The Power of Love and Happiness: The Significance of Gay Marriage: A Journey Toward Love and Acceptance
- Alicia LaHaie
- May 15
- 6 min read
The Power of Love and Happiness
When you think about falling in love, you imagine this feeling of being free to be yourself and also to have your person to go and do everything with from grocery shopping to finally having a date for all those weddings. When we find our person, the "other half of our soul" kind of connection, we want to bottle it up and keep that feeling forever, which is how many of us decide to get married. Marriage is the culmination of wanting to keep that forever feeling of love and acceptance by the person who just fits to make everything feel right in our everyday lives. The beauty of finding love and having that inner peace in our lives and in our homes, is that it creates a ripple effect to those around us. Our genuine love and positive feelings ripple out to create a better world around us for our friends and family and out into our communities. So when I, as a wedding planner, look at the lucky position I am in to be able to help couples and families to celebrate and foster love, I would never want to limit it because putting limitations on love limits our humanity and our joy. Embracing all forms of love, Bride and Bride, Bride and Groom, Groom and Groom, Marrier and Bride, and all of the expressions of love in celebration and marriage just makes sense for a better world overall. So, let's discuss a bit further why gay marriage is so important and where it's making positive changes for everyone.
Breaking Down Barriers
The legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 marked a significant milestone in the journey toward equality and acceptance. It has not only empowered the LGBTQ+ community but has also challenged societal norms and stereotypes for the better of all couples. Traditional roles in relationships are being redefined and no longer take the same path to marriage as they once did such as who should propose, that the ring has to be a specific stone, or even that a ring is the required jewelry for a proposal. Today's couples feel more empowered to express their love without adhering to outdated ideals and instead are leaning into a more personal approach that fits their styles and their love story in a way that doesn't feel like it excludes them. This shift towards equality allows both partners to feel valued and respected, strengthening their bond. Many women in just my circle of friends have all heard the line "I wish he would propose soon" because of an unwritten rule that women just had to wait to be asked. Now, partners on both sides are feeling the rush of setting up that grand gesture and practicing their speech to ask their person to marry them. I have said it for years and it continues to hold true, that every love story is different and unique to the people that are in that relationship. There is never a reason to steer your relationship in a direction that does not feel genuine to you because of a standard that doesn't feel honest to how you and your partner want to move forward in your lives together. No matter who your other half may be, the recognition of same-sex unions has encouraged more open and honest conversations about love, relationships, and equality for all couples worldwide. It has paved the way for so many more possibilities without limitations and more focused on love and acceptance of who we are as individuals and humans.
Celebrating Love Without Discrimination
Embracing all forms of love enriches our society. When we open our hearts and minds to accept love in its many forms, we foster a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Love knows no boundaries—it transcends race, gender, and societal expectations. By supporting gay marriage, we take a stand against discrimination and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding.
A New Orleans Wedding Planner's Perspective
Being that I grew up in New Orleans, I had the privilege to see the beautiful array of people and their unique stories in a multicultural city with different cultures and religions. As you walk through the streets of New Orleans, you can feel and experience the influences from the hundreds of years of cultures from around the globe bringing their architecture, their beliefs, their foods and music to the heart of the city for all to enjoy. New Orleans has always embraced the individual because the city lives and breathes through the individuality and the shared experiences of the people. So for myself as a wedding planner, being able to help couples from all over the world find their voice and their style to express who they are not just as individuals but who they are as a couple in that moment is the most exciting part of what I get to do for my job. I've had couples that wanted to walk together up the aisle because throughout every moment of their wedding day, they wanted their person by their side. I've Officiants that were cousins and brothers so that the couple had a personal connection for their ceremony. I even have a couple right now that is teaching me more about the connections of the queer community and voodoo than I ever would have known without them. Honestly, I learn something new from every couple that we work with and growing and learning is one of my favorite things about being a wedding planner.
The Intersection of Voodoo and Queer Values
In New Orleans, a city rich in cultural diversity, there are celebrations and festivals for nearly anything from the Creole Tomato Festival, Jazz Fest, Southern Decadence Fest and there was the now defunct pre-covid Voodoo Fest, which was just a music fest for 90s alternative music but it was one of the best festivals around. So in a city that celebrates almost anything, hello Hurricane Parties, one of the things that we do celebrate well is love of all kinds and I think it's not just because we are a culturally diverse city but because we are a city that feels both love and a sense of community as a way of everyday life. To that, the fact that there is such a cohesive overlap between the values of Voodoo and the queer community, in a city like New Orleans just makes sense. As Voodoo continues to have a strong presence in New Orleans and is woven into the cultural fabric of the land, it is part of the city's history and now also in some ways part of the tourism. Much like the people of New Orleans themselves, Voodoo is known for its inclusivity and acceptance of individuals from all walks of life, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. The religion embraces gender fluidity and androgyny, with spirits embodying diverse gender identities. This resonates deeply with the queer community, offering a safe space where individuals can express their true selves without fear of judgment.
Creating Safe Spaces and Fostering Connection
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, finding a community that accepts and supports them is crucial. Having such a sanctuary, where individuals can connect provides solace and a sense of belonging, reinforcing the importance of creating safe spaces for all. The shared values of justice, kindness, and mutual respect align with the queer community’s pursuit of equality and social justice. When it comes to helping couples to find safe spaces and inclusive vendors, that is something that I do ensure is a major priority for both myself personally as well as for Pennywell Events. Feeling like you can move forward with planning your wedding with your venues and vendors without fear is such a powerful feeling for anyone. It is part of the core values of Pennywell Events that everyone deserves to celebrate their love story with vendors that are genuinely joyful and happy for you and celebrate you as you are and I am proud to do that for any couple that we get to work with.
The journey toward love and acceptance is ongoing, and the significance of gay marriage cannot be overstated. It represents a triumph over prejudice and a step toward a more inclusive society. By embracing all forms of love, we create a world where everyone feels valued and celebrated. As we continue to break down barriers and challenge outdated norms, we pave the way for future generations to live authentically and joyfully. Let us continue to champion love in all its forms and work toward a brighter, more accepting future.
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