
Gay Couple Excited To Take Advantage Of New Marriage Rights, Then Realizes They Still Can't Afford A Wedding
Lifestyle
By: Chris T. Conversion | March 4, 2023
When the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2015, Todd and Juan felt like the world was finally acknowledging their love. The couple, who had been together for five years, had been looking forward to getting married for a long time. But as they started planning their wedding, they realized that the cost was going to be a major obstacle.
"We were so excited when gay marriage became legal," Todd said. "But then we started looking at venues and caterers, and it was just like, 'oh.'"
The couple had already been saving up for a wedding even before the Supreme Court's ruling. But as they looked at prices for venues, food, flowers, and other expenses, they quickly realized that their budget wasn't going to go very far.
"It's not just the wedding, it's all the little things that add up," Juan said. "The flowers, the photographer, the DJ. It's overwhelming."
Todd and Juan considered cutting corners, but they didn't want to compromise on their dream wedding. They wanted to have a special day that reflected their love for each other, and they didn't want to skimp on the details. They even thought about asking for donations from friends and family, but they didn't want to put anyone in an uncomfortable position.
"It's frustrating," Todd said. "We've been together for so long and we just want to celebrate our love like any other couple. But the financial reality is just too much to bear."
The couple has now postponed their wedding indefinitely, but they remain hopeful that they'll eventually be able to tie the knot. In the meantime, they're focusing on building their life together and enjoying their time together.
"We don't need a big wedding to prove our love," Juan said. "We have each other, and that's all that really matters."
Despite the setback, Todd and Juan remain committed to each other and to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. They hope that one day, every gay couple will be able to afford the wedding of their dreams.
"It's not just about us," Todd said. "It's about all the other couples out there who are struggling. We need to keep pushing for change, so that everyone has the same opportunities."
Todd and Juan's story highlights the ongoing struggles that many LGBTQ+ couples face, even in the wake of marriage equality. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to marriage and all the benefits that come with it.
As the LGBTQ+ community continues to fight for equal rights, it's important to remember that there are still many challenges that need to be overcome. Discrimination, bigotry, and financial obstacles are just a few of the issues that LGBTQ+ people face every day. But by sharing stories like Todd and Juan's, we can raise awareness and build a more inclusive, supportive world for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.