Yesterday I attended the civil partnership of some lovely friends in Bristol. I’ve never been to such an event before (well, until a couple of years ago none of us could!) and it got me thinking…
I have a few friends who are gay women, most of whom are in loving, long term relationships. What gay women seem to enjoy is compassion and sensitivity – care, tenderness and thoughtfulness for one another that is less evident in straight relationships. Not that I am saying that straight, and gay male, relationships can’t be sensitive and tender, but it seems less likely to be the case. I was moved by the expressions of love, friendship and support, not only between the couple, but to all their friends who were present. And of course, a raucous good time was had by all, appropriately and joyfully lowering the tone of the classy venue!!!
Despite all of the emotion expressed, and the touching personal vows exchanged, the legal bits of the ceremony seemed to me to be, well, legal – and impersonal. Civil weddings often are, but not to be able to use the word ‘wedding’ and having to replace it with the words ‘register a civil partnership’ just seems a bit mean. That said, as one of the ‘brides’ pointed out, to massive applause from the ‘congregation’, the very fact that we were there celebrating is a triumph for equality and human rights. And my congratulations to the happy couple are huge and heartfelt!
Narbled Gonsense 