My wife Cindy and I launched RainbowWeddingNetwork.com back in the year 2000; at that time just one state in the USA had begun the enactment of civil unions. It would be four more years before the Goodridge decision in Massachusetts provided full marriage rights in that state; 11 more after that before the passage of Obergefell. The dynamics with regard to LGBTQ+ marriage recogntion would ping-pong back and forth for years -decades, really- and it felt like a roller coaster ride. Election cycles brought pushback at the ballot box regarding equality for our community, as well as surges of death threats to our office.

Cindy and I, and our team at RWN, have witnessed and been immersed in the drama surrounding LGBTQ+ marriage rights, and believe that in many ways we have taken active roles through our work and services at RainbowWeddingNetwork.com to forward the cause.

This election cycle is not different, in many ways. We get more death threats at our office. We note the spike in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, proposed legislative motions and campaign assertions regarding the stripping away of rights. As in past years, we are certainly aware that other minorities and groups are being scapegoated as well.

And yet this election cycle is different, and we must all not only pay attention, but take ongoing and fervent action. The foundational tenets of our nation are being threatened in a way that is more pointed, more specific, more hotly verbalized, and in a multitude of ways. The rights of the LGBTQ+ community are at risk, but the cause for concern is much broader than that: the rights of all Americans are at stake.

I cannot state it better than historian Ken Burns. I encourage you to take a few moments to listen to his recent comments during his commencement speech at Brandeis University... and pass on the link.

"We are at an existential crossroads: the choice could not be clearer..."
And quoting Singer: Reminders about "the kinship of the soul..."
And did you know that in its Greek roots, the word 'enthusiasm' means "God in us...?"
"Denounce oppression everywhere."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n1OqPzIKH4

Exciting Equality Update - Great News for this year's Holiday Season!

No matter your faith or spiritual leaning, progress toward a broader vision of Equality is worth noting... and CELEBRATING.  We are so excited for our Catholic brothers and sisters, who now have greater freedom to marry at the altar of their choice, and we rejoice at the gifts this announcement brings for everyone around the world, within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Just 2 years ago, the Vatican proclaimed that God "cannot bless sin" in a decision about same-gender commitments. But this week, in an historic declaration, Pope Francis granted his formal approval allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples (though this is not a full endorsement of their marriage): This motion marks the church's most permissive decree yet on the issue!

https://www.npr.org/2023/12/18/1220077102/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex-couples

When SCOTUS overturned Roe v Wade, the LGBTQ+ community and our broad circle of allies became well aware that the overturn of Obergefell was likely. And if not the overturn, outright, then the undermining of its intended scope.

Now, as of the Fall of 2023, we are beginning to hear news about the bubbling of several lawsuits in the lower courts aimed at becoming the vehicle to do just that: reach SCOTUS and provide the means for the Supreme Court justices to lean in to a ruling that undermines national marriage equality for same-gender couples.

That is playing out in real time, in states like Texas... and all across America.

And of course, these are not the only headlines that are disturbing. Whether regarding LGBTQ+ rights, or an array of other important issues, scrolling through daily news features can be in itself an act of sincere courage: it's easy to lose heart when witnessing the seemingly endless barrage of efforts to stoke divisiveness, propel false claims for political gain, spew rhetoric, promote violence.

So... how can we, as average citizens, take real action?? In what ways can we truly empower ourselves?

*Remember how far LGBTQ+ equality has progressed: Recalling important milestones like the Goodridge Decision (Massachusetts, 2004) reminds us that the journey toward marriage equality, and broader rights for our community, is not an easy road... nor one unmarked by detours, fits and starts. It's natural for important issues to take time to come in to the realm of mainstream. Taking a moment to review the history and lean on those accomplishments can be uplifting: and staying enthused and motivated is vital to pursuing further traction.

*"Look for the Helpers..." Act on the wisdom of influencers like Mr. Rogers! ...It's truly empowering to witness others as they take action toward making the world a better place. Seek out helpers in all circles, from FreeMomHugs.org, to your local elected official who is standing up for LGBTQ+ rights. Notice who they are and what they do, and allow their energy to fuel your own.

*Reach out to Your Community - It's not a time for complacency. Dig deep and find ways to research online or even take time to visit in person with local LGBTQ+ community groups. Political advocacy organizations, local community centers, LGBTQ+ youth alliances, even social groups such as the local 'Drag Bingo Night' or Gay Men's Chorus need your support! Whether it's a monetary donation, a gift of your time (perhaps you can help out with social media posts or designing graphics), volunteering in person at an upcoming event, or participating yourself in group activities: they all make a difference!

*Research & Invest - At our ongoing tour of LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, we remind couples that there are many, many roles in progressing the issue of Equality. And one that they can easily take on is that of investing their wedding budget with vendors who actively support a policy of non-discrimination. By hiring exhibitors at our expos, they can rest assured they are supporting business professionals who support our community. Win-Win! This of course can be extrapolated: invest your money, beyond the wedding & honeymoon, with businesses you are sure are supportive of equality. Research phone companies, utiltity companies, clothing and merchandise vendors, restaurants, etc. The more cash we spend with businesses that actively promote non-discrimination, the further our efforts toward lasting Equal Rights for our minority... and others!

*Vote, Participate - Our rights are at stake in every election, whether local, state or federal. Not everyone can run for office, or attend each and every local planning, zoning or school board meeting... but all of that matters. Voting of course matters too. Even in elections that seem less than vital, do your best to research candidates thoroughly, as well as ballot initiatives and other issues, and vote with the mindset that you are in fact actively wielding the power of information and intention. Prior to election day, do your best also to have conversations with your neighbors, colleagues, friends and family about their plans for voting. Offer to carpool if necessary, or to help fill out the form necessary to secure an absentee ballot for someone in your circle who needs it.

*Out & Proud - Don't minimize the fact that just by living your life, and being who you are, you are making a difference in the world. As we tell our couples, planning the wedding of your dreams, in which you marry the love of your life... for LGBTQ+ partners this in and of itself is a moment of activism. It may not make front-page news, but it does help others' perceptions evolve, transform and grow toward a broader acceptance of diversity. Never underestimate that power you carry, simply by being who you are.

*Further Ways to Make Your Wedding Count - Read more from one of RWN's founders about ways to incorporate a sense of activism in your own Wedding Plans
https://www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com/wedding-trends/easy-ways-to-make-your-wedding-count

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In just 12 short months, our citizens will vote for our next president.  In the meantime, there is still much important work to be done.  THANK YOU for doing your part:  It matters.  And efforts both large and small WILL make an impact.

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Mike Johnson's anti-LGBTQ+ record speaks loud... and makes many voters further question the willingness of the conservative factions in America to barter rights and justice for political gain.  Consequences regarding the future of LGBTQ+ marriage rights are still in question.  As ever, we urge voters in the community, and allies, to continue to gather facts and stay informed... either as you look ahead to your choices at the ballot box, or with regard to your choices in terms of volunteering, serving or helping to inform others.

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/mike-johnson-house-speaker-lgbtq-views-scrutiny-rcna122317

Outsports calls the NHL's new directive "the most stifling, anti-LGBTQ policy any pro sports league in North America has ever issued."

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/nhl-orders-ban-theme-night-gear-pride-symbols-uniforms-rcna119699

The goings-on in DeSantis' Florida continue...

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/florida-school-district-orders-removal-books-gay-characters-slightly-b-rcna117809

Pentagon working to restore benefits to LGBTQ+ veterans forced out under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/pentagon-working-to-restore-benefits-to-lgbtq-veterans-forced-out-under-dont-ask-dont-tell

RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, National Tour of LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos, Sees Immediate Surge in RSVPS
Couples & LGBTQ+ friendly Wedding Professionals Motivated to Take Substantive Action in Response to Today’s SCOTUS Ruling

Vermont – Today's SCOTUS ruling marks a decision that many in the LGBTQ+ community have foreseen since Obergefell, but hoped would not come to pass.

“It’s not so much the fact that certain business professionals are now able to openly discriminate, protected by what has been very strongly worded as 'First Amendment' rights… it’s the precedent this sets.  To write discrimination into law is a dangerous thing, and the LGBTQ+ minority is wise to what kind of backlash such politics might create.  So they are continuing to find substantive ways to take action, and claim a place in this nation," says RainbowWeddingNetwork.com co-founder Marianne Puechl.

In September 2000, nearly a quarter of a century ago, Puechl and her partner Cindy Sproul founded an online wedding resource committed to the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a bridge between those couples and businesses that uphold a policy of non-discrimination.  Since that time, their company has continued to grow the services of their website and also has produced over 300 signature LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos in 37 states all across the United States.  Their event calendar for this year features 24 events.

"We've met hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people who are planning weddings, and we've met with an even higher number of small business professionals who are allies of the community, simply wishing to serve ALL couples with respectfulness and civility.  Treat all couples the same.  It has been heartening this past 23 years to see the enthusiasm of heterosexual allies with regard to this very important issue, and I believe rulings like the SCOTUS decision today will only serve to motivate these advocates to come forward with even more rigorous support."

Couples too are continuing to take action.  From RainbowWeddingNetwork.com's vantage point, the company's team can point to an uptick in RSVPs for all their LGBTQ+ Wedding Expos since the recent swell regarding anti-LGBTQ+ policies and proposed legislation, such as the 'Don't Say Gay' laws in Florida, attempts to ban drag performances, and unrelenting anti-trans rulings.  "The Respect for Marriage Act late last year was a positive and bipartisan moment," Puechl goes on to say, "but couples knew even then that it was simply a placeholder.  They are more committed than we've ever before seen this past quarter century to move ahead with their wedding plans and their married lives together, and to do it with pride and fearlessness.

"As a collective of LGBTQ+ individuals, and advocates of equality," Puechl continues, "we must use decisions like 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis to energize our resolve.  Our community’s rights for fair treatment under the law also matter:  I don't think there's any doubt anymore that it's our own responsibility to stand up for those rights and make sure they too are counted."

For Further Information:  Marianne Puechl or Cindy Sproul, co-founders

O: 828-672-6377
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.RainbowWeddingNetwork.com / www.SameLoveSameRights.com

DID YOU KNOW...??
Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance at New York City’s historic Stonewall Inn this past Monday to commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Harris’ appearance marked the first time that a sitting vice president visited the space, the site of the 1969 June uprising that is largely credited as a turning point in the modern gay rights movement.

READ FULL NBC Article...

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2023

Media Contact:

Brandon Wolf ; Press Secretary

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Equality Florida Issues Advisory Warning For Travel

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Today, Equality Florida took the extraordinary step of issuing a travel advisory, warning of the risks posed to the health, safety, and freedom of those considering short or long term travel, or relocation to the state. The move comes in response to a wave of safety inquiries Equality Florida has received following the passage of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety laws, foment racial prejudice, and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum. The full travel advisory can be found here.

“As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” said Nadine Smith, Equality Florida Executive Director. “While losing conferences, and top students who have written off Florida threatens lasting damage to our state, it is most heartbreaking to hear from parents who are selling their homes and moving because school censorship, book bans and health care restrictions have made their home state less safe for their children. We understand everyone must weigh the risks and decide what is best for their safety, but whether you stay away, leave or remain we ask that you join us in countering these relentless attacks. Help reimagine and build a Florida that is truly safe for and open to all, and where freedom is a reality, not a hollow campaign slogan.”

Governor Ron DeSantis, who has made the extremist policies the centerpiece of his presidential campaign strategy, has weaponized state agencies to silence critics and impose sanctions on large and small  companies that dissent with his culture war agenda or disagree with his attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Already, the adopted and proposed policies detailed in the travel advisory have led Florida parents to consider relocating, prospective students to cross Florida colleges and universities off their lists, events and conferences to cancel future gatherings, and the United States military to offer redeployment for service members whose families are now unsafe in the state. Businesses have spoken out against the governor’s abuse of state power to punish dissent, with Disney CEO Bob Iger calling DeSantis “anti-business and anti-Florida.” The worsening attacks, especially those targeting transgender youth, have also led to the proposal of policies around the country to provide refuge for those fleeing states like Florida. 

The Florida Immigrant Coalition, a statewide immigrant rights coalition of 65 member organizations and over 100 allies, also issued a travel advisory today, urging reconsideration of travel to Florida and providing critical information about where immigrant travelers can learn more about their constitutional rights. And just weeks ago, Florida chapters of the NAACP voted unanimously to request similar warnings to the Black community about the risk of traveling or relocating to the state.

Equality Florida's full travel advisory can be found here.

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Equality Florida is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Through education, grassroots organizing, coalition building, and lobbying, we are changing Florida so that no one suffers harassment or discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.