As a human being it is hard not to be touched by the senseless violence that goes on in our world on a daily basis. It is even more difficult as a lesbian who officiates at many Gay Weddings during the course of the year to not be deeply saddened by the massacre in Orlando this past weekend. Sometimes I and others take for grant it that we are allowed to marry same-sex partners in Canada. It was not that long ago that my wife, Kimberly spoke before a Tribunal in Toronto as the government was deciding if two adults who loved each other could marry. Gladly they choose to allow same-sex marriages in Canada, although there are many still fighting against love. We got married 5 years ago and I have to say, they have been the most enriching years of my life. Something shifted inside when we married, that wasn’t there during the 9 years we lived together. There was a deeper commitment, a new depth to our relationship.
Each year I happily officiate at same-sex marriages. They are some of the most intimate, personal ceremonies I have the pleasure of being a part of. Many people realize that same-sex marriage while legal in Canada and most states in the USA there are 77 countries in which being a homosexual is illegal and of those in 10 you can be put to death for being gay, let alone marrying your partner. Don’t be too enthused though, most years I get a hate phone call or two from those that take exception to my advertising in the Pride Guide. Those who just don’t get that “LOVE is LOVE”.
My heart goes out to those who died, their family, friends and our world who will never see the contributions they could have made in our world. From this sadness comes a renewal of what an honour it is to officiate at same-sex marriages. I will cherish them even more, with a grateful heart thankful for all those who blazed a trail before me, and for all those who continue to strive for peace in our world.