Reading the news has been rough this week. Here's some good news.

July 24, 2011 12:33 PM

Early this morning, the law that legalized Same-Sex Marriage in New York State went into effect, with many couples choosing to tie the knot at the stroke of midnight. In New York City, the city clerk will be working overtime to process marriage licenses for the 823 same-sex couples expected to wed there today, having adding extra capacity to ensure that all couples who signed up in advance would not be turned away. LGBT weddings are expected to bring an additional $155 million in tourism revenues into the state over the next 12 months, and governor Andrew Cuomo's approval ratings are currently the highest of any US state governor following the passage of the bill.
posted by schmod (149 comments total)

This is a wonderful thing, and so refreshing to hear about.
posted by Fister Roboto at 12:39 PM on July 24, 2011 [10 favorites]

Hey, I didn't realize today was the big day. Where I live, the law changed what seems like ages now. I should think most kids coming of adult age have always assumed anyone can get married to anyone.

Well, congratulations to a State with a population about the size of my Nation, on a step in the right direction!

Whoo-hoo! Happy people in love! It's the greatest thing ever! Congratulations!
posted by five fresh fish at 12:46 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Touchscreen typing renders me nearly incoherent. Sorry.
posted by five fresh fish at 12:48 PM on July 24, 2011

Manhattan's first legally married gay couple. They've been together 23 years.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 12:51 PM on July 24, 2011 [41 favorites]

Nice bit of good news! Love the old couple, Bless them
posted by mermayd at 12:54 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hey, the sky hasn't fallen, nor has my own hetersexual marriage been threatened. It's a miracle!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:55 PM on July 24, 2011 [5 favorites]

It's a beautiful day. Best wishes to The Whelk and all other couples who are and will soon be getting married.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:00 PM on July 24, 2011 [6 favorites]

I didn't know what to expect, but I should have known New York's Ankh-Morpkian side would come out, News crews (I bumped into Wriggle from the Daily Show!) photo booths free flags and brides brides brides! Water being handed out by reps of gay honeymoon and travel companies with only 2 crazy sidewalk preachers and lots of sign-holding and smiles and rainbows.

Every shade of lavender that could exist, did exist. It was like an Easter Parade. Lots of kids and whole families too.

First thought "Wow there are some good looking men here."

Second thought "You are a bad person and will go to hell forever."

INSANELY helpful and efficient staff and volunteers. The whole thing look an hour despite the line curling around the building. We slightly flummoxed the judge by not having rings When you left there was a squad of Cheerers to throw confetti and clap and a street performer playing Pacobel's canon and it was just ....really nice.

Also
posted by The Whelk at 1:01 PM on July 24, 2011 [236 favorites]

(also wouldn't the marriage license line be like the worst place to run into an ex?)
posted by The Whelk at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2011 [8 favorites]

Hey, the sky hasn't fallen, nor has my own hetersexual marriage been threatened. It's a miracle!

Well, my wife and I quibbled over who should pick up the Sunday Times this morning. I blame the gays, of course. And the liberal media.

Congratulations, New York!
posted by joe lisboa at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2011

FAVORITE ADDED!!!!
posted by louche mustachio at 1:02 PM on July 24, 2011

I remeber joking to a freind that formal wear sales were gonna go throthru the roof. But with this heatwave, I'm sure many have said 'screw the damn tuxedos, it's too fucking hot."
posted by jonmc at 1:03 PM on July 24, 2011

(also wouldn't the marriage license line be like the worst place to run into an ex?)

nah, that'd be the STD clinic
posted by mannequito at 1:06 PM on July 24, 2011 [4 favorites]

Congrats, The Whelk!

I loved this story today about the two little twins that were acting as volunteer flower girls for anyone who wanted them to.

I'm sure I'm not alone in needing some good news to counteract all the bad out of Norway, so this really makes me happy. Way to go, New York!
posted by gemmy at 1:06 PM on July 24, 2011 [22 favorites]

(also wouldn't the marriage license line be like the worst place to run into an ex?)

No. It would be the worst place to run into two of your exes.
posted by schmod at 1:07 PM on July 24, 2011 [16 favorites]

A friend, a rabbi, is officiating weddings at the Brooklyn Borough Hall today. If you're Jewish and getting hitched, go see her, she's cool.

And congratulations to everyone! Just what the world needs - MOAR LOVE! with apologies to the Dixie Chicks for mangling their lovely song
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 1:07 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Here in Syracuse, City Hall opened to issue marriage licenses on Sunday. My wife and I went joined others there in applauding those getting licenses. There was a single, creepy protester outside who videotaped those coming out of the building but folks seemed to handle that okay. It was a wonderful experience.
posted by maurice at 1:08 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Congratulations, The Whelk!

It's about time we had some good news around here!
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 1:11 PM on July 24, 2011

Congrats, The Whelk, and all others.

As a sort of New Yorker by proxy this makes me so proud. It also makes me horribly ashamed of my state that we haven't done this yet.
posted by strixus at 1:11 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations, The Whelk!
posted by thomas j wise at 1:13 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

(oh and I was trying to fob the whole thing off as a legal loophole but my hands were shaking pretty hard during the "write your name in the box" part.)
posted by The Whelk at 1:13 PM on July 24, 2011 [22 favorites]

Congratulations, everyone!
posted by rtha at 1:17 PM on July 24, 2011

(also wouldn't the marriage license line be like the worst place to run into an ex?)

No. It would be the worst place to run into two of your exes.

Let's see... you're there in the marriage license line because... you have someone you love and you're getting married? And your ex, or your two exes, are also in line because they've found people they love (maybe each other?) and are getting married?

Sounds like a rather celebratory place to run into anyone with whom you've been involved and it didn't work out. Knowing that after time passes, it eventually DOES work out? That's the best news of all for all concerned.

Also... The Whelk got married? Wow. Good on him. I guess I'll have to stop flirting with him in MeMail now.
posted by hippybear at 1:22 PM on July 24, 2011 [5 favorites]

Awww, volunteer flower girls! This is so awesome! Congrats!
posted by bitter-girl.com at 1:23 PM on July 24, 2011

This post makes me so happy, I've got tears. Congrats, The Whelk.

I'm in Phoenix; when they say "when Hell freeze over...", they mean Arizona.
posted by _paegan_ at 1:29 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

whatya mean stop?

(Two of exes got married on Iowa actually, and they met independent of me. Small world)
posted by The Whelk at 1:31 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Whelk! Happy wedding day!
posted by mintcake! at 1:32 PM on July 24, 2011

This pictures really make me happy. More than I expected.

I love the 4 year old flower girls. That picture got me all teary eyed, and I remembered something I don't think a lot about.

When I was 5 years old I went to the first wedding I can remember. My aunt Lourdes was marrying her boyfriend of 2 years. Like any 5 year old, I asked many questions, and they got the standard answers: Lourdes loves Hector very much, and this wedding is to tell their families, friends, the government, and God that they want to be together for the rest of their life and start a family. We are here to celebrate that.

Then I asked why my aunt Nelida hadn't married her girlfriend first, since they had been living together for 15 years, which is longer than forever, and I had seen them kissing. I got in trouble that day, as did Nelly, who had to explain to me that she and Amelia were not girlfriends, that they lived together because Nelly got very sick at night and Amelia was a nurse. And it was not a kiss what I saw, it was Amelia checking Nelly's temperature on her lips. I was very confused for a long time, and now I cringe when I think about what me and my family made my aunt go through that day.

Nelly died many years ago, she did not get to see gay marriage legalized in Mexico City. She went through a lot of trouble at the end, spending a lot of her money on lawyers to fight my uncles' lawyers just to make sure that Amelia could keep the house, land and corner shop after Nelly herself died.

They stayed together longer than 3 out of 5 straight marriages in my extended family, and after Nelly's death Amelia still nursed a few of my relatives on their deathbeds. When my grandmother died, we were all paralyzed in the room, hoping for her to take one more breath and come back to life. Amelia was the one that wiped the sweaty hair of my grandmothers forehead, closed her eyes and crossed her hands over her chest. None of my uncles thanked her.

I am so happy for all the people today.
posted by Ayn Rand and God at 1:32 PM on July 24, 2011 [79 favorites]

(and yeah, congrats Whelkmeister.)
posted by jonmc at 1:32 PM on July 24, 2011

And congrats the Whelk!
posted by Ayn Rand and God at 1:33 PM on July 24, 2011

Look at these couples, all happy and in love. its enough to make you sick, bah humbug!

And you definitely don't want to go read all the amazing personal stories over at the new york times city blog - why can't these gay people just be miserable like the rest of us?
posted by Another Fine Product From The Nonsense Factory at 1:37 PM on July 24, 2011 [6 favorites]

This is a fantastic day! Pictures of newlyweds keep rolling off twitter and every one gives me a happy. And congratulations to The Whelk!

I won't harp on this, but if there is anyone of influence out there, please try to keep up the momentum on behalf of trans people in New York, who are still in need of employment and housing protections.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 1:37 PM on July 24, 2011 [10 favorites]

Yep, this sounds like Andy. (He's a good friend of mine and my husband's from college.)
posted by Asparagirl at 1:37 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

why can't these gay people just be miserable like the rest of us?

Because they're fabulous and you're not?
posted by hippybear at 1:39 PM on July 24, 2011 [5 favorites]

Wow! Wonderful news. Congratulations Whelk !!!!!!
posted by marsha56 at 1:40 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations, Whelk!!

I loved this story today about the two little twins that were acting as volunteer flower girls for anyone who wanted them to.

I've offered repeatedly to be a flowerswan for anyone's wedding and no one has taken me up on it yet. What is it, people? Is the orange swan costume too much? Would the orange rose petals I'd insist on scattering before you and your beloved make too much of a mess? Or is just because I'm not five-years-old, cute and a twin? Come on, I can take it [sulks].
posted by orange swan at 1:49 PM on July 24, 2011 [3 favorites]

I wasn't expecting it to affect me that much, but goddamn if it doesn't bring tears to my eyes to hear such good news for once. Congratulations to The Whelk and all of the newlyweds!
posted by Zalzidrax at 1:50 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Mazel Tov, Whelk!
posted by Asparagirl at 1:52 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Congrats to The Whelk!
posted by kenko at 1:53 PM on July 24, 2011

Someone on my Facebook Friends list linked to this picture of the very first couple to be married under the new law. There is such triumph and joy on their faces, and in their body language that it brings a lump to my throat... but happy as I am for them I am equally deeply sorry that they had to wait so long.
posted by orange swan at 2:02 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Congrats Whelk! And congrats to all the newly wed or soon-to-be newly wed couples!

Yay! Go New York!
posted by MuChao at 2:05 PM on July 24, 2011

In Niagara Falls, the water was specially lit for the occasion.
posted by lalex at 2:08 PM on July 24, 2011 [5 favorites]

But .... but ... The Whelk .... what about your Metafilter spouses?

We haven't even consummated our fake online sham marriage!
posted by Avenger at 2:09 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

We haven't even consummated our fake online sham marriage!

That will just make it easier to be annulled.
posted by kenko at 2:16 PM on July 24, 2011

In Niagara Falls, the water was specially lit for the occasion.

A nice thought, but I'm pretty sure it's lit up like that every night.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:17 PM on July 24, 2011

The people of NY were ready and it makes great economic sense to boot. I bet marijuana legalization comes next...
posted by Renoroc at 2:24 PM on July 24, 2011

I'm not really an emotional person but every time I see or read anything about this, I cry. What an awesome time to be alive.
posted by something something at 2:34 PM on July 24, 2011 [4 favorites]

Fantastic! So nice to have something to celebrate today, to trade some joyful tears for the sorrowful ones. Congrats to the Whelk and to all of New York!!
posted by scody at 2:42 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations to The Whelk and all of the happy couples! May each of you have many more wonderful years together!
posted by wiskunde at 2:46 PM on July 24, 2011

Congrads to all those getting married.

Too bad Cuomo is taking credit for this to distract from his move to allow potentially hazardous fracking for natural gas.
posted by melissam at 2:47 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay, some much needed good news indeed! The flower girls and all the couples' pix made me cry. Mazel Tov, Whelk et al.!!
posted by Maias at 3:03 PM on July 24, 2011

About damned time.
posted by MrMoonPie at 3:05 PM on July 24, 2011

Oh, and congratulations, The Whelk!
posted by MrMoonPie at 3:10 PM on July 24, 2011

A nice thought, but I'm pretty sure it's lit up like that every night.

I heard on NPR yesterday that they had changed the lighting to commemorate the start of equal marriage in NY.
posted by nevercalm at 3:11 PM on July 24, 2011

It's totally homo-riffic, and I'm ashamed and pissed that it's not legal in my state.
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:20 PM on July 24, 2011

Mazel Tov to everyone!

Whelk, where's a picture of you with your groom?
posted by brujita at 3:23 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

I can't think of anything clever to say so I'll just grin and possibly dance a little.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 3:24 PM on July 24, 2011

(Spouse A is now saying I just married him for his gadget connections)
posted by The Whelk at 3:29 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

The Whelk made me cry. Congrats to all the newly married!

*Taps foot, looks at California, waits*
posted by Space Kitty at 3:29 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

The title of this post is very apt. It's nice to hear some international news that isn't sad for once.

Congratulations, The Whelk!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 3:31 PM on July 24, 2011

Next round at Li Po's on me, The Whelk!
posted by Doublewhiskeycokenoice at 4:02 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations The Whelk and Spouse Of The Whelk! Live happily ever after! I only wish you could have done this before now (if you'd wanted to), and that there weren't still bigoted fools trying to tell you you shouldn't be able to.

I am SO happy things are finally getting right, it's about damned time!
posted by biscotti at 4:16 PM on July 24, 2011

I am so happy for all of you. And I am proud of you, New York.
posted by fake at 4:18 PM on July 24, 2011

Congrats, The Whelk! I am very happy for you! And for everyone else!

Wheeeee! Good news!
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:22 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations The Whelk and Spouse Of The Whelk!

Are there, or will there be children, that we can call 'The Whelklets'?
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 4:23 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Wonderful news (and great images).

Congratulations, The Whelk!
posted by sueinnyc at 4:24 PM on July 24, 2011

So happy for you, my internet spouse. This is awesome. I kinda choked up this AM when I saw the photo of the first couple in Manhattan to get married -- they'd waited so long.
posted by Devils Rancher at 4:27 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Are there, or will there be children, that we can call 'The Whelklets'?

El Whelkito. La Whelkissima. Das Whelklein.

I have nicknames ready for all of them.
posted by hippybear at 4:29 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Unless The Whelk uses El Whelkito as his nickname for his penis. In which case, I won't use that for one of his kids, too.
posted by hippybear at 4:30 PM on July 24, 2011

Congrats to The Whelk and Mr. Whelk!

(I vote for The Whelklings.....)
posted by easily confused at 4:34 PM on July 24, 2011

Mazel tov, The Whelk and The Whelk's Ol' Ball and Chain!

I'm not really an emotional person but every time I see or read anything about this, I cry.

Tell me about it. All those pics have me weeping with vicarious joy, and I don't even believe in legal marriage. But today I feel like gay marrying you all!
posted by FelliniBlank at 4:35 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

A nice thought, but I'm pretty sure it's lit up like that every night.

Not in a rainbow pattern, they don't. They are lit up one color, then fades to the next.

Congratulations to all couples, especially The Whelks, on being able to marry today. I'm all teary eyed here.
posted by SuzySmith at 4:48 PM on July 24, 2011

The Whelk, you are too cute/handsome for words! Big hugs to you and everyone else who can now be legally recognized as loving couples...and keepers!
posted by snsranch at 4:54 PM on July 24, 2011

[insert ululation here]

Mazel tov / congrats / felicidades / etc. to all the wedded queer folks! Don't forget the rest of us non-pair-bonded queers…
posted by LMGM at 4:55 PM on July 24, 2011

So glad for all of you who can now do what my fiance and I are going to do here in nyc in three weeks. Congrats!

So glad for us that we booked our venue and caterers before the coming deluge of happy couples, and pity the poor hetereosexual couples who now have more competition for this wonderful city ;-)
posted by slapshot57 at 4:55 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations to Mr. and Mr. Whelk! Long may you swive.

...Although this law puts me in a bit of a spot, since my answer to nosey enquiries about my own marital status has always been "I'm not getting married until my brother can." Now he can, in both his hometown and his state of residence. I guess that means I have to get married? Any takers?
posted by Pallas Athena at 4:58 PM on July 24, 2011 [9 favorites]

Congratulations to The Whelk and Mr. The Whelk! Husbands and Husbands! Everybody play ping pong!
posted by KathrynT at 5:01 PM on July 24, 2011 [12 favorites]

OK, show of hands -- how many of you just MeFi spoused Pallas Athena?
posted by FelliniBlank at 5:03 PM on July 24, 2011

Oh, so spoused. I'm such a sap -- or it's the onions, or something, but damn I love a wedding. Love is such a powerful thing.

Aside: Back when SF was first doing same-sex marriages at the courthouse, there was a fantastic blog somewhere with many wonderful photos of happy couples on the courthouse steps. I thought I had it bookmarked, but can't turn it up any more. Does anyone recall this?
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:14 PM on July 24, 2011

Are there, or will there be children, that we can call 'The Whelklets'?

El Whelkito. La Whelkissima. Das Whelklein.

I have nicknames ready for all of them.

Let's just keep it simple, and call the whole family "The Whelkosity"
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:27 PM on July 24, 2011

If you're a total sentimental sap like me, you'll love this slideshow video thing my friend Chris put together. Watching it might cause dust to fly into your eyes.
posted by rtha at 5:27 PM on July 24, 2011 [8 favorites]

My SO and I are New York residents and while we're happy to be able to get married here, we'd like to be able to drive a few miles west and still be recognized as a legally married couple.

So hooray for New York! (And a serious hooray at that.)

But we're nowhere near equal yet.
posted by yellowcandy at 5:51 PM on July 24, 2011

Let's just keep it simple, and call the whole family "The Whelkosity"

What is the collective noun? A flutter of Whelks?
posted by hippybear at 5:54 PM on July 24, 2011

Oh, no, wait. I remember now. The collective noun is "a lawrence".
posted by hippybear at 6:00 PM on July 24, 2011 [24 favorites]

My aunts* got married today! My mother rang to ask if my folks could come throw rice but were told no - that they were eloping and would do a big celebration party in March. Which is too fucking right because in March, they will have been together 20 years. 20 years is a long fucking time to wait.

Congrats The Whelk and Mr The Whelk!

*Not really, more my sister's godmothers, but you know how messy and un-orderly we are in our BIG FAMILY OF GAYS.
posted by DarlingBri at 6:06 PM on July 24, 2011 [7 favorites]

So freaking awesome on every level imaginable! I've always loved being a New Yorker -- now more than ever.

And to The Whelk I say, mazel tov and huzzah! That smile on your sweet face speaks volumes. Which is the whole point, innit?
posted by flyingsquirrel at 6:29 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Are there, or will there be children, that we can call 'The Whelklets'?

Whelkwhelps.
posted by kirkaracha at 6:31 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Six down, forty four to go!

Congrats to all the people in New York who can get married, and to all the people who traveled there to get married. Good news is in short supply, and this is unadulterated good news.
posted by sotonohito at 6:36 PM on July 24, 2011

FUCKYEAHGAYMARRIAGE!
posted by jeoc at 6:42 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

I can feel it! I can feel a threat to my marriage!

No, wait, that's just gas.

Of course, the gas could be a threat to my marriage.

(Mazel tov, Messrs. The Whelk!)
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:44 PM on July 24, 2011 [5 favorites]

I'm all weepy and smiling at all the pictures, too (especially the couples in matching or complimentary outfits) and I don't have any wit or wisdom to add, but I did want to say this makes me happy. I hope the rest of the country sees this and smiles--melt the heartland of America, New York.
posted by byanyothername at 6:44 PM on July 24, 2011

melt the heartland of America, New York.

Since none of those Iowa gay marriages have had any effect at all...
posted by hippybear at 6:48 PM on July 24, 2011

(And gentle, genuine congrats to The Whelk and his husband!)




(Typing the last part of that made me smile.)
posted by byanyothername at 6:48 PM on July 24, 2011

Since none of those Iowa gay marriages have had any effect at all...

I'll sacrifice anything for a good pun. But really, six out of fifty is pretty terrible.
posted by byanyothername at 6:50 PM on July 24, 2011

Gah! I meant bad pun. I'll sacrifice anything for a bad pun.
posted by byanyothername at 6:50 PM on July 24, 2011

There is no such thing as a bad pun. There are only unappreciative audiences.
posted by hippybear at 6:58 PM on July 24, 2011 [6 favorites]

The Whelk,

Felicitations, Mazel tov, Omedito gozaimasu!

New York,

Better late than never!
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 7:01 PM on July 24, 2011

I don't feel so much elated as relieved, as in, "this is the way things should have been a long, long time ago." Better late than never.

Mazel tov Whelk, Mr. W., and all other happy summer couples!

Congratulations and much throwing of imaginary (and therefore eco-friendly) sparkly holographic rice!!!
posted by kinnakeet at 7:19 PM on July 24, 2011

Congratulations to everyone who got married today. I hope the Whelks have many years of happiness and joy together. I vote for Whelklets.
posted by arcticseal at 7:42 PM on July 24, 2011

Congrats to The Whelk and hubby and all other NewYorkers :)

MD's next round in the gay marriage fight will be modeled on NY's successful bill.
Here's hoping it works for us, we came painfully close this year. :/

And to echo AoK, here's to people waking up and realizing we need to treat people equally and ensure rights and protections for TGs in the community.
posted by Librarygeek at 7:42 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Well, it was quite a day, understandably, being a part of history. In this fantastic day, I have little to complain about, except ... When the female judge said I had to obey, I really did have to disrupt said history, and though my thought was, "just say yes". --- could not do it. A lady judge! What was she thinking? Happpily, she took the point and remeniced about her own wedding, and the then "obey" clause. How she did actually just say yes and not mean it. All is well that ends well, and this is one content household tonight. Oh, not the mariage --- I fixed the A/C in our bedroom. We wil "sleep well" tonight! Many reasons........
posted by Great Swell at 8:04 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

We're the Swell-Whelks.
posted by The Whelk at 8:06 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Or is that the past tense... swollen? *ducking*
posted by hippybear at 8:18 PM on July 24, 2011

Yay! (If you click on the pictures, there's audio from each couple.)

Congratulations to everyone. For fucking serious.
posted by eunoia at 8:24 PM on July 24, 2011 [1 favorite]

Congratulations to all the happy couples (Whelkoid and otherwise) in New York today!

May your marriages be happy, peaceful and beautiful -- together.
posted by pointless_incessant_barking at 8:26 PM on July 24, 2011

The midia, as usual, did not convey the atmoshere in the clerk's office. It was palpable -- nervousness, low blood sugar, tiredness, heat weary, but not at all the least, with utter joy. Screams of excitement with every exit from a judge's chamber (inside the building, what you wpnt see). Shouting gallery at the exit. Amazing. And I shall admit that I entered us into the lottery almost as a joke. Who knew that someimes the good guys win. We did!
posted by Great Swell at 9:03 PM on July 24, 2011 [10 favorites]

What was breathtaking was/were the orange capped volunteers. They would bring you water, direct you to a bathroom, be your wirness, just anything. We got it. I thanked them. Each and every one. An hour. My previous marriage ceremony lastesd 12 minutes .... After 6 months of preparation ! I may send flowers to our witness What is the quote ....... "a triumph of hope over expeience". .... well I think not. It is a victory of expience AND hope, just that a much better hope/actuality is generated from the experience, Thanks to everyonel
posted by Great Swell at 10:52 PM on July 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Awesome. I am so happy for The Whelk, Great Swell, and all the other couples who were joined in matrimony.

And the pictures are great! I so enjoy seeing people in love.
posted by and miles to go before I sleep at 11:13 PM on July 24, 2011

Happy Whelking day, New York!
posted by DreamerFi at 11:22 PM on July 24, 2011

Once upon a time, there was a native New Yorker named James, from Brooklyn. He loved me, very much, and wanted to marry me. But we were not allowed, since we were both men.

And it came to pass that one day, James suddenly died, passing from this world, to the next. And there, James set out to make things right. But first, he watched over me, and got me a good man who took me to Europe and married me there. Then he set about correcting things in his native New York, for all the other people to marry whom they loved.

And that is Saint James of Brooklyn.
posted by Goofyy at 12:08 AM on July 25, 2011 [39 favorites]

Goofyy, I'm tearing up in my office. That's beautiful.
posted by arcticseal at 2:17 AM on July 25, 2011

Ah, the heat, of course - I was wondering about the absence of formalwear in a lot of these pictures.

Congratulations, everyone!
posted by running order squabble fest at 2:37 AM on July 25, 2011

Me and my friend were at the City Clerk's Office watching & taking video & just enjoying the vibe. Then, we went up to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza to see the opposition. Such a sad site. There was a decent amount (not good with crowd counting but I'll say 1,000) of protesters including Ruben Diaz and the leader of the National Organization of Families. I think that they just drove buses to half the churches in Queens and the Bronx and filled them up because most of the crowd looked like churchies. Lots of families with kids. Very sad.
posted by sswiller at 2:53 AM on July 25, 2011

BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!
posted by josher71 at 4:09 AM on July 25, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yay, now everyone is legally entitled to be unhappy!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:05 AM on July 25, 2011 [1 favorite]

And stop having sex! Yay!
posted by telstar at 5:11 AM on July 25, 2011

Yay!

And congrats to The Whelk. How did you decide who was Spouse A and who was Spouse B?
posted by marxchivist at 5:16 AM on July 25, 2011

I needed this. Thanks, schmod. And congratulations, The Whelk!
posted by EvaDestruction at 6:24 AM on July 25, 2011

Mazal tov to the Whelks and to all New Yorkers!!!
posted by Sophie1 at 6:46 AM on July 25, 2011

BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER!!!
posted by josher7

I was thinking the same thing!
posted by safetyfork at 8:00 AM on July 25, 2011

I'm so proud of my home state and SO happy for everyone who got to stand up and declare their love before (wo)man and God(s) (and the civil authorities).

Congratulations to The Whelk and to everyone getting married in NY!
posted by the sobsister at 8:30 AM on July 25, 2011

"Then, we went up to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza to see the opposition"

I take it that they didn't know whose plaza they were protesting in?
posted by Asparagirl at 8:56 AM on July 25, 2011 [6 favorites]

This week's New Yorker Cover
posted by schmod at 9:34 AM on July 25, 2011

I wonder when or if the state of New York will join the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' challenge against DOMA?

This is a wonderful step for the people of New York, and keeps up the momentum of states favoring marriage rights, but equality isn't here quite yet for single-sex couples who are denied numerous benefits afforded to other couples.
posted by iheijoushin at 9:54 AM on July 25, 2011

Aye aye, congrats to all lovers - especially those MeFites whose names/families were legally and officially embiggened on this landmark day!

I'm totally tearing up at my desk - I think you guys got your overwhelming happiness in my eye :)
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:08 AM on July 25, 2011

Anti-Gay Marriage Group Files Legal Challenge to New York's Law

"Twenty four hours after New York's landmark same sex marriage law went into effect, the anti-gay-marriage group New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms today has filed a lawsuit PDF seeking to overturn it."

posted by ericb at 11:04 AM on July 25, 2011

47 Gay Couples Marry in Mass Wedding at Niagara Falls | Video.
posted by ericb at 11:07 AM on July 25, 2011

Randy Rainbow Is Not Getting Married (To Marcus Bachmann).
posted by ericb at 11:09 AM on July 25, 2011

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg Weds Gay Staffers on Live TV: Video.
posted by ericb at 11:17 AM on July 25, 2011

A group called New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is opposed to gay marriage and is fighting it via challenges that constitutional restrictions applicable in passing the law weren't followed. The satire writes itself but I somehow don't think the targets will get it.
posted by Mitheral at 11:25 AM on July 25, 2011 [1 favorite]

Interview With Mayor Bloomberg's Married Staffers John Feinblatt & Jonathan Mintz.
posted by ericb at 1:14 PM on July 25, 2011

AVENUE Q's Gay Couple 'Rod' & 'Ricky' Wed in NYC | Video.
posted by ericb at 2:08 PM on July 25, 2011

Congratulations to the husbands Whelk! (And to all of the other newly-minted spouses.)
posted by en forme de poire at 2:50 PM on July 25, 2011

Congrats, The Whelk and all others. Many happy years to you.

This tiny bit of happy news in a sea of sad/bad/angering news somehow makes it seem like things might be ok in the end.
posted by nzero at 8:34 PM on July 25, 2011

A MARRIED WHELK! YAY!
congrats!
posted by rmd1023 at 5:20 AM on July 26, 2011

Interview With Mayor Bloomberg's Married Staffers John Feinblatt & Jonathan Mintz.

Huh, usually when I see another Mintz in the news it's that jerkwad Jack Mintz. So good to see the name doing well.

Congrats to everyone!
posted by Lemurrhea at 7:00 AM on July 26, 2011

Buzzfeed has some wonderful pictures here. The couple from picture 12 is also seen here. So many smiles and love! It's so wonderful.

I'm loving all the matching outfits. I would so wear the same dress as my partner if I were getting gay-married.
posted by frecklefaerie at 7:50 AM on July 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

First Lawsuit to Overturn Marriage Equality in New York Already Stymied
posted by homunculus at 9:22 AM on July 26, 2011

New York Challenges U.S. Defense of Marriage Act

"The New York State attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman, acting just days after the state began allowing gay couples to wed, filed a legal brief on Tuesday challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act."
posted by elizardbits at 10:40 AM on July 26, 2011 [4 favorites]

Congratulations to the Mssrs. Whelk! I looked for you last night on The Daily Show but didn't see you. Sadface.
posted by misha at 1:43 PM on July 26, 2011

DOMA is a hateful piece of legislation and needs to be gone ASAP.
posted by arcticseal at 3:50 PM on July 26, 2011

gemmy: "I loved this story today about the two little twins that were acting as volunteer flower girls for anyone who wanted them to."

I was kind of happily sniffly but this pushed me all the way into full-on tears. What a wonderful thing to do.
posted by deborah at 5:12 PM on July 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

And dammit, I just ran out of favourites. If you said something positive, just imagine you have an extra favourite from me.
posted by deborah at 5:15 PM on July 26, 2011 [1 favorite]

Belated congratulations to The Whelk!

Avenue Q wasn't the only Broadway show holding a wedding on the 25th. Over at the St. James, on the set for Hair, three couples from the Broadway community were married by another Broadway personality, Colman Domingo, who'd had himself ordained by the Universal Life Church expressly for the occasion.

Among the couples were Terri White and Donna Barnett; Terri is currently appearing in a revival of Follies. According to a 2009 article in the New York Times, the two held a commitment ceremony on the same stage in October of 2009.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 2:05 PM on July 28, 2011

Wait, what? There's a revival of Follies happening on Broadway right now, and the New Yorker hasn't said a word about it?

Damn, that's one of the best (and most seldom staged because of the casting requirements) Sondheim shows.
posted by hippybear at 5:18 PM on July 28, 2011

hippybear -- the bad news is that I mis-spoke -- Follies is NOT on Broadway now.

The GOOD news is, it's because it's not there YET. It is still in the future -- it WILL be on Broadway this September. Behold.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:34 PM on July 28, 2011 [1 favorite]

The gay agenda will see you now.
posted by ericb at 1:50 PM on August 3, 2011

DOMA is a hateful piece of legislation and needs to be gone ASAP.

It won't be gone soon enough for this couple:

S.F. gay married couple loses immigration battle: Citing the Defense of Marriage Act, the Obama administration denied immigration benefits to a married gay couple from San Francisco and ordered the expulsion of a man who is the primary caregiver to his AIDS-afflicted spouse.
posted by homunculus at 5:09 PM on August 10, 2011

Citing the Defense of Marriage Act, the Obama administration denied immigration benefits to a married gay couple from San Francisco and ordered the expulsion of a man who is the primary caregiver to his AIDS-afflicted spouse.

God, I really regret being deluded into thinking Obama was going to be better than this.
posted by scody at 6:21 PM on August 10, 2011