After the historic vote in the state legislature that made gay marriage legal in New York, my husband Mike and I decided at the last minute to trek up to the NYC Pride parade.
We met there in 1986 and we’ve gone back eight or nine times over the years, but this was our first time in almost a decade. We thought the celebration would be over the top since it was less than 48 hours after the marriage vote, and we weren’t disappointed. Everything was bigger and louder than we ever expected, and when the marchers hit the Village, the crowd greeted them with a roar of unrestrained joy and happiness that never stopped.
It felt like the World Series parade here in Philly a few years ago.
Mike and I got married in Toronto in 2003 because it was the first time it was possible in North America. We figured our marriage would eventually be recognized in the States but, until that time, we weren’t going to run around the Northeast collecting marriages from here and civil unions from there and domestic partnerships from somewhere else.
Since we believe New Jersey’s civil union or “CU” is an example of “separate but not equal,” we’ve been sticking to our guns. We’ve been waiting for the day when either our Canadian marriage is recognized or, at the very least, we could simply renew our vows and get a full-fledged marriage license where we live, in New Jersey.
But things have changed.
Two friends of ours, one an accountant and one an attorney, have convinced us that we should really stop being dicks about it and just get the CU. They’ve pointed out that there are about a thousand legal and financial rights and protections that are foolish to miss out on. We’re running a potentially serious risk by not covering ourselves with those protections right now, regardless of our feelings about marriage and the CU.
So we’re doing it. We’re getting unionized. And as much as I’d love to say we’re going to get our CU next Tuesday, it will actually be more like a month or so from now.
If you live in New Jersey or Delaware and are waiting for full same-sex marriage rights like we were, you should reconsider. If something happens to you legally or financially that a CU could have protected you from, it will be worth getting unionized. In the meantime, don’t stop fighting for marriage equality.
And as for you, Pennsylvania, it’s time to catch up with your neighbors.
It’s like red but not quite
Pride Month may be over but summer is just getting started in Philly. And that means the Pink Pub Crawl is back!
The summer edition of the Pink Pub Crawl starts 9 p.m. July 9 at Tavern on Camac, then move on to Valanni at 10:15. After that, it’s off to Sisters at 11:30, then over to Voyeur Nightclub at 12:30 a.m. to wrap up the night.
Dress in pink and the crawl will only cost you $25. If you don’t, or if you just wear pink socks or undies that no one can see, it’ll cost you $35. But considering that gets you one drink each at Tavern, Valanni and Sisters, free dance-floor admission plus admission to Voyeur, it’s a bargain either way.
But dress in pink. You’ll save $10 and have way more fun! Plus, the person wearing the best pink costume will win two passes to Sand Blast Weekend July 20-24 in Asbury Park, N.J.
For more information, check out www.nightlifegay.com. I’m on a boat!
The Big Gay Boat Party returns from 6 p.m.-midnight July 17 at Moshulu, 401 S. Columbus Blvd. Cover charge is still only $10, and DJ DeeJay is returning to spin the perfect dance mix for a night on the river under the stars.
There’s only one more BGBP after this one before summer ends, so don’t miss your chance to make the most of this one-of-a-kind party. There’s nothing else like it in Philly!
Philly TNG
Young and kinky and don’t know where to go? Then get your ass over to The Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St., for the Philly TNG Happy Hour from 7-10 p.m. July 21.
Philly TNG is for anyone under 35 in the Philadelphia area who is interested in BDSM and other alternative lifestyles. The group is open to all orientations, genders and experience levels, so whether you’re new and exploring or just looking for friends in the scene, check it out. You won’t be disappointed.
For more information, check out www.phillytng.org.
Questions, comments or news about upcoming events? Contact Jim at [email protected].