Friday was a momentous day. The U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage throughout the United States. And, months before—timed to coincide with the eleventh anniversary of their first meeting and the tenth anniversary of their moving in together—my cousin Rick and his partner Frank decided to exchange vows on the shore of Long Beach, NY.
I had always wanted to attend a gay wedding. But Rick and Frank’s betrothal was just like so many Jewish or Italian weddings I had been to before. His and His sides at the ceremony. Okay, that was different from the His and Her routine, but the love emanating from both sides of the aisle was palpable.
Lots of good food. A big band thumping out loud, very loud, music. Lots of couples dancing (though, in truth, not too many of the 230 or so guests were gay). If you didn’t know the couple was gay you wouldn’t have been able to distinguish this wedding from any other held across America.
And isn’t that the point. Two people in love celebrated that state of mind and heart with their friends and family as witnesses and celebrants. Their families and friends accepted their marriage as the natural fulfillment of their love and devotion to each other.
Now, at least on the federal level, our government had accepted it, as well. It will take more time for parts of our country to attain the correct level of acceptance. I am hopeful that time will come.
