At 10 a.m. on Jan. 12, the city of Orlando officially began registering couples – both gay and straight – under the domestic partner registry, unanimously approved by the city commission on Dec. 12, 2011. Dozens of couples, LGBT officials, supporters and activists plus a flood of media representatives poured into city hall to see the first three couples make history by being officially recognized by the city of Orlando, starting at 10 a.m.
City commissioner Patty Sheehan and her partner, artist Jocelynn White, were among the first three couples to be registers. Commissioner Sheehan's aide and his partner, salon owner Robert Brings, plus LGBT activists Mary Meeks and Vicki Nantz were the other two couples. Mayor Buddy Dyer personally notarized the partnership between Sheehan and White, who Dyer said were visibly shaking as it became official.
“We welcome all of our citizens equally,” Dyer said. “Orlando has a significant GLBT community that is a huge party of the success of our community and we want to embrace them.”
According to city spokeswoman Heather Fagan, 21 couples made appointments today. They're taking them in groups of three, every half an hour, and accepting walk-ins in between. A total of 93 couples (as of 11 a.m. Jan. 12) have made appointments through February to be registered.
Here are some words from individuals who registered as domestic partners today:
“You always hope and dream of a great day like today.” Commissioner Patty Sheehan
“We are so grateful to Mayor Dyer for his incredible leadership and extremely hopeful that Orange County mayor Teresa Jacobs will follow the city's lead.” Mary Meeks
“It changes not just how I feel working for the city, but how I feel as a resident of Orlando.” Bill Stevens
“It makes me feel like the city boundaries are home.” Robert Brings
“I think this is just the most wonderful thing that could happen and to be a part of history is fantastic.” Timothy Galatas
“This is a start. Every little bit helps. Step by step.” Giulio Giunta
Galatas and Giunta have been together for almost 14 years.
“It feels amazing to finally have some sort of validity to our relationship with respect to the government.” Rob Domenico
“Legitimacy with respect to our local government feels incredible. We've always considered ourselves legitimate.” Alan Meeks
Rob's mother, Dee Richter, came to witness Domenico and Meeks' registry, and said, “Like a baby, I'm crying,” and “I'm so proud of both of them.”
“I've worked so hard on [obtaining a domestic partner registry] with the members of the Orlando Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Committee”¦ I thought it was important, now that I have a partner, to share this day with him.” Thomas Woodward
“I feel blessed to have Tom in my life and for it actually to be documented in Orlando is amazing.” Travis Smith
When the clerk handed Woodward and Smith their certificate she announced, “It's still warm!”
“It's progress but there's a lot more to be done. Luisa Buchell
“We have rights just like everyone else does. It's a start in the right direction and hopefully things will continue to progress.” Kathleen Bayer
Buchell and Bayer moved to Orlando from Queens, NY six months ago, to be closer to family as they raise their 4-year-old daughter.
“It was impressive to hear that language spelled out, “Yes, we promise to be the ones to take care of each other,' and it was like it really says that?” Nicki Drumb
“We're next of kin. I'm her spouse and she's mine. I feel like I don't want to leave the city limits.” Rachel Gardner
Drumb and Gardner have been together for 7 years. For the past four years, every Valentine's Day, they have gone to the courthouse to apply and be turned down for a marriage license. They plan to continue doing these, even though they have been registered as domestic partners.
See a full photo gallery of the domestic partner registry commencement here.
