June 17th.

I’m registered @ Tiffany + Co.

I talked to my partner last night by phone. It’s sad, because we planned to get married in August. Not sure he will live that long. Hep C. He is over 6′ and weighs 135, he lost 40 pounds in two months. If he dies, I will still continue on with the Federal tax protest. I learned the IRS won’t send one to prison if a non filer is over 60. I am 74. They want me to settle so they won’t have to go to U.S. Tax Court. No way.
Equal Justice Under the Law is carved above the entrance of the Supreme Court for a reason.

I’m truly sorry to hear that, Charley, and applaud your spirit.

It’s stories like that that illustrate how important this issue is, and how vital it is that gays and friends in CA work to oppose those who would deprive us of fundamental human rights.

Honestly, I used to be a strictly “I just want to have the rights and privileges and I don’t care what it’s called” sort, but I’m coming to see the advantage to marriage — if only as a shortcut through bureaucracy.

My partner and I recently had to present my new employer with an affidavit of domestic partnership so he could qualify for coverage under my health insurance. That’s fine, I have no problem with that. We had to provide: a notarized affidavit, a lease, and four kinds of proof that we have common financial interests. It was a fairly large-ish stack of paper, and kind of a silly hoop to have to jump through for a couple of old homos who’ve been together for seven years–longer than most sanctioned and sanctimonious straight marriages.

I’m grateful for employers who are progressive and recognize our relationships; at the same time, if a single piece of paper would’ve have done the trick, that might have been nicer.