As far back as I can remember, I told my mother that I didn't believe in marriage, that it was an antiquated institution designed to hold back individuals from their true dreams.  

Although I honestly believed this, I still secretly fantasized about how nice it would be to walk down the aisle--all eyes on me, in that beautiful, white, breathtaking gown and say "forever" in the words of my God in front of my family and friends.

I was okay with a separate, but equal concept. I only had legal reasons for wanting to be married, so having the same rights, benefits and responsibilities was absolutely enough for me, in regards to the eyes of the law. Domestic partnership seemed like a great idea... until I really researched it and found out that in California, although we are far ahead of many states, we are still behind the heterosexual majority in the concept of equality. I was incredibly disappointed. I am scared to think that I could be denied the right to see my girlfriend in the hospital, or that she could be kept from me if I were there. Just being parted from her on a daily basis while I have to go to work and be a productive citizen is enough to make me beam when I see her face each night. I can’t imagine the heartache some have had to go through in this environment of inequality. This campaign gives me hope.

Alison and I have a ceremony planned for 2011. A long way off, but still oh-so-close. We will go through with it before God and our friends and family even without the equality in the law. We will adopt children, bear our own, and will make them feel unified in our family, regardless. But I don't see any reason why this inequality should last any longer. I believe in the understanding and hearts of the people and look forward to 2011 and making Alison my wife in all aspects of the title, and watching in awe as my gay and straight friends do the same before me.