Cambridge, Massachusetts Mayor E. Denise Simmons made history last year when she became became the first black openly lesbian mayor of an American city. Simmons has also been on television lately during the media feeding frenzy after the arrest of Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. Simmons again makes the news next weekend as she marries her longtime partner Mattie B. Hayes.
The wedding will take place on Sunday, Aug. 30 at the historic St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Cambridge, which has "been serving Cambridge’s African-American community for over 100 years." Simmons believes "this may be the very first" mainstream African-American church "to hold a same gender wedding, and that’s something that just wouldn’t have happened years ago. But times are changing [and] people are becoming more accepting of their fellow citizens."
The ceremony will be officiated by Rev. Irene Monroe, the progressive black lesbian Episcopal minister, activist and columnist at The Advocate.
In June, Simmons was one of the honorees the historic White House reception for prominent LGBTs to the 40th Stonewall anniversary. Simmons was also named to the Out 100.
Thanks SHANE
Well congratulations to Denise Simmons and her future wife Mattie B. Hayes. May the two of you have a long-lasting loving marriage.
Posted by: Ravenback | 21 August 2009 at 13:30
I would LOVE to see this!!!
Posted by: THEGAYTKEEPER | 21 August 2009 at 16:14
WOW! Congratulations to Denise an Mattie!
Posted by: Honut SInti | 22 August 2009 at 11:23
Congratulations to Her Honor and her partner!
Posted by: torrid_wind | 22 August 2009 at 19:08
Many Many heartfelt congratulations!!
Posted by: LaShonda Katrice Barnett | 24 August 2009 at 11:12
I just heard about this yesterday from a mutual friend of Mattie and mine, I'm so excited! It's been years! Congrats Mattie and Denise!
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 24 August 2009 at 16:51