Get Married for Equality

The Marriage of Mark & Robert Buchanan

Mark's Story:  Bob and I were married in Canada on May 8, 2008. We wanted to do this as a celebration of the ten years we had been together. We had a religious ceremony in 2000, but in the eyes of our co-workers and family it wasn’t the same as married. Our civil ceremony was held in a picturesque Bed and Breakfast in Vancouver, British Columbia. One of the witnesses was an 82-year-old woman who was visiting the guesthouse. She cried during the exchange of vows. Afterwards, she told us that the ceremony was beautiful and reminded her of her own vows with her late husband many years ago.

When we returned to North Carolina, I decided to change my last name to match Bob’s. Had we remained in Canada, that right would have been automatic. In North Carolina, I had to petition the court and have two people sign affidavits to my character and wait for my name to be changed. This was only the beginning of the documents we signed to try to protect each other legally in case of death or accident. All this would be unnecessary if there was marriage equality in the United States.

We support the work of Equality North Carolina and encourage others to do the same. We give through the State Employees Combined Campaign. Marriage isn’t for every same-sex couple, but if it is the right thing for you and your partner to do, each marriage takes us one step closer to equality

Click here to make a donation in their honor.

The Union of Michelle & Julia

While there are many rights and privileges that we are currently unable to share with our heterosexual married counterparts in this wonderful nation, our hope is that someday our family will be awarded the same rights and privileges that our parents' families have held.

While your "presence" is the greatest gift you can share with us, we also recognize that some may desire sharing "presents" with us, too.

Click here to make a donation in their honor.