Two men get married in a demonstration wedding

Juniors Matthew Sullivan and Nick Ready have been a gay couple on campus for more than two years, but they tested IU’s acceptance further Thursday when they were unofficially wed.

The ceremony took place in the Whittenberger Auditorium in front of a crowd of more than 150 friends and strangers.

“The gay community is pretty much accepted on the IU campus, but it is not seen very much,” Sullivan said. “Even I still stare when I see two guys holding hands. We wanted to do something to break the ice.”

The ceremony was organized by the Union Board to promote a healthy discourse about the controversial issue of same-sex marriage.

“Our purpose was to make the campus more aware. The more you know, the less you will judge and the more you will accept,” said Jasmine Starks, director of international and cultural events for the Indiana Memorial Union Board. “A wedding is something people will relate to and it’s an issue.”

The ceremony was performed by Doug Bauder, Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Support Services Office coordinator and ordained Moravian minster. The fairly traditional service involved prayer, vow exchanges and the always-anticipated wedding kiss.

“Though I have had the privilege to officiate over a number of gay and lesbian weddings, I am excited to be a part of something that is a first here on IU’s campus,” Bauder said.

He welcomed an audience of all backgrounds, faiths and beliefs to celebrate what he described as a serious event symbolizing both love and diversity education.

Though the ceremony was not official, it was based off a service Bauder performed for a former IU student in Washington. That ceremony was not legal, though he said it might be in a month when a bill allowing same-sex marriages in Washington is put to a vote.

The dramatization was followed by a panel discussion on same-sex marriage and other gay and lesbian issues that are sometimes ignored.

“If you don’t know about it, don’t be afraid to ask,” said Joshua Sutton, president of the Out GLBT Student Union. “You don’t want to go around the community in an ignorant way.”

Panel members shared opinions on why same-sex marriage should be recognized by the government. They acknowledged significant differences between a marriage and a civil union, including the lack of benefits received by same-sex couples in unions.

“Civil rights are civil rights,” said Eric Love, director of the Office of Diversity Education. “Everyone deserves the same rights and that includes marriage.”

Panel member Vicki Pierce, director of the Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Inc. and member of the GLBT community, agreed with Sullivan and Ready that
Bloomington is an increasingly accepting area.

“Bloomington has been a gay-friendly place for a long time,” Pierce said. “I don’t think twice about holding hands with my wife as I walk down the street. That is not the case if I go out of town.”

While Bloomington might be ahead of the curve as far as gay acceptance, it is not free from discrimination and cruelty.

“Be nice,” Sullivan said, “and have a gay friend.”