Today the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that no state could deny two people of the same-sex a marriage license. In my adult life, I never would have expected this to happen. It really moved me when the decision was made as it impacts a huge number of people that I know and even more that I don’t know. I’m lucky to be a resident of California which after a misstep in 2008, finally got their act together in 2012 (with help from the same Supreme Court).
People ask me if I will finally get married and my answer is always the same. Marriage is not something that is at the top of my to do list. I don’t need a marriage to show that I am committed to one person or another. I’m not a deeply religious person so the faith-based part of marriage never appealed to me. The civil side of marriage is very appealing as it helps one get a house and leads to other financial and personal benefits (wills, healthcare, company benefits, etc.) and to boot you can spend the rest of your life gazing into each others eyes and wonder just what the heck are we doing together in this crazy life.
I posted a comment on a friend’s Facebook profile that basically sums it up. Getting married is like wanting a puppy. Seems like a good idea when you are all new and excited, but in reality it is a lot of work, costs lots of money and you have to be willing to clean up all the poop that comes with the love. I think more people should realize that before taking the plunge (Pets or Marriage!).
Having committed my views to my blog (unusual for me to be this personal but heck, I was moved by the weekend’s activities.) I will now probably make a fool of myself and run off to get married in Vegas and end up living in a hotel somewhere trying to figure life out. (Wait, I am technically living in a hotel now – crap! I’m already halfway there!!)
On another note: In celebration of all the pride going around, I finally got around to watching “To Be Takei” the documentary about my favorite Trek Star, George Takei. I credit George with being one of the reasons that society in general has changed their views on the LGBT community since he came out of the closet in October 2005. Personally, his appearances on Howard Stern and just being an advocate on TV and hundreds of appearances and parades has put a familiar face on an issue that makes many uncomfortable. This comes out (pun intended) in his movie where he talks about his issues over the years. I, for one and grateful that he has taken this step and helped so many, many teens and adults alike have a positive role model.
The other big item in the documentary is George’s role in getting the musical Allegiance to Broadway. Its such a personal story for George and I am glad he is finally getting a chance for it to make it to the Great White Way. I hope to see it someday to support George in his life’s legacy work. It’s the least I can do for someone who has provided me personally with lots of Star Trek lines to quote and has helped many people laugh on Facebook and Twitter, and been such a strong advocate for LGBT everywhere.