Truth.

I agree, however one can also make the argument that the inclusion of lgbt people into the traditional institution of marriage can help break down the alienating nature our current social structure. The question at stake at the state level is one of acceptance. If people can accept gay marriages, perhaps they will be primed to open their mind to other types of non traditional unions.

Where's the mic? WHERE'S THE MIC??? I must be tapped!!

Yes, I have a witness. :-) I used almost the exact same words to a gleeful neighbor yesterday.

I'm so glad I wandered onto this page - Thank you.

My response to the ruling was that maybe now we can focus on homeless and ill LBGT folks who need our help in the fight for justice. Maybe now we can have an open discussion on racism in our LBGTQQI communities; and begin to the challenge the fascist and out of time feminist who support each other in their right to define women, lesbianism and their anger against the FTM and MTF communities.

Will this ruling bring us affordable senior housing? Affordable family housing? Grants for our artists and better schools for our children? Will the health care status change for those of us without work, underemployed or differently-abled? I don't think so.

Now that we are married, can the law turn it's back on abused spouses the way it does in straight marriages? Or will LBGTQQI anti-violence organizations such as CUAV.org, finally receive the funding and recognition they need in order to help educate and heal our communities.

Back to may beginning story...I felt bad for hours about yucking my neighbors yum about the marriage decision and so I decided to do more listening to folks reactions on the news and life and one after the other, folks talked about attaining this right and earning their dignity. I can't help but wonder if people really feel like they were given their dignity yesterday. Did/do so many the people, like the ones at Gavin Newsom's ceremony really feel like we've been living in an undignified manner/way? One LA Times article reads: After Disappointments, Couple Hopes for Dignity and a Ceremony, LA Times, 5.16.08.

Seriously. It's hard to believe that these to affluent gay white males have felt less dignified because they couldn't file taxes together.

If we are now amongst the the dignified; if we have now elevated our ranks I want to know who and what we have risen above and how and what we can do to help make sure their is no longer a dignified status but instead an equal status of human rights!

And - Yes - Of course I'm happy that folks that want to get married can do so now - I believe in that right - and I also believe in the romantic idea behind it. I also think the whole idea maybe totally out-dated. As my partner say,s it will only separate us from those who are in other types of nontraditional relationships or none at all.

Marriage hasn't helped to keep 60% of straight relationships together and it's hard to believe that the gay community can do any better, especially since we are all people and we are all people living in a capitalist North American Society.

I don't know enough to talk about tax shelters/benefits or mortgage advantages, but I do know that marriage may make adopting my partner's child easier when she chooses to birth one and for this I am grateful. And with this small amount of joy I will continue to fight for justice and equality for everyone and: for respect for other creatures and our environments as well.