Just
Married: Gay Marriage
and the Expansion of Human Rights
Acknowledgments
This
book's genesis began with a phone call made by the Rev. Brent Hawkes. Our pastor's
offer to marry us turned into an opportunity to do more than anyone expected.
Support and empowerment from the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto gave
us the confidence to add our voice to the international debate over equal marriage
for same-sex couples. Ian Taylor, from Never Say "No Comment" Inc.,
consulted with us as we ventured into this unfamiliar public role, and he later
took part in early discussions about the framework of this book.
Our
friend John Gowdy and his sister Barbara Gowdy introduced us to Jackie Kaiser,
our literary agent at Westwood Creative Artists, who built a bridge to the publishing
world for us. Welcoming us on the other side was Meg Taylor, our editor at Doubleday
Canada, and the enthusiastic team led by Maya Mavjee and including Mark Veldhuizen,
Belinda Kemp, and Randy Chan. Special thanks to Gloria Goodman, who broadened
our horizons, to Sue Thomas, for her fabulous text design, and to Shaun Oakey,
copy editor extraordinaire.
George Olds shared his research on gay and
lesbian rights in Canada. The firm McGowan Elliott & Kim provided consultation
on the legal issues. Friends and family tolerated intrusions into their lives.
In particular, we want to thank those we interviewed for this book, including:
Beverly Bourassa, Margaret Bourassa, Gail Donnelly and Barb McDowall, Angela Genereaux,
Douglas Elliott, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, and Anne and Elaine Vautour.
Several friends contributed their photography to this project, including Cecile
Chapelain, Chris Clark, Ebony Sager, Carolyn Swadron, and Ken Tong. Carolyn Swadron
and Bill Wrigley kindly read our first draft.
Our
experience is a single step in a much longer journey that so many people have
undertaken before us. We have been inspired by advocates for equality and challenged
by their legacy to further expand human rights. In writing this book, we were
privileged to work with so many people whose generosity and dedication were similarly
inspired. Together, we hope to make the way easier for those who will follow.
