A union in the true sense of the word
In a world where tolerance and goodwill are often lacking, this week I experienced a colourful explosion of reassurance that all is not lost.
I have been friends with two guys, Brendan and James, since working with them many years ago.
This week, I went to their wedding. Now this was not your ordinary nuptials, but a festival wedding on a grand scale in Usk Castle in South East Wales.
On a day that threatened rain but joyfully delivered none, the unconventional nature of the event was set with the Darth Vader theme tune from Star Wars played as the couple arrived.
Being a festival wedding, the guests were encouraged to dress as they saw fit – so shorts, jeans and T-shirts were commonplace.
After the ceremony, there were all-day vans serving an array of street food, plus doughnuts, ice creams, sweets a plenty and of course the all-important bar!
Brendan made a moving speech about how same-sex weddings and relationships have been and still are not accepted by all, but how happy they were that we were there supporting them on their big day. That alone gave them hope for the LGBT+ community, together with inclusivity across the whole spectrum of life regardless of religion, politics, colour and disability.
What followed took me back to my trips to Glastonbury with eclectic music from five bands on a big stage. They were of course very happy to be there having not played live for 18 months due to Covid restrictions.
But what really blew me away was that Brendan and James generously didn’t want any wedding gifts, but instead asked people to donate to two charities, one being Prostate Cancer UK – all because of their friendship with me.
It was so humbling. I hope that the newlyweds’ gesture will inspire you to do what you can to embrace people’s differences, and take any opportunities if you are able to be generous to causes that may or may not affect you too in life. Until next week
Kev
Same-sex wedding that gives hope for inclusivity everywhere