Ten queer couples celebrated the 10th anniversary of marriage equality with a vow renewal in Houston.
HOUSTON — Next week marks a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Over the weekend, 10 queer couples in Houston participated in a special celebration to honor the occasion.
Inside the Montrose Center, a hub for the LGBTQ community in Houston, the atmosphere was filled with love and music. Ten couples walked down the aisle, symbolizing 10 years of marriage equality in the United States and shared their vows for the first time.
Newly married couple Chris Creamer and Mason Sandefur expressed their joy.
“I’m feeling incredible. This was such a beautiful, gorgeous ceremony, and I got to see all my favorite people,” said Creamer.
Sandefur added, “I think it was really incredible for us because we were not even out of high school yet when this passed.”
Paula Chambers Raney and Lara Chambers Raney celebrated nearly 40 years together by renewing their vows.
Paula, who overcame cancer, credited the Supreme Court decision for her ability to access Lara’s insurance.
“I’m alive today because of that, because I’m legally married to my wife,” she said.
Lara emphasized the importance of visibility and recognition for their love, stating, “We are important and that we matter and that our love is important, and we want to be seen, and we want to be heard.”
The celebration coincides with a new poll indicating that more than half of Americans are concerned that the landmark same-sex marriage ruling could be overturned. However, the couples at the event remain determined to fight for their rights.
“The thing I would say is to remind each other that we’ve always had to fight for our rights, and no matter what may come, we’ll keep fighting,” Avery Belyeu, CEO of the Montrose Center, said.