The Big Day

From NPR:

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom officiated one of the first same-sex weddings Monday night. Two elderly lesbians — icons of the gay-rights movement — held a private ceremony at City Hall.

Phyllis Lyon, 83, and Del Martin, 87, became a couple more than half a century ago and went on to start the first national group for lesbians. After marrying in a small ceremony in Newsom's office, the elderly women emerged to an adoring crowd.

Newsom said presiding over the wedding ceremony was a great privilege.

"I think today marriage as an institution has been strengthened," he said. "I think today marriage has been affirmed."

I love this story. Any couple that puts in fifty years not only deserves the right to marry, but also our respect and a damn medal for being able hang together for that long. I had never heard of either Phyllis Lyon or Del Martin before today but I am as happy for them as if they were family. And props to Gavin Newsom for seeing gay marriage as a civil rights issue and one that he would fight for.