Advertisement

Couples Celebrate Love And Acceptance at LGBT Wedding and Anniversary Expo

By AJ Trager

Jamiil Gaston (left) and Robert Tompkins (right). BTL photo: AJ Trager


Southfield got glammed up and fancy this past Saturday, celebrating an LGBT Wedding and Anniversary Expo held at the Southfield Civic Pavilion. There was a big turnout ranging from newly married couples, long standing couples, to partners browsing the booths together getting ideas for how they want their celebration to look. The center was filled with balloons and smiling faces. Cake samples and copious amounts of coupons for local businesses, all there to show support for the LGBT community, were handed out to desiring attendees. The joy and celebration of romance was truly in the air Saturday as couples, holding hands, came together with the Metro Detroit community to showcase love in all its forms.

Scott Algera and Jim Hortelano


This August Jim Hortelano and Scott Algera will celebrate their 15th anniversary together after meeting one another on AOL. Hortelano was living on the mainland and was looking for a Hawaii guide for an upcoming trip that he wanted to take. He made sure to mention that the guide must be gay, familiar with Maui and be one of the first to respond. Algera was that man and they hit it off immediately. Hortelano went back two to three more times and the rest, as they say, is history. He moved down to Hawaii a few months later. They recently moved to Michigan from Hawaii, and are looking to get married within the next year.
"We're here for planning," Algera said patting Hortelano on his shoulder. "We're looking at photographers, big venues, caterers, but especially photographers."
"It's one stop shopping," Hortelano said.
They would like to get married in Michigan but are considering other options due to the controversy in the Michigan Legislature.
"We might get married across the boarder, if not in Michigan," Hortelano said, "perhaps at Caesar's Windsor.
They left Hawaii just before the LBGT community could legally get married and were disheartened that they left the fighting just to come to Michigan and see it again.
Yet the two of them are keeping positive about equal marriage rights. "It's a step in the right direction," Horetelano said, "and it's definitely better than never."

Robert Tompkins and Jamiil Gaston

pictured at the top
Robert Tompkins and Jamiil Gaston attended the Expo to get a stronger idea of what's available for LGBT couples. Their anniversary is June 18, and they are giving themselves time to plan, shooting for a future June 18 wedding date.
"It's good to see things just for us. The Expo provides whole systems for LGBT couples. It's not a separate thing and adds to shaping the lives for LGBT," Gaston said.
"But the free cake is a really good reason," Tompkins laughed. "It's nice to get face time with local vendors and other couples."
They are both really concerned with equality and changes Michigan is trying to make.
"Equality will come to the country. The Midwest is a conservative pocket and the discrimination laws will get knocked down. The state doesn't have a chance," Gaston said.
"Without a doubt," Tompkins said, "someone had to go first then the rest will follow, it's only a matter of time."

Lorie Dahlberg and Angie Flores


Lorie Dahlberg and Angie Flores are from Flint and have been partners for the better part of nine years.
"I knew I had to have her," Flores said. "We are very much opposites, so things are never boring."
Marriage isn't quite a topic of conversation yet but Flores is looking out for accepting churches so that when the time comes she can hold onto her traditions. She laughed and said that might be because of her Mexican heritage but that the Church needs to be open minded and accepting. She doesn't want a standing ceremony with many other couples in the room. She wants her wedding to be specialized and focused solely on her and her partner.
Like many other couples they have had their ups and downs. After splitting up for a year and half they have now come back together.
"I don't see a future without her," Flores said.
"Two of our friends got married on that Saturday," Dahlberg said. "I burst into tears, it was a very emotional day." They held hands and cuddled for the photograph Dahlberg resting her head on Flores' shoulder.
"I want to see what can be sparked," Flores said. "Governmental acknowledgement is the first step." She thrives on comfort and is looking forward to a time where her relationship can be accepted and received outside of just the LBGT community.

Audrey Williams and Rhonda Lee


Audrey Williams and Rhonda Lee walked the Expo linked at the shoulder; you could see their smiles from across the room. They've been together for seven years and are looking to get married within the next two years.
"I'm looking at the photography, it's really spectacular," Lee said.
"And extras for the ceremony, venues…" Williams said.
"Creativity, really," Lee said.
They are considering Oliva Cruise liner as their marriage destination, given Michigan's current stance on gay marriage.
"Heterosexual relationships are recognized everywhere. And we have to crawl before we can walk; but we'd have to get married in eight states and hope wherever we move our union is recognized," Williams said.
"But they are realizing that our relationship is not affecting them. Their ideas are changing," Williams said.
"The vision is changing, opening up, and people are changing," Lee agreed.

Jocelyn Walters and Cindy Clardy


Cindy Clardy and Jocelyn Walters, both in their early 60s, from Southfield, have been together since 1995. Their commitment ceremony was held in 2005 and are both hoping that they can be legally married around the age of 70.
Unlike younger couples Clardy and Walters are concerned about retirement and estate planning and how that will affect their partner. If they get married it may throw a monkey wrench into their plans due to how Michigan laws are carried out currently. They'd have to be married a year before they were to receive spousal benefits, for example.
"We are here and queer, so get used to it," Clardy jests. She doesn't want to go back into the closet for retirement and is strongly concerned with nursing home accommodations for LGBT couples.
"There is still a lot to be done," Clardy said. "You can still be fired from your job for being gay. The employment discrimination needs to stop."
"But it's good to see young families and young people who see gay people living normal lives," Clardy said. "They seem to be more accepting."
Walters' grandchildren are over often. Her face practically glows telling the story about her granddaughter and the accepting statements made from the young girl.
"So you're married to Mo-Mo," Walters speaks from the granddaughter's perspective. "Yes I am." The corners of Walters' eyes pinch together in a smile. "You're married to her because you love her."
They believe Michigan still has a long way to go and believe that there are progressive pockets in the state. Clardy was pleased to see the Southfield City Councilman, Jeremy Moss, attend the Expo and was happy to see all the vendors who are gay friendly. But she is displeased with Southfield City President Sylvia Jordan.
They are in no rush to get married, keeping concerned with how they will organize their estate and retirement planning as an LGBT couple, but are keeping venue, flowers and commitment rings in their minds for the upcoming celebration.

Advertisement
Advertisement

From the Pride Source Marketplace

Go to the Marketplace
Directory default
This all­ suite hotel boasts an ideal location, close to many well ­known Detroit corporations and…
Learn More
Directory default
The UAW is one of the nation's most diverse unions, representing workers in manufacturing, health…
Learn More
Directory default
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce MemberNeed customized apparel for your next event? In…
Learn More
Advertisement