Same-Sex Union

A celebrity chef native to Florida throws a big Florida gay wedding party when the decision to lift the gay marriage ban in the state is announced. Chef Art Smith gathered together a few famous chef friends, a drag queen DJ, and an ocean of orchids in Miami Beach for the wedding celebration of a lifetime.

In Texas, police officers appear alongside their peers in a new statewide TV ad supporting same-sex marriage in the state. Telling the world that they support their partners on the force in their choice of life partners, the officers stand proudly in support of freedom for all.

Freedom to Marry TV Advertisements in Texas

The advocacy group Freedom to Marry sponsors a series of statewide advertisements on TV in Texas featuring Fort Worth police officers supporting their gay colleagues’ right to marry. The organization’s national director notes that, “they remind Texans that anyone who puts their life on the line to protect other Americans should not be treated unequally or be denied the ability to protect their own family by being barred from marrying.”

As the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals considers oral arguments on the appeal of the Texas marriage freedom case, DeLeon v. Perry, the national group saw an opportunity to turn up the heat on opponents of gay marriage in the state. They realized that hearts and minds generally change in favor of marriage equality when people view others from all walks of life and of all types of individuals, such as those who support basic freedoms and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The group bought airtime for spots on TV during news broadcasts and public affairs programming across the state.

Among First Same-Sex Marriages in Utah, Couple Joins Florida Marriage Party

Chef Smith invited guests from across the country to celebrate marriage equality in Florida at a star-studded gala affair in Miami Beach, featuring one-of-a-kind touches like:

• TV host and star chef Guy Fieri officiating
• Miami Beach star Chi Chi LaRue hosting a wild dance party
• Amazing cake from acclaimed decorator Duff Goldman
• Food from Chef Smith and other celebrity chefs

Selecting 101 as the number of couples to participate in the ceremony was Smith’s way of poking some fun at Florida’s attorney general, a relentless gay marriage opponent. “We have our own Cruella De Ville, Pam Bondi. She was determined that she was going to keep marriage equality from coming to Florida,” Smith noted.

A Utah couple joined the party in Miami Beach. First married a year ago in Utah when the judge lifted the ban there, they were only able to hold an impromptu ceremony in their work clothes; they had rushed to the county clerk’s office after hearing that the ban was lifted in that state. They reveled in the beautiful grand ceremony in Miami Beach and got the chance to finally celebrate their vows with a formal ceremony alongside family and friends.

From Tampa, Nicole and her partner Stephanie had been patiently waiting for the chance to tie the knot. They had moved from Indiana a few years before the ban was lifted there, and jumped at the chance to say their vows in elegant gowns at the lavish ceremony before family, friends, supporters and allies gathered in Florida.

Celebrating Commonality and Love

As more people see the powerful examples of love and commitment that drive couples to advocate for marriage equality, laws will continue to evolve to accept all into the community with full rights and tolerance. Many of the guests at the ceremony in Florida have waited a long time for the opportunity to embrace their partners openly and publicly declare their love in a marriage ceremony. A great number of Texas residents may get their first look at gay police officers and their allies on the force in a statewide TV ad, as the court considers opening that state to marriage equality. With education and understanding, hearts open toward tolerance that is long overdue in the world.