The series of events that took place last week in observance of National Freedom to Marry week could benefit gay men and lesbians who are depressed because of last year’s approval of Proposition 2, a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages, said a counseling center official.

Organizers with the Foundation for Family & Marriage Equality Inc. sponsored the weeklong series of events. It included parties, picnics, seminars, a demonstration in which six same-sex couples tried to apply for marriage licenses, and a mass same-sex wedding ceremony.

Chris Kerr, LIFE program coordinator with the Montrose Counseling Center, said normally those who are dealing with issues concerning their sexual orientation wouldn’t participate in such events but seeing others fight for equality could help them coup with feelings of rejection. The LIFE program coordinates all of the center’s psychotherapy services.

"They’re not at that level," he said. "In general, I hope that those kind of measures give some hope that people are not ready to give up."

Kerr said he has not seen an influx of patients at the counseling center who are going through depression as a result of the ban.

"I do process most of the intakes for the center," Kerr said. "I don’t remember seeing any that say specifically I’m here because of Proposition 2."

However, Kerr said it’s not unusual that the mental health of some gay men and lesbians could be affected by the ban. Kerr considers it a personal attack when he hears of discrimination against gays, and understands why it would make some gay men and lesbians depressed.

"It’s possible," he said. "Every time I read something I can feel myself shrinking down one more inch."

But Kerr said last week’s celebrations could offer hope.

"I believe those things can help," Kerr said. "That can have a little bit of positive encouragement."

Several couples participated in more than one event last week, showing up at the demonstration at the Harris County clerk’s office and wedding. They believe the state’s ban is discrimination.

"It’s sad," said Darrin Brindle. "I feel like marriage is a fundamental right and we’re being discriminated against."

Brindle has been in a same-sex relationship with Mark Eggleston for seven years. He said they will continue to ask for a marriage license until same-sex marriage is legal in Texas.

"Our relationship is no different then theirs," Eggleston said.

After spending time outside county offices holding signs that read "Honor Gay Marriage," "My Kids Deserve Equal Rights Too" and "Civil Marriage is a Civil Right," the couples and gay-marriage supporters lined up and entered the building.

All of the couples said they want the same rights and protections that are guaranteed to straight couples. They said the law jeopardizes gay couples’ rights to secure their relationship through documents such as wills, powers of attorney and second-parent adoptions.

"It’s hurtful," said Michelle Dean, who arrived with Kelly Gilbert, her lesbian partner of 10 years.

Last week’s protest was the fourth time the couple tried to apply for a marriage license. They also said they won’t give up the fight until gay marriage is legal in Texas.

"We’ll come down every year until the (Texas) Constitution no longer can be changed through prejudice and bigotry," Gilbert said.

Christopher and Jonathan Wellington, who changed their last names to show their commitment to each other, have been together for 28 years. Last week was the second time they’ve participated in the demonstration. They said they wanted to take a stand, just as others have done throughout history when challenging laws such as racial discrimination.

"Well, why didn’t Rosa Parks give up her seat on the bus?" Christopher Wellington responded when asked why he participated in the demonstration. "It puts a face on this issue. It shows that we are real people who love each other."

Christopher and Jonathan Wellington are pastors at Community Gospel Church, where 15 same-sex couples exchanged marriage vows Feb. 18 to be "partners in life." Some of the couples have been together for almost 28 years. They’re children and other family members attended the ceremony.

"Although the state of Texas does not recognize marriage between same-sex couples, this in no way diminishes the unions we celebrate today," said Rev. Matt Tittle with Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church. "In fact, it strengthens the love you have for one another.

Tittle told the couples that their love has to be stronger in order to face discrimination.

"In our society, the romantic bond of love between two women or between two men is usually received with misunderstanding, fear and constant discrimination," said. "Love in the face of such obstacles is tested unlike that of most couples."

Jessie Moore and Jessica Randel, a lesbian couple who have been together for two years, attended the wedding ceremony and exchanged vows. They both believe they’ve met their soul mate, and are angry about the ban.

"It infuriates me," Moore said. "It’s legal in my heart and no matter what the state says, that’s all that matters."

In Austin, officials with Waterloo Counseling Center said they’ve seen an increase in the number of gay and lesbian patients dealing with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They said the patients believe they are disenfranchised and discard because of the ban.

Last November, more than 76 percent of Texas voters approved the same-sex marriage ban. Statewide voter turnout reached 17.81 percent, the highest since Gov. Rick Perry’s tort reform measure.

© Copyright 2006 Window Media LLC | User Agreement and Privacy Policy

Southern Voice | Express Gay News | David Atlanta | The 411 Mag | Genre Magazine