Joe Pressley & Steven Williams are making it official after twenty years together thanks to New York's new marriage equality law that went into effect on yesterday. The Grio has a moving piece on their two decade relationship complete with video.
From The Grio:
The Williams-Pressley marriage festivities will start when the men pick up their licenses on Monday and will conclude during a private ceremony, on Saturday, at a Italian restaurant in Harlem. The non-traditional African-American couple will host a non-traditional ceremony, witnessed by more than a hundred family and friends.
"It is not a formal affair, we want folks to be comfortable, we want them to come and have fun, its about fun and its about celebration," said Williams. "I think I am going to wear a blue blazer, a shirt and some slacks, and call it a day. It's a really simple ceremony."
Although the couple have won the fight for equality with the state, they have not been as successful at winning recognition from their entire family. Pressley's mother will not attend the nuptials because she refuses to accept a marriage between two men. Although he is hurt by his mother's disapproval, Pressley understands her decision to miss what will be the most important day in her son's life.
"As much as it hurts my mom not being there it is also just a joy to look at the family that I have been able to construct, my family of origin and my family of friends who will be there to celebrate with me," he said.
Watch The Grio's video report on Pressley & Williams below. The comment section on The Grio's website is filled with disgustingly anti-gay remarks about the couple. Feel free to counter the message of hate with love and well-wishes for the couple. Congrats guys!
I'm so happy for them. Can't wait til I'm able to get married
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to hear couples with long-term relationships comment about relationships being a struggle and it continues to be. I think a number of gay males who want a relationship are sincere but aren't good at communicating. Without constructive communications between partners a relationship will break down very quickly. If you pick someone is who is willing to listen and not just waiting to talk you stand half the battle of substaining a relationship. It's evident this couple is in synch. Congratulations to Joe and Steven!
ReplyDelete