Decades ago when the realization that I was Gay became an unavoidable truth. Certain social norms bred into my psyche seemed at the time to be just as unattainable. The first and most profound is the unlikelihood of having children. Although being Gay doesn't preclude ones ability to have children, it does add a certain challenge to the whole process. Plus my HIV status does seem to have put a nail in that coffin. The second and possibly just as profound would be the fact that I would never be able to marry the one I love. Unlike child bearing being Gay did Preclude me from marrying the one I love. Many would say that a marriage is just a piece of paper, some hetero-centric, establishment institution that we should reject. In some ways I agree. But on an individual level. I come from a family where my examples of marriage were of Life Long Commitment. Where you found the love of your life and you married for life. Marriage as the ultimate symbol of lifelong commitment was my norm. Also Marriage was a way to symbolically join your partner to your family and you to theirs. It was willingly turning two into one. BUT, all this is about to change. I an my Partner Joe will be going to Toronto, Canada to be wed at the end of October. Joe is the Love of my life and he brings me Joy I never thought I would have.. I will be by his in this life and forever. I take the decision to Marry as the Most Important in my Life. I Take the decision to ask Joe to Marry Me as my Easiest and His acceptance as the Happiest Moment of my Life.
