Gay Marriage: Love Is My Reason for Celebrating (Let's Move Love Forward) by Donna Mansell

We married first in ‘01. The first gay wedding for most; so beautiful that the venue used photos from it in their ads. The ceremony was on a beach, onlookers searching for grooms. Our walk-away song was "Something to Talk About," and boy did they talk!

Wedding No. 2 was in ‘08 (me pregnant with No. 2). A small event making us "legal" in California. Two years ago, our union was federally recognized.

Things aren't perfect yet, but they are improving. There are still awful people and hateful, frightening things that happen. But, we fight on. I am thankful to those who stood up at Stonewall – and countless venues since – to move love forward.

For the friends who support us despite, because of or indifferent to, how we are the same or different, I ask you now to continue to stand up for those who have no voice, for those who are afraid to use their voice and for those who aren't allowed a voice. Reach out to those who have a different expression of humanity than you, and seek understanding.

Unspoken support needs to be spoken, sometimes yelled. Be the good. Don’t wait. 

And finally, on this national anniversary that is special to so many in the country, celebrate love. That's what I'm celebrating.