Gay RI Couples Discuss Marriage Equality in New Video
Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) announced the debut of “Valuing All Families: Marriage Equality in Rhode Island”, a video featuring five Rhode Island same-sex couples talking about what marriage means to them.
The video is a new tool in the campaign to win marriage equality in the state, and will be distributed to Rhode Island legislators. It is posted on the MERI and GLAD websites, as well as on YouTube. It will be shown in house parties, at community events, and on local cable access television.
“These couples exemplify the best of marriage: love and commitment, in sickness and in health, for better and for worse,” said Kathy Kushnir, Executive Director of MERI. “After hearing their stories, you just can’t deny that they understand marriage, and deserve marriage equality.”
The five featured couples are:
Marianne Monte and Lisa Carcieri of Pawtucket: Lisa was born and raised in Rhode Island and Marianne went to Providence College. They are the parents of a 3-year-old son who keeps them on their toes. “Having marriage in Rhode Island elevates the level of understanding that we’re a couple forever,” says Marianne.
Raffaello LaMantia and J. Edward LaVelle of Providence have been together for almost 50 years. “I’m always there for him. I will never, ever leave his side. And that’s a commitment,” says Raffaello of “J”.
Paige and Sarah Clausius-Parks of Warwick met at Providence College, and see their parents’ long marriages as great examples. Says Sarah, who grew up in Rhode Island, “My parents were married for 40 years and they did everything together – it was the team. So I definitely have some good role models for being in a relationship and what that means.”
Judith Anderson and Marcia Blair of North Kingston met 25 years ago at the University of Rhode Island and ““it just gets better and better. I know that I can count on Judith for support whatever comes along.” says Marcia. “I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and Judith has stepped up in every way possible.”
David Becker and Rock Ripple of Providence are raising a teenaged daughter and “spend a whole lot of time bringing groceries into the house and feeding children,” says Rock. David adds, “She needs to feel that her parents are forever – and the confidence, the necessary confidence, that that brings to a 14-year-old.”
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Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.