On July 24th of 2011, New York was the 7th state to legalize same-sex marriage. While Dina and I were in heated discussions about getting (not-legally) married, the legalization solidified our plans to wed. We didn’t need recognition by the United States government to legitimize our union, but there was a sense of validity (along with legal rights) that we knew it would provide. And now that we are (legally) married, know that it does. The following year in June of 2012, a month before our wedding, DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) was ruled unconstitutional during the case of United States vs. Windsor. One of the more emotional moments of my life, we attended the rally at Stonewall that evening to become a part of this historical moment. Listening to Edith Windsor speak on behalf of the case, we felt everything that night – proud, worthy and empowered.
None of us could have imagined the accelerated ripple effect that occurred for this civil rights movement. Although it has taken decades to get here, it seems every day another state is making the change. New York was the 7th state to legalize same-sex marriage and an additional thirteen followed, with eleven more lined up. This will make up more then half of the United States. Systematically, we have more to go (I look forward to the day marriage equality becomes federally recognized), but we are moving forward! Progress is happening fast and one day we will look back like with racial discrimination or when women couldn’t vote – and remain in disbelief that this injustice ever existed. Evolution takes time and although I wish all people were universally accepting and tolerant, we are on our way. I remain positive and full of faith in humankind. I am grateful to live in a time with this much growth.
Happy NYC Pride weekend to everyone and anyone who has ever experienced difference. In the face of injustice and adversity, always have pride in who and what you are. Always have pride in your soul’s style.
“Love is too beautiful to be hidden in the closet” – unknown
For details of our Palm Springs wedding, head over to Green Wedding Shoes.
photo via sarah yates