My Partner and I have been together for 10 years now. He is not American. we tried to live in the States, but could not get a visa for him. At that time voting was going on all over the country to "protect marriage" and winning. I was not surprised but disappointed to see how far behind the USA was in freedom and rights.. Having grown up as an American, and loving my country, but coming back to feel like a second class citizen because of who I love.

Ask yourself, then your government in one loud voice. How it is legal for minority rights to be decided on by majority vote?

The constitution says "no taxation without representation", so stop paying your taxes, and see if they notice us. probably not, just one more reason to throw us in jail.

I am living in exile in the "old country" now, that is decades further along in gay rights, so I can be with my lover, who I married in Holland.

I am still fighting though for America to face up to another case where they should practice what they preach.

Land of the free, my ass, but I hope we can finally get there.

let your voice be heard. I never stop no matter where I am. (Posted on 2/24/12)

My partner and I have long awaited freedoms that others are enjoying. Marriage without complete equality is a 'special right'. As for us, we've been together for over 10 years in the South. During this time, we've followed the lengthy fight over equality for folks like us. I was shocked to see so many long-time friends disappear from our lives. This includes family members as well. Their disappearance didn't happen all at once. They just slowly faded. So, we've been trying hard as ever to communicate the need for acceptance through communicating, living our lives and even music. We recently wrote a song entitled The Difference - Wish Upon A Star (Youtube) because we all are unique stars in the eyes of the Universe. We share this with HRC and all our gay brothers and sisters in hopes it communicates how diverse and beautiful the Universe can be. The sky is only the beginning and not a limit when two committed people love one another. (Posted on 6/25/11)

My wife Karen and I met almost 16 years ago, we were instant friends. I got married at 21 and had two kids, and Karen had a son. We were always close through out the years, and at some point our feelings for each other changed, and we fell in love. At first we were very confused, and scared to come out to our friends, and family. We lost a few friends along the way, but it was one of the best choices we ever made. We have now been together almost 3 years, and we are raising our three children together. We couldn't be happier!!! We registered for Domestic Partnership in Oregon Jun. 17 2010, and we had a commitment ceremony on the beach in Maui on July. 14 2010. I have found the love of my life, and I can't wait until Gay marriage is legal in Oregon! : ) Angela Kay <3 (Posted on 1/27/11)