This little symbol has been making quite the mark on social media over the last 24 hours. And honestly, I could not be more proud of all of the red that I was seeing on my Facebook. I will say that I didn't change my own photo to this symbol of equality for the sole reason that I couldn't figure out how to change it on my ipad. #isuck.
I was born and raised Catholic. Went to Catholic schools for 13 years. Wore the uniform, the whole shebang. Truth be told, I don't remember ever having the conversation in religion classes about marriage only being between a man and a woman. I'm sure it was discussed at some point, but I think that I don't remember because I was brought up to believe in accepting everyone for
WHO THEY ARE. Not WHO THEY LOVE.
Did I zone out during this part? Maybe. Probably. While I do identify myself as Catholic, I think that over the last few years, I've become more of an "a la carte" Catholic.I don't go to mass as often as I should. I don't go to Confession ever. But I do believe, support, and live the basic principles and foundation of the religion which is, simply,
LOVE.
Some of my dearest, oldest, and closest friends identify themselves as gay, and I can honestly say that when they told me, I didn't bat an eye. In fact, I'm pretty sure my response was something along the lines of,
"cool. Want to go get chips and salsa?"
With that, I now give you the top 5 reasons to support gay marriage:
5. Because Gay Marriage is Already a Reality!
Thousands of couples in New York have already gotten married. Coming from a former Event Planner, can you please, for one moment, appreciate the amount of revenue that would increase in the wedding industry!? Sweeping generalization aside, it truthfully would help that industry so much, which, in turn, supports the economy. Additionally, millions of couples in the United States are already living in committed, loving, monogamous relationships. I don't really understand the rationale behind letting them practice marriage in their home, but not "in the streets" so to speak. #dumb
4. Legalizing Gay Marriage Will Increase the Number of
Children Successfully Adopted!
It's pathetic and sad how many adoption agencies will only release children into adoptive homes with married couples. If gay marriage is legalized, adoption agencies will be forced to grant the same rights to gay couples, which will mean thousands more children will be brought up in stable homes with a positive example of what love is and what it means.
3. Because Obama says it's cool!
Say what you want about the man's politics. This is the leader of our country and
if Obama says it's cool, IT'S COOL.
2. Because THIS
If you've seen the musical La Cage Aux Folles (or the movie The Bird Cage), then you know that the story line revolves partially around a drag show. However, the major themes of this show/move are ACCEPTANCE, PRIDE, and LOVE. This song from the musical sums up all of those themes perfectly, and also provides so much relevance to some of our current events.
1. Because Sophia Petrillo Says It's Ok!
Sweet little Sophia's statement on marriage equality...absolutely perfect. Everything that I believe, put simply and wrapped up in a bow.
I was blessed to be able to stand up in front of the people I love most in this world and marry my best friend. It was absolutely the best day of my life and I want EVERYONE to be able to experience that.
Morgan Kaplan 
