I write this post with a happy heart. On Friday, June 26, same-sex marriage became legal all over the United States, and the first same-sex marriage license in Austin was distributed at 10:30am. I was at the Travis County clerk’s office by noon, and cheered outside with a handful of supporters. (Surprisingly, I didn’t see one naysayer anywhere near the clerk’s office. The entire experience — from what is usually seen as a routine, bureaucratic task — was incredibly buoyant, to the point of ecstatic. People gave out hugs, flowers, and cupcakes donated from local businesses.)
On July 4th, a group of folks organized a giant wedding on the main lawn of the Texas Capitol downtown, and more than forty couples were married en masse. The energy was frenetic! A crowd of 300+ supporters held signs, raised cameras, blew bubbles; cried.
I wasn’t there in any “official” capacity; I was there as just another excited ally in the crowd, but I also snapped a few photos. Here are a handful from both that first historic day, and also the Big Gay Wedding on Independence Day.
Elissa, you totally made me cry! This is such an incredible piece of history and you captured it so beautifully. I’m so overjoyed for all of these beautiful people!
It was so heartwarming to be there! Thanks for the comment love, Julianne!