Today, same-sex couples are gay in all senses
They wore wedding gowns, tuxedos, suits, T-shirts, shorts, and jeans, and just about any other garb a couple might get married in on the first day same-sex couples could legally tie the knot in California. By 9:15 this morning, the stream of same-sex couples pouring through the San Diego County Clerk’s office had become a steady trickle. Couples walked upstairs to Room 273 to fill out their license paperwork (which now lists “Party A” and “Party B” instead of “Bride” and “Groom”), then, for those who paid an extra $50, they met up with a robed officiant who performed the ceremony. Many couples opted to have their ceremony done outside, on this sunny San Diego day, in public where anyone from protesters (who waited till 11 to have their protest) to members of the public to wandering journalists could take their pictures. (The county includes digital photographs, digital videotaping and live webcasting as optional services.)
UPDATE: The county clerk says that as of 1 p.m., they’ve issued 138 licenses and performed 89 ceremonies.
Follow the jump to meet just a few of the couples getting married today in San Diego.
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Gayle Bresnahan and Patricia DeLeo. Together 10 years. They were married in front of an archway of flowers and standing above a white stone bearing the inscription “amore vincit omnia” – “love conquers all.” The rings the couple ordered (but will not receive until tomorrow) will be inscribed with the same phrase. “We didn’t have a ceremony before this,” Bresnahan said. “We waited until it was all legal.” |
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Tom Siemer and Mike Bray. Together 12 years. Originally from St. Louis, moved to San Diego because, as Seimer said, “We were looking for a little friendlier environment.” |
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Nora Nugent and Lavida Fulton. Together 20 years. In the picture at the top of this post, Nugent is putting her wedding band on Fulton’s hand. Nugent works for the City of San Diego in the purchasing and contracting Department. I asked her how she responded to her boss Mayor Jerry Sanders’ decision to support gay marriage. “It was the most courageous thing he’s ever done. I expect him to continue to act with the same courage.” |
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Clay Kilpatrick and Michael Harrison. Together seven years. They now live in Huntington Beach, but they came to get their license in San Diego because this was where they held their commitment ceremony, five years ago. |
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Kel Tieding and Curtis Lewis. Together nine years, but held their commitment ceremony five years ago. Why are they dressed the same? “Cause we’re a couple,” Lewis said. “That’s what you do.” |
Congratulations!
Yes, Congratulations!
and our mayor made it possible. what a proud moment.
What a great day. Let’s take it to ‘em in November! Eric, great job getting these little stories. Awesome.
Congratulations, Michael and Clay! You guys look fantastic!!!!
FAGS!
um…. isn’t that EXACTLY the point? and doesn’t that demonstrate the exact bigotry that this is attempting to overcome???
One day we all will enjoy what is happening in San Diego. I look forward to that day.
Michael and Clay you are beautiful!! I love y’all so much!! I’m so happy for you!!