“Proudly Say I DO CRUISE during Gay Pride NYC” - EXCITING event coming up this summer!!  Say your vows and celebrate aboard an elegant yacht in the waters off Manhattan.  Your wedding, with style!

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/proudly-say-i-do-upscale-yacht-group-wedding-reception-cruise-for-pride-nyc-tickets-11342356293?aff=es2&rank=13

"It was such a genuine pleasure meeting you and experiencing the Expo at the Grand in Baltimore!  

Truly a great and lovely affair that had direct impact on our property.  I highly recommend this event to exhibit.  Multiple qualified leads!

You and RainbowWeddingNetwork were wonderful to work with, professional and provided a quality environment conducive to creating business opportunities.  There are many tradeshows or expositions for the bridal market and your LGBT Wedding Expo exceeded the others with a great partnership."

Dawn Puliti Senior Outside Sales

Direct (410) 554 7579 | Fax (410) 366 6734 | Mobile (443) 413 0658

Inn at the Colonnade Baltimore, a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

4 West University Parkway, Baltimore, MD 21218

Really a very good article - a reminder about how swiftly change really has happened with regard to marriage rights.  Has overtones, obviously, for other progress we'd like to see in the near future!

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/03/3905413/stunning-shift-on-gay-marriage.html

Oftentimes, couples (and sometimes first-time exhibitors) reach out to ask what they can expect at one of our LGBT Wedding Expos.  This story by Voice of America does offer a nice overview of our recent event in Baltimore.  As you'll see, you'll get an idea of what vendors are bringing in, how the other couples are making use of the resources available, and the general atmosphere we create at the events.  Check out our full expo calendar for upcoming dates near you!

http://www.voanews.com/content/baltimore-wedding-expo-caters-to-same-sex-couples/1840637.html?utm_medium=email

Spend a few minutes with Jeff & Jeremiah - this surprise marriage proposal will definitely warm your heart this Holiday Season!  ENJOY, and BEST WISHES to the HAPPY COUPLE!!

http://youtu.be/tlOKQQdNjMw

New Documentary!  Hawaiian Values Differ From Western Traditions...

IN A WORLD THAT PUNISHES GENDER NONCONFORMITY, IMAGINE A PLACE WHERE A LITTLE BOY CAN GROW UP TO BE THE WOMAN OF HIS DREAMS, AND A LITTLE GIRL CAN RISE TO BECOME A LEADER OF YOUNG MEN. WELCOME TO KUMU HINA'S HAWAI'I. A new documentary by Emmy Award-winning directors Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson produced in association with Pacific Islanders in Communications and ITVS.

___________

 Words From the Directors...

Just two years ago, we began the making of KUMU HINA, a film about Hina Wong-Kalu, an extraordinary Native Hawaiian teacher, or kumu, and cultural leader who happens to be mahu, the Hawaiian term for those who embrace both masculine and feminine traits.

The experience was magical, capturing the ups and downs of Hinaʻs first-year of marriage to an unpredictable Tongan man and her inspiring mentorship of a young girl whose dream was to lead their schoolʻs all-male hula troupe.

The result is a provocative and inspiring glimpse of a Hawai'i rarely seen by outsiders, and a land in which there is unconditional acceptance and respect for all -- what Kumu Hina calls "the true meaning of aloha."

As the filmʻs 2014 world premiere approaches (to be announced soon), weʻre also getting ready to launch a dynamic engagement campaign to share Kumu Hinaʻs message with the world!

A hint of just how powerful this experience will be occurred over the past few weeks amidst Hawai'i's contentious debate over marriage equality.

As opponents and supporters fought tooth and nail, Kumu Hina published an Op-Ed in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that profoundly changed the discourse.  Rather than make arguments from a Western mindset, she offered an historical perspective on gender and sexuality in Hawai'i that opened the door to what State Senator Gil Kahele called in an extraordinary speech on the Senate floor, "a full and honest renaissance of pre-Christian Hawai'iʻs history."

As the legislative battle continued, Kumu Hina became a prominent symbol of hope, and helped position Hawaiian culture as the guiding force for progress and unity in the islands.  Upon passage of the Marriage Equality Act, Gov. Neil Abercrombie invited her to deliver the opening chant at the Signing Ceremony, where there was not a dry eye in the house.

A few highlights from these events are included here, a sign of whatʻs to come with the KUMU HINA film and campaign in the year ahead.  We hope youʻll join us on the journey.

With aloha,

Joe Wilson & Dean Hamer, KUMU HINA Producers/Directors

Qwaves Films |  P.O. Box 688 |  Haleiwa, HI  96712
t: 808-629-9864  e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://KumuHina.tumblr.com

Being the co-founder of RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, I have had the opportunity to write in many different styles and capacities.  From administrative documents, to articles for RainbowWeddingNetwork Magazine, even the non-fiction book "My Dangerous Commute" which outlines our experiences this past 13 years in the LGBT Wedding Industry.

However, writing fiction is my forte, and my passion.  So I have to share that I've recently self-published one of my novels, entitled "The Locket."  I invite you to check out my website for further info, and to consider downloading the book or purchasing a print copy.

One of the reasons I mention it, is because the main character, Abbey Taft, happens to be bisexual.  How many works of literature can we think of in which this is the case?

Over the years, I have found it obvious that there are many important paths to a higher degree of legitimization for our minority in modern American culture. These include depictions of LGBT characters on television shows, endorsement of LGBT issues by popular celebrities and political figures, musicians and sports figures coming out as gay or lesbian... etc.  And of course it includes serious works of literature that also depict LGBT characters.

So again, please check out my website for further info.  I think you'll enjoy the book!

www.MariannePuechl.com

I remember being made fun of as a young teen, because of how masculine I was.  Many people couldn't even figure out if I was a boy or a girl, and that really threw them for a loop; often to heated anger.  A strange thing.  There were many reasons I seemed so boyish, and some of them had to do with the fact that later I realized I'm bisexual... but mostly the fact was that the way I presented myself was right for me.  It was who I was; it was how I wanted to wear my hair/my clothes and how I wanted to behave.  I didn't understand why people had to categorize themselves as male or female, masculine or feminine.  I honestly thought that it was best for us just to express ourselves honestly, as long as that didn't interfere with anyone else's self-expression.

Well, I'm reminded of this in part because of the recent press release I received.  Thought I would share.  I believe you can visit the website and get involved with the project, if you'd like.  All the best to everyone, with your own coming out journeys, and your own ongoing quest for authentic self-expression.

_______________

 PRESS RELEASE:  The Worst Thing About Coming Out

Rob Barracano is a professor of digital filmmaking at Champlain College and has written horror films for Hollywood and also done TV work. http://www.champlain.edu/academics/our-faculty/barracano-robert

One of his projects with Champlain film students is a web site/turned documentary called “The Worst Thing About Coming Out,” stories of gay, lesbian and trans individuals of all ages about their decision to come out and how they felt about it

http://www.worstthingaboutcomingout.com/.  On Friday, Oct. 11, which is National Coming Out Day, a documentary Rob and students made about the project will premiere at the Vermont International Film Festival. I have students who were involved who could be interviewed. Below is more info:

On Friday, 11 October, National Coming Out Day, there will be a panel discussion on identity:

SELF IDENTITY + "HOME:" Our Selves in Community.
"To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man."  William Shakespeare and the official premier of the documentary, "The Worst Thing About Coming Out."  Both events are part of the Vermont International Film Festival and on the festival's opening day.  They are free.

Screening 2:30 pm

Panel Discussion 3:30 pm

at Film House

Third Floor of the Lake and College Building, at Sixty Lake Street, in Burlington, Vermont

Dr. Ame Lambert and Eric Ronis of Champlain College, and Dr. Kim Fountain of RU12, will sit on the panel along with guests from the documentary and other community representatives.

TWO SPIRITS, ONE HEART
A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance

A memoir by: Marsha Aizumi with Aiden Aizumi

 “Marsha shares her journey from fear and uncertainty to acceptance, support, and unconditional love of Aiden as he reconciled his gender identity…I recommend their co-written memoir Two Spirits, One Heart.”—George Takei

 In the first book of its kind, mother, educator, and LGBT activist Marsha Aizumi shares her compelling story of parenting a young woman who came out as a lesbian, then transitioned to male. Two Spirits, One Heart chronicles Marsha's personal journey from fear, uncertainty, and sadness to eventual unconditional love, acceptance, and support of her child who struggled to reconcile his gender identity. Told with honesty and warmth, this book is a must-read for parents and loved ones of LGBT individuals everywhere.

 “I love this book so much,” says Magnus Books editorial director Don Weise. “When I first read the Two Spirits, One Heart, I was struck immediately by Marsha’s honesty and unconditional love for her son. Despite all the challenges she saw along the way—and there were many, including some that put her to the test—her devotion to Aiden’s well being never wavered. I also saw in her book a story being told for the first time, something I’d not heard much about before even in the LGBT media. Reading this memoir, I often thought about my own mother and parents of LGBT people everywhere, how essential Marsha and Aiden’s story is for all of us to read.”

Marsha Aizumi is an educator, motivational speaker, and advocate for the LGBT community. She serves on the National Board of Directors of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). You can visit Marsha online at www.marshaaizumi.com. Aiden Takeo Aizumi is a committed activist for LGBT rights. In 2010, he was honored as a youth leader with the Paul A. Anderson award from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. He currently serves on the PFLAG National Transgender Gender Non-conforming Advisory Council. Aiden is also pursuing a bachelor's degree in education.

_____________

“Marsha and Aiden’s moving story of confronting and overcoming fear—and of the love and deeper bond that emerge between a mother and her son because of that profound journey—shows how all families can accept each other’s humanity. I was deeply inspired by the honesty, awareness, and healing found in these pages.”

—Rea Carey, Executive Director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

_____________

Further info on ordering is available through the author's website:

www.marshaaizumi.com

Heartfelt post by longtime RainbowWeddingNetwork supporter, and enthused LGBT advocate, Rev. Jan Carter!  Thanks Rev. Jan, for all you do in the Greater Seattle area on behalf of LGBT couples!

July, 2013

Much has been written lately about same-sex marriage as more and more states are making it legal and the Supreme Court has struck down part of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between one man and one woman).

I have been honored to officiate at several same-sex weddings since they became legal in Washington State in December 2012. A wedding is such a wonderful occasion, filled with hopes, dreams, and excitement. Same-sex weddings are particularly precious since they have been made possible by the recent passage of marriage equality for all couples in the State of Washington.

I find a special joy in officiating at same-sex weddings. It took only one such wedding for me to experience and understand the intense joy and appreciation that same-sex couples have when marrying.

These are couples who, for many years, never thought they would see the day they could be open about who they are and be able to declare and show their love for one another. These are couples who have had to face discrimination just because they love differently. These are couples who, as they dated and fell in love, never thought they would see the day that they could marry their beloved. It is a moving and humbling experience to be able to make those dreams become a reality.

Before same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington, same-sex couples could register as domestic partners. But this does not convey the same meaning – the same depth of feelings and commitment - that being able to call someone your husband or wife conveys. Marriage takes away the ambiguity of the relationship because everyone understands what calling someone your husband or wife means. Many same-sex couples have found that after getting married, people have treated them with more respect and that they find marriage provides a huge relief. Marriage has given them more security and has taken away a lot of previous worries.

"On your wedding day, your dreams are finally coming true.
We are here today to celebrate the great love
that you have for each other,
and to recognize and witness the ability for you
to finally be able to journey forward in your lives together
as marriage partners.
As your hearts and lives are already united together in love,
so shall you finally be legally united in marriage
from this day forward."

Same-sex couples can finally and fully experience the words from the Benediction of the Apaches, "Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you."

____________

By Rev. Jan Carter
SimpliDone Weddings
Serving the Greater Seattle/Tacoma Area (all of King and Pierce Counties)
Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cell:  310.699.3048
Office:  206.915.1077
www.RevJanCarter.com
www.SimpliDone.com

June 26, 2013 - My parents' sixty-fourth wedding anniversary... and of course a big day as well for my partner Cindy and me.

I am someone who can say that I have been married three times, divorced once, legally considered single for 21 years except for those few days since 2008 when I was in California and now, after yesterday, considered married by the federal government and single by my home state.  Quite the complicated scenario!

Regardless of all that, the historic milestones that were achieved yesterday actually affected my partner Cindy and me, and on a personal level.  Usually, when another state offers marriage recognition, it is something we cheer for and of course we're grateful for in terms of our community and behalf of civil rights... but it affects us more on a professional level than on a personal one (given our work here at www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com).

But yesterday's Supreme Court ruling is different.  Today, for the full 24 hours and through into tomorrow, Cindy and I are in many respects again considered married.  We will have certain federal rights & responsibilities, as of this moment... and our daughter has certain guaranteed protections.  Perhaps we will be able to adopt again, and with more complete inclusion of both Cindy and I as the parents  -equally-  in the eyes of of the law.

More than that, it touches our hearts.  To be recognized by our federal government means something.  It is indeed a time to celebrate, to be grateful for those who have worked so hard on behalf of our community, and to look ahead to even brighter tomorrows.

And it is an achievement indeed, not just on behalf of the LGBT community, but on behalf of all individuals.  The fact that our definition of love is evolving points to a higher degree of acceptance and respectfulness in our society.  It is no longer common practice, at least in our nation, for fathers to sell their daughters into marriage, or for parents to arrange their children's unions, or for it to be unlawful for biracial couples to wed, or for women to be considered the property of their spouses.  Yesterday's decisions point to the fact that, as a culture, we are transforming our idea of what relationships ideally can be.

June 26th, 2013 - A wonderful day to celebrate, on many levels, and for the joy of many hearts.

Speech by Republican Maureen Walsh (WA State) about LGBT marriage equality.  This speech is one-year old but it is absolutely INSPIRING, especially as we head into finding out the results of Prop 8 from the Supreme Court sometime this month. 

With succinctness and clarity, she (a heterosexual mother of three) nails some of the most important reasons why marriage matters, why our minority should not be made to feel like second-class citizens, why this is in fact a civil rights issue.

Enjoy!  It's worth the few minutes to click the link!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbmbdWK6338

I did not see any of the back-stories for the film, so I won't comment much...  But I do think it's a great & promising barometer with regard to LGBT Equality that a long line of highly reputed actors seemed to be eager to take roles in this recent HBO production.  Of course, there were the fabulous headliners, Michael Douglas & Matt Damon, but did you also note Dan Aykroyd, Rob Lowe, Paul Reiser, Scott Bakula??

The experience of LGBT Americans, past & present, is becoming a subject that is more openly talked about, more sincerely recognized.  One day, this will lead to greater acceptance and, as a minority that finds itself less oppressed, the 'LGBT lifestyle' will likely evolve at least a little bit.  Some may question that kind of transformation; in my opinion it is a part of the natural progression.

Three years ago, my partner & I released a book called "My Dangerous Commute: Witnessing Gay Marriage Rights Across America."  We are soon going to re-release it; I am very proud of many of the insightful tidbits throughout.  Something about this particular short chapter seems an appropriate reminder these days, so I wanted to share...

___________________

Chapter 22: "Layers of Shame"

My favorite camera cost about $20 through mail order. It’s made entirely of plastic. It has to be taped together to keep from falling apart in my hand. But it takes fantastic photographs. As my professor used to say, ‘A camera is just a sealed box that controls the flow of light.’ Any tool, through which we view the world, is like that. Whether it is the concept of current politics or the framework of our spiritual beliefs, or societal standards… the lenses through which we consider our surroundings are just that: lenses; filters. Whether we realize it or not.

Many within the LGBT community see the world in such a way. They’ve come to believe it’s not quite okay to hold hands in public, or that deep-down we are in fact sinners, or that we ought to remain somewhat invisible to spare the mainstream. To some degree, we’ve successfully internalized the prejudice. Note to those opposed to the gay lifestyle: Mission Accomplished.

Minorities do this to themselves, as do others who have felt less-than, or victimized or disempowered. It’s natural. And it can be silently unrecognized for lifetimes, like a thin haze in front of the eyes, virtually unseen. It can skew the way we interpret our own experience; our own reality. It can be passed down, through generations. And the result can be utterly detrimental, obviously, concerning the ability to envision a clear and justifiable reason for the desire for equality, fairness and non-discrimination. It can hinder an entire group’s collective ability to believe in itself.

Legalizing same-sex marriage presents the opportunity to heal at such a remarkable level, well below the surface. Individually and culturally. There are indeed broad implications.

Oscar Winner Jeremy Irons poses the question, with regard to gay marriage, "Could not a father marry his son?"

This kind of thought process continues to be a form of criminalizing the LGBT minority.  It really will be refreshing when the issue of LGBT equality is not overshadowed by comments of incest, pedophilia & bestiality. True equality will come to pass when such connotations do not cross anyone's mind.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/jeremy-irons-on-gay-marri_n_3009495.html