TYING KNOTS

 

Dear Friends,

For those of you that weren’t in service this past Sunday, I announced from the pulpit that Gail and I, after 18 years together, have decided to get married in Washington, DC. Currently, the plans are to have a small ceremony on Friday, December 13 at All Souls Church Unitarian.

We had talked about having a commitment ceremony before, but kept hoping that the Georgia laws would change so that we could be legally married in our home state. In 2004, when Georgia voters passed a referendum approving a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages, we decided to put the whole conversation on hold.

But, when the Supreme Court decided this past June that same-sex marriages would be federally recognized – and that California could reinstate same-sex marriage in that state – something changed for me. For the first time, I began to question why Gail and I still weren’t married. If not now, then when? What would have to change for me to do this?

I now realize that it’s not the laws I was waiting on but, rather, my own self-acceptance. My coming-out as a lesbian wasn’t a one-time event 19 years ago. Rather, it has been a process . . . a long journey of embracing my authentic sexuality and letting go of the last vestiges of my own internalized homophobia. Tying the knot with Gail after all these years is also about binding up those remaining wounded places inside that tell me it’s not okay to be authentic.

The depth of emotion I have been feeling since Gail and I have made this decision has caught me by surprise. And, your loving support of my announcement on Sunday once again reminded me that being a minister is a two-way street. As I minister to you, I receive so much in return. Thank you for being the supportive and welcoming community that you are – it’s such a privilege to serve you.

Warmly,

Terry

Rev. Terry Davis