Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Today's Act: Raise consciousness about marriage equality

I vote that we all follow Tom Ackerman's lead. Absolutely brilliant.

I no longer recognize marriage. It’s a new thing I’m trying.

Turns out it’s fun.

Yesterday I called a woman’s spouse her boyfriend.

She says, correcting me, “He’s my husband,”
“Oh,” I say, “I no longer recognize marriage.”

The impact is obvious. I tried it on a man who has been in a relationship for years,

“How’s your longtime companion, Jill?”
“She’s my wife!”
“Yeah, well, my beliefs don’t recognize marriage.”

Fun. And instant, eyebrow-raising recognition. Suddenly the majority gets to feel what the minority feels. In a moment they feel what it’s like to have their relationship downgraded, and to have a much taken-for-granted right called into question because of another’s beliefs.

1 comment:

Nancy Jane Moore said...

You know, I have a friend who always refers to her "partner." Her partner is also her husband, but I suspect she uses the term partner on purpose. For a long time I had no idea whether she was gay or straight, married or single. I like that.

I also like the idea of not recognizing marriage. It has flair.