As you read this, hundreds of same-sex couples are making history as they obtain marriage licenses in Washington state. Just one short month ago, we as a community had a very exciting election evening, as the country not only reelected Barack Obama as president of the United States but marriage equality laws passed in all three states where they were put to vote (Washington, Maryland, Maine), and a fourth state (Minnesota) rejected a state constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
Jane Abbott Lighty, 77, and Pete-e Peterson, 85, were the first same-sex couple to get a marriage license in Washington.
Exciting as it was to see such positive things come out the evening of November 6, it is now even more exciting to watch as members of the LGBT community, some of whom thought this day would not arrive in their lifetime, receive legal recognition of their partnerships.
The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that hundreds of couples lined up at King County Administration building in downtown Seattle last night in preparation for the “historic, jubilant event that began at 12:01am Thursday.” It is expected that this event could go on for more than 18 hours, but not a single couple seemed to mind. SeattlePi also reported that supporters of the same-sex couples offered roses, coffee, and hand-warmers to the soon-to-be newlyweds, while serenading them with renditions of Going to the Chapel.
There are sure to be many moving individual stories from this victorious event. One such notable couple is Jane Abbott Lighty, 77, and Pete-e Peterson, 85, two women who have been together for 35 years and who were the first same-sex couple to get a marriage license in Washington today at midnight. The women met on a blind date in 1977, reports Think Progress, and believed they would die before they could legally wed. The LGBT community of Washington picked this couple to have the honor of being first.
Congratulations to all same-sex couples who are legally wed in Washington State today! Let’s hope this foreshadows a changing tide in the country and that one day these weddings, while still loving and joyous occasions, will no longer be remarkable ones.
Photo: thinkprogress.org
