So much pride…

#16 on my list is to “go to a Gay Pride event.”  I have always been a huge advocate for gay rights, sitting on coalitions in support for the gay community and of course, voicing my opinion in favor of gay marriage.  But I had never been to a pride event.  P-Town, yes but not an actual Pride event.  What’s up with that?
 

Pride Hartford is coming up on September 17th and I may still try and attend.  However, I’ve already crossed this off my list in a MUCH more memorable way… and I consulted with my aunt (who has the good inside scoop and has always shared her pride with me) and she agrees that this TOTALLY counts.
 

Because, you see?  I had the honor of being at my sorority sister’s wedding when she was able to marry the woman she loves, and celebrate with all of their friends and family… in the first Civil Union granted in their county!  I was so honored to be able to attend their celebration and share in their joy as they exchanged vows that put most to shame.  Seriously… I’ve been to a lot of weddings and I WEPT while they shared their promises for the future.  They cut the (cup)cake, danced with their dads and had one of the most passionate and loving first dances I have ever seen.  And to think, there are people that wouldn’t want my friends to be able to express their love the way that any heterosexual couple can.  I just really don’t get it.
 

Here are a few pics that exemplify their love.  I took the photos but got permission to share them…
 

So happy together…

 

Neither one could wipe the beautiful smiles off their faces all day.

 

Their love was so palpable.

 

Gay pride cupcakes?  Perfection.  I may have had one (or two).

 

Happy wife… happy life.

 

Four and a half years ago, I was able to stand before all of my friends and family and declare my love for my husband, and along with that, I’ve been able to reap the benefits of that piece of paper (hello tax break… oh, and other things I suppose).  And although Ashley and Lyndsey won’t have ALL those rights that come along with a legal “marriage” (which I clearly take for granted because I don’t even know what they are), it is my hope that it won’t be long before each and every state will recognize their love in a very legal way.  But until then, they (and all of us that were able to be there) will take pride in their civil union, realizing that there are many states that won’t even value that.

 

Quiet frankly, I’m confused.  One of the number one reasons against gay marriage is that it will “ruin the sanctity of the institution.”  But really?  It’s NOT same-sex couples that have been increasing the divorce rate for decades.  And for the record, I am a Christian.  And what Christianity means to me is to love one another and not pass judgement… I just want everyone to be happy so I try to live that way in all aspects of my life and I wish more people could try and do the same.

 

But I’m honestly not wishing to get all preachy.  I am just so grateful that I live in a world where I can share my opinions.  With that being said, there are some GREAT signs in support of gay marriage here but this one happens to be one of my favorites:

 

True (and hilariously cliche) statement.

 

So, originally I wanted to attend a gay pride event with all its fanfare and celebration, but I realized that going to a pride event and having so much pride in my friends is very different and the second is much, MUCH more special.  I was honored to be able to stand during the ceremony and say that I will support Ashley and Lyndsey in their marriage forever.  Because… “I do.”
 

16. Go to a Gay Pride event
 

If gay and lesbian people are given civil rights, then everyone will want them! ~Author unknown, as seen on a button at evolvefish.com