Sometimes giving thanks means opening up to others about how you truly feel and not hiding your happiness. This Thanksgiving, consider having a dialogue with your loved ones about marriage equality and what it means to you. Sharing your experiences can change minds. Need some help? Freedom to Marry just released a great list of tips to help the conversation along.
- Create an emotional connection by emphasizing common ground. Reference key words used in talking about marriage like love, commitment and sharing a life together.
- Focus on the fact that marriage matters to gay people in similar ways that it matters to everyone: Gay and lesbian couples want to get married to make a lifetime commitment to the person they love and to protect their families.
- Imagine what it would be like to not be able to visit the person you love in the hospital, make medical decisions for them, or use family leave to take care of your loved one.
- Allowing committed gay and lesbian couples to get married does not change the meaning of marriage. All couples who marry in the United States must get a license for a civil marriage, usually at a courthouse or city hall. These civil marriages would also be available to same-sex couples.
- You may agree to disagree, but emphasize that this issue is important to you, and that you’re always available to answer questions or talk further.
Have you talked to everyone close to you about the importance of marriage equality? We want to hear about your experiences. Let us know in the comment section below.
