Author Topic: The long wait is over: Pinoy gays in LA tie the knot  (Read 921 times)

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The long wait is over: Pinoy gays in LA tie the knot
« on: August 06, 2008, 05:15:52 PM »
SAN FRANCISCO — Rainbow ribbons and matrimonial bliss filled City Hall June 17 as Mayor Gavin Newsom gave his blessing to the city’s gays and lesbians seeking to legalize their love in marriage.


 
"Imagine how people today are feeling. I see different faces of people’s lives and realized this is as good as it gets," said Newsom. "Marriage is not just about two people; it’s about celebrating family and their support."

On May 15, 2008, what was once a form of civil disobedience in this city and many parts of the country, had become history in the making.

The State Supreme Court reversed a ban on same-sex marriage, paving the way for California to become the second state, after Massachusetts, to legalize such unions.

The following day, City Hall issued more than 200 licenses to gay and lesbian couples who wanted to make their love part of city history.

The turnout was overwhelming. Of all 58 counties in the state including San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Sonoma, county clerks were up to their knees and elbows issuing license after license.

California is expecting about 60,000 same-sex couples to be applying for licenses, and walking to the altar shortly after, over the next three years.

With San Francisco becoming a destination for same-sex marriage, the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau sent off invitations all over to the gay press hoping to partake of the $60 billion gay tourism industry nationwide.

San Francisco, along with New York and Los Angeles, has been rated a gay-friendly tourist spot, according to a 2006 Travel Industry Association survey.

A UCLA study released recently says about half of "California’s 102,600 same-sex couples will marry over the next three years."

The same study estimates these and same-sex couples from other states to be spending at least $680 million on their weddings, which include honeymoon packages, receptions, gowns and flowers. San Francisco accounts for half that amount.

The economics is interesting: Same-sex marriages are expected to raise $8.8 million in revenue from licenses alone, and generate 2,100 new jobs in the state.

"San Francisco has been through an incredible change," said Robert Ray Avila, a member of the gay community. "Kids in their 20s are growing up in the gay culture and are now open minded because of their kind of upbringing, but back in the 80s it was difficult."

"Same-sex couples getting married today have the paved the way for a better future," added Avila.

Where children are more exposed, statistics are now showing greater exposure for the Filipino community, at least, to gay lifestyle and culture, starting with young people in the 8-10 age group, said another community activist who wishes to remain anonymous.

"Of all communities and cultures I’ve interacted with, Filipinos seem to be the most accepting and welcoming to the gay community," said Avila.

As City Hall bustled with cheers and joyous tears from people showering rose petals on newlyweds, the day has been one marked with a moving sense of liberation.

"We have waited a long time for this day," said Filipino-American Michelle Julaton, referring to her partner of 15 years, Vanessa Angeles. "We just can’t believe we now have our very own day here in the historical City Hall of San Francisco!"

As couples rejoiced, a cloud of pessimism hangs: A statewide measure that would attempt to once again outlaw same-sex marriage is slated to appear on the November ballot. This, despite San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera’s confident declaration that same-sex weddings will "be legal and enduring."

Still, Newsom set the tone of celebration for the day when he, along with many other appreciative and joyous San Franciscans, urged pushing worries aside.

"Today is a powerful, incredible day, and I am proud to be alive," he said, beaming.

"Thank you so much, Mayor," came the resounding response

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