Tyler, Texas hosted a six hour Marriage-A-Thon for LGBTQ couples worried about the fate of marriage equality. With Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court and two other justices calling for the ruling to be overturned, fearful LGBTQ couples are getting hitched nationwide.
Raynie Castaneda, who runs “Fickle Witch Mysticism” and gives customers Tarot readings and birth charts, officiated the ceremonies. Castaneda identifies as non-binary.
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Five couples tied the knot as dozens watched and celebrated with them. A local business provided free cakes and a harpist played during the ceremonies. The decor was rainbow themed.
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“This is a peaceful, loving demonstration in response to” Barrett’s confirmation, Castaneda said. “It’s saying that you cannot outlaw love. You cannot repeal, revoke love. You can say all day long that you’re going to, but at the end of the day, LGBTQ people will still exist, and they’re still going to love, whether you approve of it or don’t.”
Jenna Rose, a transgender woman, summed up the emotion behind the event.
“We’re not sure whether we can wait another year because, by that time, we may not be able to get married,” Rose said. “If something happens to one of us, we can’t make decisions over their life… what’s gonna happen with our child if we can’t get married?”