25 years ago my wife and I launched RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, the world's first online wedding resource dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. It's hard to believe it's been a quarter of a century, but the calendar tells me it has... and my greying hair seems to also tell a similar tale.

During that span of time, we've witnessed a great many things, and several election cycles. Most of them quite heated, some more contentious than others. Divisiveness has been sown, scapegoats have been named, the rights of the LGBTQ+ minority have been vollied like a ping pong ball to incite voters to cast their ballots one way or another. Death threats to us, personally, and threats to our little company, have spiked and then plateaued. It's been a volatile time.

I could go on for several paragraphs about the milestones we've seen and celebrated across the United States, the landmark decisions we have witnessed, the courageous LGBTQ+ heroes we have lauded... about the LGBTQ+ wedding expos our company has produced, about the tens of thousands of vendors and couples across the country we have met, chatted with, and had the honor to support and moreover to learn from. But my post today is focused on one point, and it's a vital one.

Yesterday's SCOTUS decision, July 1, 2024, regarding presidential immunity has ramifications for our entire country, in ways that can easily be extrapolated well into the future. This goes beyond the looming threat of another Trump presidency, but that in and of itself is a hurdle we must soon face.

So many things are on the ballot this Fall: LGBTQ+ rights, certainly... and also more broadly civll rights of so many factions throughout the country, national security, climate issues, education, social security, immigration, serious economic issues, student debt, our standing in the international community, and so much more. :The willingness to hold Truth as recognizable, and non-negotiable. The unwavering belief that Democracy based on the foundational principle "We the People" must not be swept aside with a pen.

Throughout many decades in this nation, even well before Stonewall, members of the LGBTQ+ community have found ways to forge onward and enact progress through grassroots efforts. We have found ways to mobilize ourselves, uplift others, keep an eye on expanding the vision of equality in America. And now, in 2024, it is time to re-energize ourselves, despite the swirling chaos, distrust and weariness, and the disheartening headlines: to dig even deeper and take further substantive action.

Obergefell will likely be overturned in the next year or two, no matter what happens with the presidential election. But we must not lose heart. Anti-trans legislation will still be proposed at the local, state and federal levels in the months ahead. But we must not let that overshadow our convictions. We must not let any of the headlines or threats or injustices deter our stamina nor our willingness to head to the ballot box.

This year, perhaps more than any other in recent history, as a community of active citizens, we have a vital job to do.

We must inform ourselves and vote mindfully up and down the ticket in November. Too much is at stake.

This year's election we're voting not just for political intangibles or lofty concepts, we're voting yes or no for Democracy itself.

The headlines these days continue to be dizzying; at times, overwhelming.  Nonetheless, it's our responsibility as citizens to keep ourselves informed, so that we can make decisions based on the facts at hand.  This article, posted by MSNBC at the end of this year's Pride Month, is worth a read...

https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/pride-month-still-needed-rcna159508

My wife Cindy and I launched RainbowWeddingNetwork.com back in the year 2000; at that time just one state in the USA had begun the enactment of civil unions. It would be four more years before the Goodridge decision in Massachusetts provided full marriage rights in that state; 11 more after that before the passage of Obergefell. The dynamics with regard to LGBTQ+ marriage recogntion would ping-pong back and forth for years -decades, really- and it felt like a roller coaster ride. Election cycles brought pushback at the ballot box regarding equality for our community, as well as surges of death threats to our office.

Cindy and I, and our team at RWN, have witnessed and been immersed in the drama surrounding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, and believe that in many ways we have taken active roles through our work and services at RainbowWeddingNetwork.com to forward the cause.

This election cycle is not different, in many ways. We get more death threats at our office. We note the spike in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, proposed legislative motions and campaign assertions regarding the stripping away of rights. As in past years, we are certainly aware that other minorities and groups are being scapegoated as well.

And yet this election cycle is different, and we must all not only pay attention, but take ongoing and fervent action. The foundational tenets of our nation are being threatened in a way that is more pointed, more specific, more hotly verbalized, and in a multitude of ways. The rights of the LGBTQ+ community are at risk, but the cause for concern is much broader than that: the rights of all Americans are at stake.

I cannot state it better than historian Ken Burns. I encourage you to take a few moments to listen to his recent comments during his commencement speech at Brandeis University... and pass on the link.

"We are at an existential crossroads: the choice could not be clearer..."
And quoting Singer: Reminders about "the kinship of the soul..."
And did you know that in its Greek roots, the word 'enthusiasm' means "God in us...?"
"Denounce oppression everywhere."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n1OqPzIKH4

Exciting Equality Update - Great News for this year's Holiday Season!

No matter your faith or spiritual leaning, progress toward a broader vision of Equality is worth noting... and CELEBRATING.  We are so excited for our Catholic brothers and sisters, who now have greater freedom to marry at the altar of their choice, and we rejoice at the gifts this announcement brings for everyone around the world, within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Just 2 years ago, the Vatican proclaimed that God "cannot bless sin" in a decision about same-gender commitments. But this week, in an historic declaration, Pope Francis granted his formal approval allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples (though this is not a full endorsement of their marriage): This motion marks the church's most permissive decree yet on the issue!

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/18/1220077102/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex-couples

When SCOTUS overturned Roe v Wade, the LGBTQ+ community and our broad circle of allies became well aware that the overturn of Obergefell was likely. And if not the overturn, outright, then the undermining of its intended scope.

Now, as of the Fall of 2023, we are beginning to hear news about the bubbling of several lawsuits in the lower courts aimed at becoming the vehicle to do just that: reach SCOTUS and provide the means for the Supreme Court justices to lean in to a ruling that undermines national marriage equality for same-gender couples.

That is playing out in real time, in states like Texas... and all across America.

And of course, these are not the only headlines that are disturbing. Whether regarding LGBTQ+ rights, or an array of other important issues, scrolling through daily news features can be in itself an act of sincere courage: it's easy to lose heart when witnessing the seemingly endless barrage of efforts to stoke divisiveness, propel false claims for political gain, spew rhetoric, promote violence.

So... how can we, as average citizens, take real action?? In what ways can we truly empower ourselves?

*Remember how far LGBTQ+ equality has progressed: Recalling important milestones like the Goodridge Decision (Massachusetts, 2004) reminds us that the journey toward marriage equality, and broader rights for our community, is not an easy road... nor one unmarked by detours, fits and starts. It's natural for important issues to take time to come in to the realm of mainstream. Taking a moment to review the history and lean on those accomplishments can be uplifting: and staying enthused and motivated is vital to pursuing further traction.

*"Look for the Helpers..." Act on the wisdom of influencers like Mr. Rogers! ...It's truly empowering to witness others as they take action toward making the world a better place. Seek out helpers in all circles, from FreeMomHugs.org, to your local elected official who is standing up for LGBTQ+ rights. Notice who they are and what they do, and allow their energy to fuel your own.

*Reach out to Your Community - It's not a time for complacency. Dig deep and find ways to research online or even take time to visit in person with local LGBTQ+ community groups. Political advocacy organizations, local community centers, LGBTQ+ youth alliances, even social groups such as the local 'Drag Bingo Night' or Gay Men's Chorus need your support! Whether it's a monetary donation, a gift of your time (perhaps you can help out with social media posts or designing graphics), volunteering in person at an upcoming event, or participating yourself in group activities: they all make a difference!

*Research & Invest - At our ongoing tour of LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, we remind couples that there are many, many roles in progressing the issue of Equality. And one that they can easily take on is that of investing their wedding budget with vendors who actively support a policy of non-discrimination. By hiring exhibitors at our expos, they can rest assured they are supporting business professionals who support our community. Win-Win! This of course can be extrapolated: invest your money, beyond the wedding & honeymoon, with businesses you are sure are supportive of equality. Research phone companies, utiltity companies, clothing and merchandise vendors, restaurants, etc. The more cash we spend with businesses that actively promote non-discrimination, the further our efforts toward lasting Equal Rights for our minority... and others!

*Vote, Participate - Our rights are at stake in every election, whether local, state or federal. Not everyone can run for office, or attend each and every local planning, zoning or school board meeting... but all of that matters. Voting of course matters too. Even in elections that seem less than vital, do your best to research candidates thoroughly, as well as ballot initiatives and other issues, and vote with the mindset that you are in fact actively wielding the power of information and intention. Prior to election day, do your best also to have conversations with your neighbors, colleagues, friends and family about their plans for voting. Offer to carpool if necessary, or to help fill out the form necessary to secure an absentee ballot for someone in your circle who needs it.

*Out & Proud - Don't minimize the fact that just by living your life, and being who you are, you are making a difference in the world. As we tell our couples, planning the wedding of your dreams, in which you marry the love of your life... for LGBTQ+ partners this in and of itself is a moment of activism. It may not make front-page news, but it does help others' perceptions evolve, transform and grow toward a broader acceptance of diversity. Never underestimate that power you carry, simply by being who you are.

*Further Ways to Make Your Wedding Count - Read more from one of RWN's founders about ways to incorporate a sense of activism in your own Wedding Plans
https://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/wedding-trends/easy-ways-to-make-your-wedding-count

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In just 12 short months, our citizens will vote for our next president.  In the meantime, there is still much important work to be done.  THANK YOU for doing your part:  It matters.  And efforts both large and small WILL make an impact.

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