It seems that there are always people who have to fight for their rights. You’d think it would be a no-brainer that all of us should be treated equally, but apparently not.
We often struggle to see that ALL people, no matter what colour, religion, sex or sexuality, deserve to be treated with respect and equality — that of course goes for same sex couples too.
We marry for a lot of reasons, the most popular being a public declaration of love. For many people, marriage is an important way to demonstrate their love and commitment to a partner or to form a secure and loving family unit.
We decided to talk to fourteen partners with the aim to show that, although some couples may have different lifestyles or beliefs, essentially they are the same. Couples building lives together; going on romantic weekends; watching movies on the couch; renovating their homes; buying groceries; laughing and crying; and in some cases having children too.
Same sex couples are not a threat to the concept of family — they are just another type of family.
Lanny and Greg Together for 15 years Was it love at first sight? We first met on the dance floor at Melbourne’s Red Raw party in 1994. Although it wasn’t love at first sight, we did spend nearly the entire night and morning holding hands like a couple of ‘crush-struck’ school kids. We quickly developed a very strong bond and fell deeply, madly in love.
Kim-Maree and Kristy Together for 4+ years — their commitment ceremony was 3 years ago
How do you keep your relationship fresh and invigorated? We still do things to ensure we fall in love with each other all over again every day. Going to bed early just so we can lay in bed and have a giggle. Going away once a month for a romantic weekend. Celebrating our monthly anniversaries still after four and a half years. Buying each other presents for no reason. Experiencing new things together, whether it be a crazy mountain bike race, or going to a different country. We are best friends, we adore and respect each other. We share our lives together, we don’t live one another’s lives. We appreciate every second we have together, because we are rare. We are that couple that make everyone sick.
Corrina (chook) and Jessie Together for 2 months
Where did the two of you meet? We met on the most wonderful night at the best nightclub in Canberra....CUBE!!!
Mel and Rach Together for three and a half years Can a couple be too much in love? The answer to this is definitely no. When two people come together and truly love each other (where they genuinely want the best for their partner and where they are willing to go out of their way to support this), they become a force to be reckoned with. Their combined energies create a synergy with the power to ‘move mountains’. Peter and Darren Together for 5 years How do you feel your relationship is any different to a heterosexual one? I don’t feel that my relationship per se is so different to that of a heterosexual one. My partner and I have two children, we work full time, we do school runs, we see an accountant, we get our tax done, we do the shopping, we cook dinners, do the washing — and so on. We do all of the things that normal couples do, and face the same day-to-day challenges that heterosexual people do. What is different however, is the perception of our relationship by the wider community.
Michael and Jono Together for just over 1 year What’s your love story? It was July last year, Michael was finally ready to come out of the closet and he started to get to know some gay friends in Canberra. He spent a lot of time with them, watching movies, eating out and chatting. In the middle of July we met in Civic through these friends and while out clubbing one night, it was on the dance floor at Cube we shared our first kiss. We didn’t swap numbers immediately, but a couple of days later we managed to do so when we went to our mate’s place to watch movies. We cuddled on the lounge that night, talking between ourselves. We gradually got to know each other a lot better and started dating seriously about a month after.
Duncan and Josh Together for 5 years What do you guys like doing most together? Movies, dinners for two, cuddling up together on the couch or chatting while watching the TV. We like to debate and share opinions; talk about what we’re doing at work; looking to what we want for the future and all the things you can dream and aim for in your life — and know you have someone to share it with who wants the same thing.
Rose and Ang Friends for 2 years, partners for 6 months What do you think is the most important thing in a relationship? We believe that the most important thing in a good relationship is lots of laughter, not wanting to change each other, honesty and knowing when to push things and when to step back and let the other person throw a tantrum. We also actually like each other as individuals and respect each other’s differences.
Erin and Mel In their relationship forever!
Great T-shirts... tell us more about that, is it just a comment on relationship types or is there more to it? Initially we thought they were just cool shirts. But upon deeper reflection, we’ve decided that it is actually more than that. We believe the statement ‘whatever works’ represents the need for flexibility and fluidity. It demonstrates the eternal challenge to be open and accepting of the moment that is ‘now’ and to the mystery of life itself. That we are not in control, that we are part of something bigger. A worthy subtle reminder to all :-)
Glen and Terrence Together for 2 months How did you guys find each other? We have a great story. In the year 2000, Terrence and I worked on the same floor of a Federal Government building. At the time, I developed THE biggest crush on him, but he had not yet ‘come out’. So as the years passed (and so did my ex boyfriends), every so often I would catch a glimpse of Terrence out and about in Canberra, and my heart would ‘flutter’. It wasn’t until 9 years later that he and I, quite uncannily, found each other (fate does exist after all). After all that time the attraction and bond that we have for each other is stronger than steel. Soul mates do exist, I know, because we found ours.
Andrew and Anthony Together for nearly 10 years What advice do you guys have to anyone entering a new relationship? Take your time. Don’t rush it. Be versatile. Tamara and Shannon Together for 7 months and met on the internet
Has being in a committed relationship changed the way you see things? I think it has for sure. If you would have asked me a while back what my views of being in a committed relationship were, I would have said it meant being tied down and losing your freedom. I’ve always been scared to be in a relationship. Previously I would have ran for my life if the word “commitment” was mentioned — that was until I met Shannon. Since meeting Shannon I’ve come to realise that commitment isn’t all that scary, it means coming home to the one I love every single day, and really who could complain about that? Now that I am in a committed relationship with the one I love, I wouldn’t change it for the world! Scott and Simon Together for just over 1 year If marriage was made available to all Australians, would you get married and do you think it would make any difference to your relationship if you did? In very simple terms at this stage in our relationship we would say no as we have only been together for just over one year. However having the ability to recognise any committed relationship, to celebrate your partnership with family and friends, is something that should be available to all Australians no matter what their background.
We are still enjoying the process of learning about each other and growing together as a couple. Recognition through marriage is not something that would make a difference to our relationship now, but the opportunity in the future of marriage and having an equal playing field is something we think is important.
FUSE26 Ho Ho Homo. Happy holidays from FUSE.(GirlCover)
