July 2008

Hi Poppets! I admit it, California’s supreme court ruling has me practically mushy. Yes, even cynical, jaded, little ol’ me has a soft inside. Sometimes. But when George Takei, Mr. Sulu himself, can finally get married, well, if that doesn’t get my romantic side in gear, I don’t know what would. As my sister put it, I’m not sure I’ve cared about a celebrity wedding…Ever.

There is another side of California’s ruling, though. One that has nothing to do with warm fuzzies or happily ever after. It’s purely economic. According to a UCLA study, gay marriages could pump over $650 million into California’s economy and create over 2000 new jobs. That’s impressive. At the beginning of a recession, when many small businesses are just hoping to hold on, that’s even more impressive.

Which got me thinking (that cynical, jaded side never goes away for long): How many of these vendors would have welcomed same-sex couples a year ago? Or three? How many would have supported the LGBT community before we were the big economic boom?

I don’t have an answer. But I do know there are vendors here in Washington who do support the community. Right now. In spite of laws that say we can’t actually marry. In spite of the fact that openly supporting us can still cause a backlash. That’s impressive. At the beginning of a recession, when many small businesses are just hoping to hold on, that’s even more impressive.

It’s only a matter of time before the laws change. We will be able to marry the person we love, regardless of gender, here in Washington. I truly believe this. Which makes it more important that we support the businesses – right now – that support us, right now.

Next time you need something, go to www.purpleunions.com or www.gayweddings.com or www.lambda-gay-weddings.com and search for local businesses. Use the caterers you find here for your next office party. Hire these photographers to shoot your family portraits. Take vacations at these bed and breakfasts. Send flowers from these florists to your parents on their anniversary. And if you are going to California, consider paying the extra to have a local officiant come with you. Wouldn’t you rather know the person standing in front of you, anyway?

Our weddings are going to be big business in time. It’s up to us to give these vendors that time. They are the ones who deserve to reap the economic benefit that will eventually come. They are the ones who deserve to still be in business in a year or two or five when they can be our wedding caterer, florist, site, etc. They are the ones who support us. Let’s us support them.

Until next month, Poppets, take care of you.