David Kilmnick is the CEO of the Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Services Network.
Dear Friend,
History has been made. Moments ago, the New York State Senate voted on and passed the Marriage Equality Act, and within a matter of weeks, New York will become the sixth and largest state where same-sex couples can get legally married!
The bill, to be signed by Governor Cuomo soon, will take effect 30 days after that, but after so many years of fighting for equality, this will truly be the “Summer of Love” for GLBT families throughout Long Island and New York State.
People gather to celebrate after the passage of the bill outside the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. (Credit: agreatbigcity via Flickr)
I want to personally thank each of you who called and emailed your elected officials, had conversations with your friends and families and helped us educate Long Islanders about the importance of marriage equality. None of this would have been possible without all of us speaking up and demanding our civil rights.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we are hosting a Celebration of Marriage Equality on Monday, June 27, at 6:30pm at The Center in Bay Shore.
What: Celebration of Marriage Equality
When: Monday, June 27, 6:30pm
Where: Long Island GLBT Community Center, 34 Park Ave, Bay Shore (Click here for directions)
Please help us spread the word about the celebration by RSVPing on Facebook and sharing the event with your friends and family. Click here to RSVP now on Facebook.
We will continue to keep you updated on the implementation of the bill, as well as important information same-sex couples need to know when planning to get married in New York. But for tonight, let’s all celebrate this tremendous and historic victory that brings equality to all New York’s families!
With Pride and Joy,
David Kilmnick, PhD, MSW Chief Executive Officer
Feature image courtesy of jilleatsapples via Flickr.
