New York recently became the sixth and largest state to legalize gay marriage, and I couldn’t be more proud to be living here. I believe in love no matter who is involved. No one has the right to say who someone can be in love with. I also believe in marriage as a union between two people in love regardless of who they are.
As a Californian (a San Francisco Bay Arean more specifically), I was happy to see gay marriage legalized by the state in June 2008 (making California just the second state to do so!). But then it was taken away in November due to Prop 8. It was sad to see this right taken away from those in love. I consider myself lucky to have grown up in an area that is so accepting - the San Francisco Bay Area is the most liberal area in the United States, with many of its counties considered one of America’s most liberal-friendly counties and the city and county of San Francisco dubbed THE MOST liberal in the country - so I was pretty upset that Prop 8 passed by a 53-47 margin.
But New York has come to its senses and recognized the importance of equality! Equality = love. Congratulations to the great state of New York and to all in the LGBT community in love! And the wonderful thing is that, unlike California, no proposition on the ballot can take this away.
I am and forever will be a California girl, but I have so much pride (pun intended) in being a New Yorker (even if it’s temporary). Spread love everyone - it truly does make the world go ‘round!
