There is a beautiful postscript to the story of Seanmichael Rodgers and Damien Ramsey (aka singer-songwriter Dy'Ari), first seen on R20 at the National Equality March and later in AOL/BlackVoices. Seanmichael and Damien were joined in a beautiful wedding ceremony in New York City last weekend.
The ceremony was held at The Monkey on West 26th Street and attended by about 80 guests. The ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, the New Jersey-based pastor, activist and author with Unity Fellowship Church in New Brunswick. Says Rev Kev: "It was so wonderful to be a part of a ceremony where so many people—coworkers, a mother, a pair of sisters, friends in droves—who were so invested in the couples love."
Leslie "ButtaFly Soul" Taylor delivered spoken word and Ken Alston Jr. (Three Mo' Tenors) serenaded the couple before a standing room only audience. Atlanta-based blogger Darian Aaron writes: "This was a momentous occasion in their lives, but it was also special for me as this was the very first same-sex ceremony I'd ever attended. It also marked the culmination of some of the best coverage I believe I've written on a black same-gender loving couple," he adds, referring to an interview in his popular "Coupled Up" series which lead to a profile of the couple at AOL BlackVoices. This was the first same-sex couple profiled at the black news and lifestyle portal.
More photos and via Darian Aaron watch the ceremony AFTER THE JUMP ...
Nathan James, the New York City-based writer and activist, is seen below with the couple. Nathan tells Rod 2.0: "To see two young men, passionately in love with each other, sharing their joy with us, was amazing. It's a sad indictment of American society that, for now at least, their marriage ends at the Hudson River. We've still got far to go. But for tonight, we had a shining moment of the best we can be as a community, coming together to celebrate."
Photos: Darian Aaron, Nathan James and Delvon Johnson
This is beautiful! They look so great together! Its sad that their marriage won't be recognized in NY. On the upside, gay marriage is legal in neighboring Connecticut.
Posted by: MW09 | 27 March 2010 at 12:32
It was a beautiful, uplifting and memorable wedding. I wish Seanmichael and Damien many years of joy and love. I hope, too, that the day will soon come when every LGBT copule that wants to marry, may do so in the state where they live, and have their nuptials recognized the world over. Thank you, Rod, for letting our community at large know about this wonderful moment, when we came together to witness the joining of thse two fine young men. May they be among the first of many.
Posted by: Nathan James | 27 March 2010 at 12:47
I want to be married to a beautiful man who loves me and whom I love, and have 2 kids and live happily ever after in our beautiful home filled with love. There; I said it. In the beginning was the word....
Posted by: FREELEO | 27 March 2010 at 14:13
♥ a beautiful tribute, a beautiful couple, and a beautiful blog--thank you for showcasing lgbt or color and the good news about our culture, politics and our love (and thanks for the sporno too) ♥
Posted by: veg | 27 March 2010 at 14:14
I am rejoicing!!!!
Let's keep fighting, children, gay marriage will be legal in NY soon. And the archaic and bigoted power structures standing against us,(ironically, in a city most consider one of the most liberal on the planet) are slowly declining.
Posted by: Kermit | 27 March 2010 at 16:12
Simply beautiful...
Posted by: tboi | 27 March 2010 at 16:43
an outward declaration...
that does it for me, get the kleenex!
as a wedding coordinator for more than a decade...i have never seen such an exchange of genuine love between two PEOPLE.
Posted by: tboi | 27 March 2010 at 16:55
God bless this courageous couple! When my soulmate and I meet we will be married publicly as well. May God continue to bless Elder Kevin Taylor and all of the clergy at Unity Fellowship of Christ Churches nationwide for their vigilant stance for equality for all! Ashe'!
Posted by: strong4u | 27 March 2010 at 17:14
This is simply beautiful! I am lost for words. Best wishes to the lovely couple
Posted by: Warry | 28 March 2010 at 06:08
Congrats--We're moving on up.
Posted by: Sidney Thompson | 28 March 2010 at 07:55
Wonderful! So Happy for them!
Posted by: Isis | 28 March 2010 at 11:52
What a great wedding!! I wish them all the happiness and love, we need more like them. Hopefully, me & mine can be next in line....
Posted by: CC | 29 March 2010 at 12:07
Seanmichaels is a cheater
Posted by: Cheater | 06 April 2010 at 17:19