When Susan and Jim were married, they were embraced and loved by family and friends -- and that support has strengthened and encouraged them throughout their marriage.
They hope that same support will be extended to their daughter, Julia, when she chooses to make the same commitment. But because Julia is gay, marriage to the person she loves is not a possibility.
Susan and Jim have worked hard to raise Julia in the kind of loving home they grew up in -- calling her the most incredible part of their marriage. When Julia came out to them, their support for her became determination. They wanted to do whatever it takes to bring marriage equality to Rhode Island.
That’s why both Susan and Julia spoke up at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in March. Julia spoke as fondly of her parents as they speak of her:
“My parents’ marriage is the foundation of our family and has been an incredibly important source of support for me. Watching my parents together has taught me about true love and commitment, about steadfastness and understanding. About being there for one another when things are hard and celebrating the joys that their life together brings.”
Julia wants to follow the example set for her by Susan and Jim. She wants to be able to get married, to celebrate love, and to affirm commitment.
