These couples are leaving the knot untied until there’s marriage equality for all.
Charles Harper, 35, and Caroline Staerk, 33
“All people’s relationships deserve to be recognized,” says Harper (pictured, left, with partner, Staerk, right). He and Staerk met six years ago while working for a labor union, and they say they fell in love almost instantly.
But the duo has made a rare commitment—to hold off tying the knot until all Illinois couples can enjoy full marriage equality. Staerk made the decision 15 years ago, at age 18. Her half sister is a lesbian and many of her friends are gay, so she wanted to take a personal stand.
For Harper, getting married would be “a slap in the face to coworkers and friends who are gay.” When people they meet at bars and parties ask them when they’re getting married, Staerk and Harper use those conversations as opportunities to change minds about gay and lesbian marriage rights. They also see civil unions as a first step toward marriage equality, but will wait as long as it takes for all Illinois residents to be able to enjoy the privilege.
“When I made the commitment, I said ‘full marriage equality,’ and I think it’s important to stick with it,” Staerk says.
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Complete article at Time Out Chicago : http://bit.ly/maw3No
