Rolf Danner

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.

On May 29, 2013 Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau became the first same-sex couple to marry in France. The two men exchanged vows in Montpellier. The ceremony was broadcast live on French TV.

Dear Mr. President,

I’m writing to thank you for taking an unambiguous stand in favor of same-sex marriage during your interview on Wednesday. I am a naturalized citizen, born and raised in Germany. I am a scientist, a gay man, and today even more proud to have chosen this country as my home.

Last weekend, when I read the Op-Ed by Jasmyne Cannick in the LA Times, on honeymoon with my husband Jeff no less, I got angry. Since then I had more time to think. Today I believe that funneling our energy into anger towards other minorities, is not only unjustified, but detracts us from the work that needs to be done. I’m also excited about the new found sense of outrage that brings us gays and lesbians and our friends out into the streets. It’s been a long time since we felt so united. Let’s keep it up.

What’s worse–being black or being gay? At least you don’t have to tell your parents you’re black. I heard this joke some twenty years ago, and it still resonates with me. It was brought to mind again this week when I read a particular op-ed piece in the LA Times this past Saturday. Jasmyne Cannick wrote a very biting criticism of the opponents of proposition 8.

‘Tis the season for weddings. We found our own wedding sandwiched between the weddings of our friends, with other guests mentioning the number of weddings they have recently attended. Not to mention the numerous friends who have quietly had civil ceremonies. One of the things we have heard time and time again is, “It will feel different once you are married.” That really hit home last night. Our dear friend Barry, who sang the processional at our wedding last weekend, married his partner (now husband) Joe. At some point during the evening, I realized that this one feels different.

I know it sounds terribly cliché, but last Saturday really was the happiest day in my life. So far at least, and I do expect that many, possibly even happier days, will be ahead. Though I don’t think I will face again anytime soon, my soon to be husband Jeff, grinning uncontrollably from ear to ear.

We wanted to describe what Prop 8 means to us personally, and why we feel is important that to vote No on 8. Proponents of this initiative have built a campaign on lies and fear that does not acknowledge how a yes vote would really affect people.

When we talk about Proposition 8, the right to marry, right to privacy and full faith and credit clause, it all becomes abstract very fast. Yesterday, I fully realized for the first time how concrete and personal getting married really is. Yesterday, Jeff and I went to get our marriage license.

With the decision of the California Supreme court to declare the ban of same-sex marriage unconstitutional suddenly many gay men want to know about the getting married. Here is a collection of useful links.