Same-sex couple wants to get married

My same-sex partner and I have been together for nearly three years now. The issue I have is that we want to get married. We believe that by getting married, we would be affirming something we have known to be true our whole relationship – that we are equal to anyone else and deserve the same rights and privileges. We believe we are deserving of exercising this right, and we are excited to be living proof of a gay relationship that is just as healthy and successful as any heterosexual relationship. We long to be able to stick it to anyone who says gay relationships are doomed or bad for children or threatening to society. Logically, we know statistically LGBTQ+ people are probably no more or less likely to stay together than anyone else, and that divorce happens all the time regardless of sexual orientation. But emotionally, we can’t help but feel so hurt that society continues to let down the LGBTQ+ community by telling us that we can’t just get married like everyone else. Should we be content with just being in a relationship or do we deserve to be able to take the next step?

Steve

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Hello, Steve

I think that you and your partner are very much confident about where you are in your relationship. I also think that you are very clear about your next step. I wonder though about what might have been your motivation in writing to ask the “Pastor” about it. Is it that you are somehow seeking validation for your union? Is it that you need a defense for your love?

Let me tell you this quite emphatically, you must do what you see as good and right for you. Marriage is a function of the state and if your state gives you that right that you wish to exercise, that is left entirely up to you. You should be content in yourself and in your decision and do not ever seek validation. Remember, #YouAreWorthy

Damien Williams is a Minister & Bible Teacher at Ekklesia Bible Fellowship in Kingston, Jamaica. He is also an Educator, Life Coach and Human Rights & Justice Advocate. His day job is as a Field Operations Manager at Habitat for Humanity Jamaica. If you have an issue that you need advice on, send an e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected]