Some of the most empowering words I’ve said to same-sex couples are, “...by the power vested in me by Metropolitan Community Church andthe state of California, I pronounce that you are married!” Every time that was said there was a combination of cheers and tears. Oh, what a rich emotion – laughter through tears of joy!

What a window of opportunity we had for 142 days in 2008. Our hope had been realized! I was honored to perform several wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples – many, partners for decades! Every time I would think to myself, “This is right.” It is right for love to be expressed, and it is right for a love commitment between two people to be validated and fully recognized, whether they be same- or opposite-sex couples.

I long for the day when there are no more labels. Where we see each other as human beings – in all of our uniqueness and fabulousness! I have hope.

I am the oldest of three boys, raised in a conservative Midwest home. Both of my brothers have married (one twice!), and the weddings were always wonderful celebrations. At such events I am hit with the realization... if I wanted to marry someone I loved, I couldn’t. That right is denied me. That weighs heavy on my heart – but I have hope!

We celebrated two weeks ago in the streets of Hillcrest and with our Mayor at The Center. The news we received this past week about the indefinite stay pending appeal feels like another punch in the gut – ouch! Still, I have hope. I didn’t think I would see the day where I could marry people – legally, wholly, equally – but I did and we celebrated! I have hope.

Now is the time to hold our heads high – to encourage each other – and hope – hope together. Yes, hope isn’t just a noun; it’s an active verb.

Hope means telling our story to a co-worker. Hope means writing a letter to an elected official. Hope means sharing our heart with our family. Hope means educating our neighbors about the need for marriage equality. Hope means we are going to educate ourselves and vote wisely – and vote...period. We can make a positive change, one person at a time.

As a person of faith, I hold on to hope. I am reminded that “...suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us!”

In community we grow stronger and more hopeful … together. Do you have hope that is passionate enough to believe that marriage equality is truly on the horizon? If so, please join me in saying, “I do!”