This Monday I attended my first gay marriage. It was a small, simple ceremony in an unremarkable room in the concrete tower of bureaucracy known as Toronto City Hall. A few close friends attended. A black minister in a grey academic gown presided. Vows were exchanged, rings were worn and signatures were placed on a beige piece of paper. One of those signatures happened to be mine, as a witness. V & K were united in matrimony in the eyes of the law. It took all of 15 minutes.
The fact wasn't lost on me that the piece of paper represented many years of struggle and countless hours of hard work by thousands of people across Canada and the world. It's a treasured manifestation of the equality principles enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights. Yet, it all seemed so anti-climactic. Specially after living through the endless debates on this topic in the US. It felt good to live in a jurisdiction that has turned gay marriage into a routine bureaucratic procedure.
As a side effect, the experience certainly made marriage feel a lot less intimidating. I feel encouraged to give it a try someday. Accepting applications now ;-)
6 comments:
time to put the ad out on de papers.
Seeking: ....
:)
I really like the way that you put this. Gay marriage is a triumph - people have fought for this so hard. And in the U.S. people are still fighting, and it seems sometimes that they are losing ground to the ultra-conservative folk who want to strip people of their rights (this frustrates me so much!). But I like the way you put it - it seemed anti-climatic, which is good. This means that this isn't a sensationalized gay marriage. It's a MARRIAGE - and be it two people of the opposite sex or two people of the same sex, it's a triumph in the commitment they are making. We celebrate their commitment to one another. When we sensationalize the sex factor, we draw away from what is really important - two people committing to be together and support one another. That's the amazing part!
Glad you were able to go to your first gay marriage. And yes you folks North of our border are much more enlightened when it comes to certain things compared to my brethern here.
congratulations to the couple! And I'm glad it was a run-of-the-mill experience, as it should be.
Very well put Ameet. You captured the essence of the struggle - a lot of heart-ache and debate over what is a routine procedure for the rest of us. It's times like these I'm glad I'm in Canada.
Routine my butt, a wedding is a chance to throw a hell of a party, get fabulous presents, and rejoice in the love and union. Gay or straight, weddings must have a certain bling factor :-)
So when do we start planning yours? I hope you don't think you can actually get away with wearing white! :-P
Having a hell of a party is a great idea. It's a celebration! So CELEBRATE! :)
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