The union of a man and a woman is unique and different from any other. Just as the union of a man and a man or a woman and a woman is also unique and different. Neither of these are the same. Similarly with transgender unions they are unique and different. By the very nature and desire or design of the people these relationships are necessarily different.\u00a0In these \u2018alternate\u2019 relationships there has been a choice exercised.\u00a0Based on desire or design (as some assert)\u00a0 some people choose to \u2018live out\u2019 that difference – in fact the difference is celebrated.<\/p>\n
The journey of \u2018identity\u2019 is a struggle for all humanity. For some the roots of that are \u2018nature\u2019 for others \u2018nurture\u2019 or any combination of both. But identity is not only defined by sexuality – there is so much more that defines us.For some our identity comes from inside us, for others like me it comes from outside me, from a designer a creator.\u00a0 Some would find that unlikely but for me that is a point of rejoicing, because my identity struggle is over. There is no question about my designer, my design or its purpose.<\/p>\n
This too is a point of difference from others who by choice seek to find their own design and design purpose. I’d suggest that those who choose the latter elect to be different. I would suggest that we are not equal in the sense we are not the same.<\/p>\n
To demand that all things be the same – when they are clearly not seems to me to be counter-intuitive and flies\u00a0 in the face of the very thing that supporters of same sex marriage are trying to achieve through \u2018marriage equality\u2019.\u00a0Our unions are not equal in that they are made up differently. Could there be equal or even greater affection between same gender or transgender relationship – without a doubt? But the unions are not equal , not the same by choice.\u00a0By actively pursuing a particular identity and expression of it\u00a0 difference has been created.<\/p>\n
It seems, as I have suggested to be counter-intuitive, for those living in same or differently gendered relationships, to say I want equality with those live in man+woman relationships.<\/p>\n
Marriage – the public and legal recognition of a committed couple is the stated goal. Yet that is an inadequate definition of marriage. Marriage for me is more than the public and legal recognition of a man and a woman’s relationship. It is a unique covenant made before my creator\u00a0 in whose image we are made – male and female.\u00a0 It is this creator who, now not only defines my identity, but, who now informs every aspect of my living in union with my wife. Marriage for me is very specific and sacred.<\/p>\n