The first couple to marry in Manhattan were Phyllis Siegel, 77, and Connie Kopelov, 85, who have been together for 23 years. Ms. Kopelov arrived in a wheelchair and stood with the assistance of a walker. “I am breathless, I almost couldn’t breathe,” Ms. Siegel said later, ”It’s mind-boggling. The fact that’s it’s happening to us- that we are finally legal and can do this like everyone else.”
Awww, so cute! Such a sweet looking couple and they’ve waited so long to marry, it’s about time!
<3 HG&Co.
"Marriage equality is alive and well in every borough of New York City right now."
— Christine Quinn, speaker of the New York City Council.
"This is one of the great things about America, this diversity,” Robinson said. “I’m so proud to be an American today, but I’m particularly proud to be a New Yorker."
— Douglas Robinson, one of the first gay men to get married in New York on Sunday.
Congratulations to all the couples getting married today in New York!! We can’t wait to see the happy wedding photos!
<3 HG&Co.
Everyone Wins in NYC Gay Marriage Lottery!
City officials held a lottery on Thursday for 764 marriage, but when 823 people registered the city decided to allow all of the couples make their marriage official on the first day the law takes effect in New York on Sunday!
This will break the city’s previous record of 621 marriages registered on Valentine’s Day in 2003. Congrats to all the happy couples in New York!!
Love,
HG&Co.
(Source: MSNBC)
Awww, love Kelly Prizel’s photo set capturing the true NYC spirit of Lisa and Alex’s wedding. The couple will, of course, be getting legally married now that the law is going into effect in the state. We love the rooftop wedding aspect and hope to see more wedding themes like this cropping up soon! What are you waiting for people?! Pop the question!! :)
<3 HG&Co.
(Source: soyourengayged.com)
Live near Staten Island? Go to LGBTQ Prom!
(Photo via: Pridebook.com)
Prom can be an important right of passage for young adults, and one that not all LGBTQ individuals get to experience in a positive way when school districts choose to discriminate against same-sex couples or even restricting who gets to be considered Prom Queen or King.
If you live near the Staten Island area, you can enjoy your prom in a safe environment at the second annual LGBTQ Prom, as sponsored by the Staten Island LGBTQ Community Center.
The Staten Island LGBT Community Center, an initiative of Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI), will be sponsoring its second annual LGBT Prom Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. at the center, located at 25 Victory Blvd. (corner of Bay St.), third floor. Tickets are $20 per person, and must be purchased in advance before July 7. For tickets or sponsorship, contact Elysa Fein, LGBT youth program coordinator, at 718-808-1353 or Elysa.fein@chasiny.org; or the center director, Ralph W. Vogel at 718-808-3151 or Ralph.vogel@chasiny.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the center between 3 and 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The LGBTQ Prom is an evening full of music, dancing, food and friends. LGBTQ and allied youth can celebrate community and express themselves freely in a supportive, fun, and safe environment. The event is open to all LGBTQ and allied youth ages 15 to 20.
LGBTQ youth often face discrimination and ridicule when bringing a same-sex date or for wearing prom attire that corresponds with their gender identity. Community members can help cover the expense of this affirming event. A donation of $20 will sponsor one person and $40 will sponsor a couple.
We think this a great idea and hope all who are attending have a fantastic time! If you go, please do send in pictures of your prom attire!! You could even surprise your date with some of our jewelry. ;) This code: HGKSBL will get you 10% off.
<3 HG&Co.
(Source: silive.com)
On June 24, 2011 New York became the second state to welcome Marriage Equality through legislative action. The result of an effort lead by New York governor Andrew Cuomo and backed by the newly formed New Yorkers United for Marriage. With the arrival of Marriage Equality in New York the shifting stance on LGBT Rights across American has never been more prevelant. The team at RainbowWeddingNetwork.com and Same Love, Same Rights would like to take this opportunity to extend our most sincere thanks to all who have played a part in making this a reality.
We are excited to announce our fifth event in New York City and the begining of our New York tour of LGBT Wedding Expos in celebration of Marriage Equality. We invite you and your partner to join us Saturday, August 6, 2011 at magnificant Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway@ 36th Street, for an afternoon of celebration and helpful resources. Mingle with other couples, advocates and allies as you begin planning the ceremony you’ve been waiting for. Over 50 select gay-friendly companies will be on hand to answer your questions and provide insight as you begin the planning process. Additional excitement is in store for the afternoon so please keep checking back for more details.
This event is free to attend, we are asking for a $5.00 per person donation, but we do ask that you pre-register for free tickets. The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here!
Help spread the word about this event: Invite friends and family to attend, post one of the banners to your personal blog or site, tweet about the event and share this page with Facebook friends.
(Source: samelovesamerights.com)
New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage
We know we’re late in blogging about this but technical difficulties (and celebratory partying) prevented us from posting earlier. On to the important thing—
NEW YORK PASSES GAY MARRIAGE LAW!!!
It is now officially the largest state to have done so and that made the pride parade over the weekend even more spectacular. It passed 33 to 29 with four members of the Republican majority joining the vote, and only one Democrat voting against.
Senator Mark J. Grisanti was one of the Republican Senators who voted to pass the law after promising to oppose during his campaign. Grisanti said,
“I apologize for those who feel offended,” Mr. Grisanti said, adding, “I cannot deny a person, a human being, a taxpayer, a worker, the people of my district and across this state, the State of New York, and those people who make this the great state that it is the same rights that I have with my wife”
No doubt there are thousands of couples in New York right now who are celebrating because of your change of heart! Thank you to everyone who lobbied and supported these efforts. We’ve still got a long way to go and a lot of states to reach before true equality is achieved, but little by little, people are seeing the light and that’s something to remain hopeful for.
So in case you were waiting to pop the question, now is the perfect time!! Go, live, love and enjoy each other— roll around in the happiness and love that you deserve to have!! We’re overcome with it all right now and hope you all are too!!! :)
Love, Love, LOVE,
<3 HG&Co.
(Source: The New York Times)
