Come, march with us...

You know that feeling when you are so charged with energy and excitement that it just overtakes you? I've got it. I'm holding onto it right now, and it's consuming me.

The last time the gay marriage referendum made the ballot, only 35% of Washington County voters supported the freedom to marry for all loving couples. 35 bleeping percent. It was not surprising to me, having grown up in 'good-ole-boy-conservative-land'... but, it still hurt. I couldn't IMAGINE that my community, the place that I love -- where I spent my childhood, could vote against me and my family.. that my community could prevent me from marrying the woman who I love. It just... killed me.

Incidentally, I got married anyway -- at a beautiful ceremony surrounded by my family and friends in one of the most gorgeous places on the planet... see for yourself:

So, the vote failed. The people of Maine voted against same-sex marriage. It was like a bad, bad dream. It hurt. There was no explanation. Well, except this: I was convinced that the people of Maine didn't really understand what they were voting against on that day. Clearly, they didn't know our family, or our friends. That was the only explanation. Because... well, quite frankly -- my family rocks. And, the other gay families I know out there, well - they rock, too. I mean, look at them:

These folks are some of the most wonderful people on the planet. You'll just have to take my word on that. But, trust me. They are. They're just a bunch of peace-loving, granola-eating, vegatarian-eating hippies. ;o) And probably the most generous, loving folks out there. Go ahead. Call them. They'll do anything for you. They are some of the best people I know.

They deserve the right to be married. Period.

So, here's a call out to Washington County --

Come, join us and march to support the freedom to marry for ALL loving couples. For the first time (I believe EVER) there will be a representation of gay pride in THREE -- yup, count 'em, THREE -- Washington County 4th of July parades...

If you believe that I deserve the right to be married to the person that I love, please consider walking with us. Bring your family. Bring your friends. Spread the word. Let's show Washington County that 35% just isn't good enough. And if you, or anyone you know disagrees that I shouldn't have the right to marry -- to marry the person that I love and raise a family, please, PLEASE have them ask me why I believe otherwise. I'd love to talk to them.

Please, consider marching with us:

In Jonesport --- On June 30th. Meet at Sawyer's Square (Jonesport Marina) at 5:30pm sharp. Parade starts at 6pm. Also, there will be a booth to support marriage equality at the corner of Main & Bridge St. from 9am on. For more information, contact Suzanne Carver at 557-7930.

In Eastport ---- On July 4th. We'll be walking with the Washington County Democrats. The starting point for the parade is the fire station. Be there by 1 p.m. The parade begins at 2. The fire station is on County Road, just at Deep Cove Road. As you are coming in to Eastport, as the road curves slightly to the left it turns into Washington Street. Instead, go straight (!) on County Road. The fire station is on the right, just past Deep Cove Road. When you get there, ask where the Democrats are gathering. Your contact person is Ann Cornelison, and if you have questions, her number is 853-2633.

In Machias ---- On July 4th. Meet at Machias Memorial High School at 5pm sharp. MMHS is located on Court St. in Machias. Please wear a colored shirt (red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple) if you can. Contact person is me, and if you have any questions email me at khkurz@gmail.com.

We're gonna rock Washington County this 4th of July. Please, if you believe in the freedom to marry for ALL loving couples, march with us. Spread the word. I want to march beside you next week, and I want Washington County to vote with us on November 6th because it's the right thing to do.