations to all couples out there who have been married for years and are finally fully recognized. Congratulations to everyone who is planning to get married. All the best to you! Let’s get married, be happy, fight, make up, screw it up. Just like everyone else. Finally.
Rolf Danner 