Someone once pointed out to me that D.C., with a 95% democratic base and populated by progressive thinkers from all income levels, would be to the left of Vermont, California, the Republic of Berkeley etc. if it were a state or had proper congressional representation.

I am sure you are all aware of the sorry state of half a million people without a voting representative, no senator, and oversight by a Congress that routinely uses the city as a football in various members’ political agendas.

But last week, there was a victory for human rights and also for home rule.  The D.C. Council had voted to recognize marriage between same-sex couples and it survived a 30-day Congressional review period and a last minute appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.  D.C. joins Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont.  On March 3rd, couples could apply for licenses and today, March 9th, is the first day marriages can take place.

I work near the courts and last Wednesday morning (March 3rd) my heart was warmed when riding the metro by the sight of two women sitting together with rainbow mardi gras beads and a sign – presumably on their way to the marriage license office.  When we got off the train, I asked the woman with the sign if I could take her picture (with my iphone in the dark metro, I’m afraid.)

Then I asked if she was getting married to which she said yes and turned to her betrothed.

Oh!  You’re straight!

Yes, we’re straight allies.  We wanted to wait until everyone could get married.

Thank you!

I teared up.