One Small Step for New Hampshire...

Just read the news about the new civil unions law in New Hampshire, and at the same time am watching Queer as Folk on DVD.  It's a potent combination - one that makes me both happy, and sad, too.

On the one hand (let's call it the left), I'm thrilled that our gay and lesbian friends in New Hampshire can now have their relationships legally recognized by the state - and believe me, that's huge.  New Hampshire's gay and lesbian residents now enjoy the same benefits (and let's not forget, responsibilities) from the state as their straight parents, brothers, sisters, and friends, at least while they stay in New Hampshire.

And yet.... and yet...

Am I being ungrateful here?  Is the actual word "marriage" too much to ask for?  Do I need to learn more patience?

They tell us now is not the time.  That we just need to wait a little longer,  until the general public becomes a little more tolerant.  Until we're not in an election cycle.  Until it's finally the right time to do the right thing.

As I sit here watching Queer as Folk, I find ourselves wondering...

If maybe Brian and Sunshine had it right.

If maybe all this marriage stuff doesn't apply to us.

If, as gay men and lesbians, we're somehow above all that straight stay-together-until-death crap.

If we really weren't meant for monogamy.

If somehow, we're more, or less, than our straight friends?

After all, isn't there something refreshingly honest about being who you are, no apologies, no regrets?

But not everyone's a Brian Kinney.  Not everyone in the gay community is afraid of commitment.  Some of us have made commitments on our own, without the government's help, and have been together for years, or even decades.

And I think - maybe there is some value in the word "marriage" - after all, so many people are fighting so hard to keep it from us.

And so maybe this news out of New Hampshire really is a good thing, if not everything we hope for.  Because it shows the kindheartedness and sense of fairness it shows the citizens of New Hampshire are capable of.  And because it is, after all, another step toward true equality - real marriage for the gay and lesbian masses.

For now, congratulations to New Hampshire for taking a step into the light.  And congratulations to John Davey and mark Brodeur, a couple who shared a civil union ceremony today after 10 years together.  And to all the other couples who come together with friends and family today in New Hampshire to celebrate their love and commitment for each other.

Even if Brian Kinney wouldn't approve.

:)

--Scott, Purple Unions