As you no doubt know, Barack Obama finally spoke out in support of gay marriage, a first for a sitting president. This stirred up all kinds of emotions in Americans, especially in my former college suitemate, Michael (that’s him on the right). I’ve been lucky enough to have been Mike’s friend as he navigated dating life in our Brandeis days to when he proposed to his wonderful boyfriend Aaron (the bespectacled guy on the left). And in June, I’ll witness them tie the knot. Michael drafted a letter to the president, a must-read if I ever saw one.
Dear Mr. President:
On behalf of my partner and our families, I would like to thank you for coming out in support of same-sex marriage today. I understand from your interview that this was a decision not easily reached, but I appreciate your ability to think rationally and compassionately about an issue that affects countless Americans whom you represent.
Thanks to the forward-thinking nature of my home state, my partner and I will wed in a small ceremony in NYC on 10 June of this year. We have been in a committed, monogamous relationship for over seven years, which has outlasted the marriages of many of our heterosexual relatives, colleagues, and friends.
We live in the hope that one day, our union will be recognized by the country in which we live. Therefore, I must thank you for bringing us one step closer today.
With appreciation,
Michael Weinstein-Reiman
Astoria, NY
PS:
“Cowardice asks the question – is it safe?
Expediency asks the question – is it politic?
Vanity asks the question – is it popular?
But conscience asks the question – is it right?
And there comes a time when one must take a position
that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular;
but one must take it because it is right.”
— MLK, Jr. February 1968
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Mike is a smart, sweet guy. And Aaron is his perfect mate. I don’t understand why anyone would want to deny them the happiness of marriage.
What do you think of Obama’s announcement? Do you think it’s enough?
More About Marriage
The 6 Worst Reasons to Get Married
Instead of Banning Gay Marriage, Why Don’t We Make These Other Kinds of Marriage Illegal?
Is Open Marriage Still Marriage? Newt Gingrich Thinks So!
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Photo by Moya McAllister