Boone, N.C., activists say “I do”

BOONE, N.C.--On February 12, Boone Impact and its supporters celebrated National Freedom to Marry Day at the Watauga County Courthouse with the exchange of wedding vows, political theater and the request of marriage licenses.

This Boone-based affiliate of Join the Impact developed as part of the national reaction to Proposition 8. In front of a crowd of some 65 supporters, 10 couples and triads recited vows of commitment outside the courthouse. This demonstration incorporated political action and performance art, with a "preacher" leading the couples and triads in vows and radical cheerleaders dressed in fancy wedding garb.

Supporters contributed to the wedding atmosphere while distributing literature, chanting and holding signs while the couples make their requests for licenses inside. Supporters consisted of a mixture of community members as well as Appalachian State University students and employees.

Ten couples then requested marriage licenses from the county clerk, who assisted each group and turned them down. Participants also educated staff about sex reassignment's effect on marriage licenses. When refused licenses, they politely left.

Join the Impact is a grassroots movement in response to the California ballot measure that made same-sex marriage illegal in that state. Following its passage in November 2008, Join the Impact has called for monthly events to raise awareness about Proposition 8 and other LGBT social issues on the local and regional level.

Boone Impact has been active since November, when it held a march through the Appalachian State University campus during football tailgating. It has also held a campus information table on December's National "Day Without a Gay" and a "Happy New Queer" party, and mailed petitions and local postcards to President Barack Obama about repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and other LGBT-related issues.

Plans for March's event are underway.