"Love will continue to win, as long as we keep telling our stories." —JIM OBERGEFELL
This may be the shortest post I’ve yet delivered. And possibly the most necessary. With the current reactionary climate in America, an administration hostile to marginalized groups, and a Supreme Court that has already removed fundamental human rights, some after half a century in place, marriage equality could be next on the agenda.
If you’re looking for a way to reinforce an existing human right, specifically the right to marry, this beautiful book is a timely and amazing way to do that. On the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v Hodges, the SCOTUS decision affirming the right to marry, this book offers proof that marriage, and marriage equality change lives for the better.
A product of Just Married, this book features stories from LGBTQ+ couples who know that telling their stories keeps their love from once again being ignored and possibly outlawed. By purchasing this book of stories, reading the challenges these couples have faced and overcome, and possibly donating another copy to a local library, our friends and associates in the LGBTQ+ community will move one step closer to the day their right to marry is not based on a fragile, mutable decision by certain men in robes, but codified into law, never to be challenged again.
Here are quotes from contributors to this wonderful, timely, much needed book. The list begins with a particularly poignant statement from Richard Hodges, former director of the Ohio department of Health, and the defendant in the SCOTUS case. Here’s what Mr. Hodges says today:
“I’ve never been happier to lose something. This book celebrates the many heroes who shared their stories and, as a result, changed hearts, minds, and our nation.”
“Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can and does transform everything.” —Jack Baker & Michael McConnell 1st legally wed LGBTQ+ couple in the U.S.
“Like the famous quote from my wife, Edie Windsor, “Don’t postpone joy,” this “joyous” book is filled with glorious LGBTQ+ love stories through the ages.
—Judith Kasen-Windsor
“Their love and courage lit the path forward and reminds us that we deserve to love openly, have the families we dream of and live fearlessly as our true selves.”
—Todd Sears, Founder & CEO, Out Leadership
'“Love is a collection of stories that are moving, joyful, and ultimately triumphant — a wedding dance of the heart. It is about hope, devotion, faith, integrity, dignity, and, most importantly, love.” From the introduction, by Frankie Frankeny, creator of the Just Married project.
With an introduction by Frankie Frankeny, with forewords by Jim Obergefell & Evan Wolfson, and with 300 pages of heartwarming, triumphant stories, the book is a fine addition to your home library. It’s also a wonderful gift to your local library, a necessary book for those who doubt the power of love, and a refreshing testament to that love in these dark and uncertain times.
Jeff, I hear you! I've wondered the same thing myself so many times. And the opposition has often come from a group of people whose boss ordered them to 'love one another as I have loved you.' This Christ they claim to emulate never once mentioned homosexuality. I have to conclude that this (often ferocious) opposition derives from people who may be terrified that they themselves are gay and can't deal with it, or they have a long-standing identification with anti gay rights efforts that they've managed to commodify and don't want to lose that. The other source is the despicable scapegoating of LGBTQ+ people for political gain, an amoral behavior that has a long history. Why is it even a question? is the true question. I hear you. Thanks for reading.
I believe it don't matter who you love, only that you love.
And keep on loving even if your heart has been broken
As our folks said: "Get back on the horse that threw you - don't give up on Love."
Thank you for the hand up today, Byron!