It was especially poignant to see a rainbow today, the day marriage equality became state-wide law in Illinois. If I were religious, I might see this as a sign that maybe God doesn't care as much about gays getting married as some of the more bigoted Illinoisans would have us believe.
I feel very grateful to live in a time and place that affords us these basic rights. We're not so far removed from the Stonewall Riots for me to understand just how lucky this makes me. Having marched on Springfield, having listened to lawmakers tell their personal stories, having my child not be as afraid to "come out" as the child of two moms... we have so many daily victories that we often take for granted.
Today also marks 12 days until I marry the love of my life. Dresses have been purchased (two in my case!), plans have been made... all we're doing now is waiting to celebrate with our friends and announce our love in public. I'm ready to make this thing legal (if you like it then you gotta put a ring on it, amiright?). Last night, We were sitting at a movie in the Normal Theater and the manager asked the crowd how many people were married. 75% of the crowd raised their hands and I just sat there, smiling to myself, knowing both how exciting it will be to raise my hand and how still slightly subversive that simple act is.
What it really comes down to, for me, is basic liberty. I pay taxes, I go to work, I make dinners and pack lunches... all I ask for in return is the right to sign a piece of paper, put a ring on her finger and go on doing what were were doing before. I'm still completely flabbergasted and confused how that effects anyone else's lives except mine, my daughter's and my soon to be wife's. If someone could sit down and explain that to me without a Bible verse, I would be hugely grateful.
But today, I celebrate with my LGBTQIA brothers and sister. We won this one and I'll be ready to fight again alongside you for the next one too.
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