Queer Marriage Still Matters More Than Ever

In 2015, Obergefell v. Hodges, the Supreme Court ruling that recognized same-gender marriage as protected under the 14th Amendment, made wedding bells ring across the country. Previously, Utah’s Amendment 3 was overturned in 2014 by the courts while years before, California’s Proposition 8 came crashing down in 2008 (like a lot of other things that year). In 2015, there was a rush to the altar like no one had ever seen. There was also, of course, an uptick in the rush to a divorce attorney some time after.

Twenty-fifteen would also mark the beginning of the corporate rush to the queer altar. As with so many pieces of queer culture, corporate America and large chain-brands have been eager to appropriate us—Pride, weddings, queer spaces, and more—the gold rush, gaywashing of industries and brands which have traditionally rejected the queer community. On the flip side of that coin were the brands and businesses which were actively and vocally opposed to same-gender marriage. How many bakers went to court over rainbow cakes? The number is probably sky-high. C’mon guys.

In a strange way, we’d gained much ground only to encounter new opposition. How are queer consumers supposed to find wedding vendors who love and accept them on their one big day? That same year, a Denver LGBTQ Wedding Expo debuted in Denver. It felt a little surreal—There was a queer wedding expo in town because we were finally able to get married. Inside were several queer and allied vendors dedicated to treating same-gender marriage like any other marriage. As someone who has recently proposed, there really isn’t anything quite like the feeling of asking for someone’s forever. After the thrill of it all wears off, the reality of wedding planning sets in.

Two words: It. Sucks.

How do I navigate die-cut stationary paper? Do I need chargers at the dinner service, and if so, what color because the napkins are magenta? My fiancee wants this thing, and I want a different thing; what do we do now?

Relax. Do not let the process of planning your wedding ruin the entire wedding. It’s not a great start to any marriage.

Now that I’m planning my own wedding, and now that COVID has let up enough to let our hair down, I thought, “Why not have a queer wedding showcase?” It’s been two years since we’ve mingled. Queer safe spaces declined and disappeared. Wedding expos became a thing of the past. In fact, most people’s weddings were canceled altogether. Queer weddings matter now more than ever—It’s a time of love and joy, surrounded by family, chosen family, and friends after so much time apart. I believe we commit ourselves to our partners the day we propose; your wedding is about sharing space with the people who matter most.

On March 19, 2022 at Moss Denver, we invite you to hold queer safe space with us once again, surrounded by queer and allied vendors who will work to make your dreams possible. From the proposal to the healthy tan you need for photos, we’ve worked hard to make it easy for you to support love and support local. Access to joy should be free and open to the public, so we’ll host you from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All you need to do is register.

And remember, don’t let your wedding ruin your wedding. Come find us instead.