I drove with my daughter and the kids to Miami last week, one of those all in one day trips that is fun but a long drive with the sun burning into your eyes each way. I was really tired when we got home and planned on going right to bed.
But as tired as I was I had something on my mind. I had spoken to my fellow concierge Joe earlier and he had mentioned that he would be up late that night. When I asked why he said that at midnight, he and his husband Lenny's marriage would finally be recognized in their own home town. And that they were going to the courthouse to attend the very first ceremony in Key West to recognize same sex marriage. You see, Lenny and Joe married in New York some time ago because it wasn't legal here until now.The picture on the left is that happy day. You couldn't find a more dedicated couple, of any gender.
It really made me think. I have been around these couples my whole life and had really never thought twice about it except to defend them when I needed to. The equality issue was something I hadn't thought about deeply, although I knew just how unfair it was that couples, because they were the same sex couldn't have the simple legal rights than any straight couple would have when they married. And so I headed downtown to see my friend Maria at Blue Sky Rentals knowing if there was anything going on before the historic midnight marriage she would know.
It really made me think. I have been around these couples my whole life and had really never thought twice about it except to defend them when I needed to. The equality issue was something I hadn't thought about deeply, although I knew just how unfair it was that couples, because they were the same sex couldn't have the simple legal rights than any straight couple would have when they married. And so I headed downtown to see my friend Maria at Blue Sky Rentals knowing if there was anything going on before the historic midnight marriage she would know.
 | And sure enough, Maria, with her typical generosity had given them cars to use the day of the wedding to use as the press followed the wedding party around Key West for the day, and to a pre - wedding dinner. And I was just in time to help her decorate the wedding car. |
Here's the car. As we headed to the courthouse to deliver the car we had a lot of people along Duval giving up a "thumbs up" and taking pictures. I didn't get it right away but after the first "Congratulations" I heard I realized people we passed thought WE were the lucky couple! We had a good laugh about that, although I admit Maria had caught on much quicker than I did.
And so we got to the courthouse, and there was a nice sized crowd there to witness the ceremony joining the two long time partners - H.V. Haskins and Derek Gay in marriage, legally for the first time in Key West. The very first same sex marriage that so many had waited so long for. The courthouse decided to make special arrangements so that this could happen at midnight, right when it became legal.The crowd was ecstatic and of course Reverend Steve Torrence did an amazing job as always, and I am so glad I was there.
And so we got to see them off, to take a slow ride down Duval and the celebration waiting for them. After doing what so many other couples come to Key West to do...get married.
And so I want to Thank you Joe. Thank you for telling me about your plans and sharing your happiness with me. Because seeing and feeling the love and excitement in the air, and getting to experience something finally put right is not something I'll ever forget. And because although it should have happened in Key West a long time ago it still makes me so very - very proud to have, by luck been born in this country. Here's toast to all of the couples that will finally get their wish. It's about time.
XO
Smiles,
Toni
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