I sent 39 letters to New York State Senators who do not support the Marriage Equality Bill. I've received two replies, and both senators favor civil unions over same-sex marriage. This letter was taken from my response to them, and was published by amNY on June 2, 2009.

To those who support civil unions over gay marriage. Imagine if we told parents who adopt a child that they have the same rights and privileges as other parents and can determine the proper upbringing of their child, but they cannot call themselves mother and father. You can enjoy a mutually enriching life with your child, but you can't be called Mom and Dad. Or Mom and Mom. Marriage equality is as much about identity and expressing love as it is about guaranteeing civil rights.