Natalie Perry

“I asked my dad, “If we were going to have two dads, should we call you Dad Number One and Dad Number Two?”

“We can’t say it’s justifiable to deny some people their rights because we personally find something offensive. People have the right to their beliefs and they have the right to think that homosexuality is wrong, but they don’t have the right to use their religion and their beliefs to deny the rights of others.”

“The truth is, I have gay dads and I’m not damaged. I grew up with an incredible and loving family that always provided for me when I was younger and has continued to guide and support me as I’ve grown older.”

“It’s worth noting my family doesn’t use the word step regarding anyone who’s married into our family. Jerry isn’t, nor has he ever been, my step-dad. His mom isn’t my step grandma: neither are my aunts, uncles, or cousins. While there was never a discussion regarding how we categorize or title our family, we all just understood that for us, we are all simply family.”

“What I don’t understand is how some people say they can recognize the necessity to provide people with equal treatment under the law but they say it only applies in certain situations. People still use their religion and morality as an excuse to deny services to those perceived as other.”

“People have the right to their opinions. But I also have the right to my family. No one in our country should be put in the situation where they grow up in fear because our society has decided some people are valued less than others.”

“Ultimately, the one thing that makes a family is love.”

“Our family had waited so long for this moment and had spent so many years being told we were undeserving of this basic right. But for me there was a sense of validation because after eighteen years, I was finally able to stand with my two dads when they legally wed.”

“For those of us who are told our families are wrong, we can question more strongly what we believe is right.”