BY BTL STAFF
Huntington Woods – It's been more than two years since hundreds of LGBT couples in Michigan were rushing to local courthouses to recite marriage vows on March 22, 2014, a day after a federal judge struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriages.
One of four county clerks, Lisa Brown, officiated over 140 same-sex marriages. She and her colleagues worked overtime to make this possible for couples such as Frank Colasonti, Jr. and James B. Ryder; BC Cabangbang and Gary Murphy; Cathy and Laurie Fisher; Rev. Beth Rakestraw and Beverly Fernsemer; and Roland Smith and Paul Mattson.
On Oct. 27, Brown will introduce the community to the five long-time couples who married on that momentous day while celebrating her experience officiating them.
"This will always be one of the best days of my life. I feel like I have a special bond with many of the couples that got married on that day and I am looking forward to seeing many of them during this gathering," Brown said.
The event from 7-9 p.m. is hosted by Nina and Howard Abrams at their home in Huntington Woods. Co-hosts include Nancy Katz and Margo Dichtelmiller and Jennifer and Kathleen LaTosch, with special honorary co-hosts Gil Evans and Don Nadel.
Tickets are $50. All proceeds from the event, sponsored by Optimal Care, Inc., will benefit SAGE Metro Detroit. The organization's mission is to build awareness and promote change so that LGBT older adults may age with dignity and authenticity.
To RSVP, call Kathleen LaTosch at 248-812-9202 or email [email protected]. To support Lisa Brown's campaign, visit her http://websitewww.lisabrown4michigan.com/contribute or mail a check to Lisa Brown for County Clerk at P.O. Box 251552, West Bloomfield, MI 48325.
