Marilyn Humphries, Karen Kahn, and I consider the Courting Equality blog our foray into public discussion about the efforts that so many of us in the LGBT community, along with our straight allies, are making to expand democracy. The civil rights of LGBT people to marry are on the line in so many states and a renewed commitment to democracy is the challenge that lays before us.
We decided to try to publish Courting Equality: A Documentary History of America’s First Legal Same-Sex Marriages to document what so many of us have worked for in Massachusetts.  The photos, stories, and history, we hope, will serve as an inspiration. Some pre-publication reviewers have even suggested that the book offers strategies for other states. We know that it offers hope–even as we struggle to maintain our gains in MA.
LGBT people and our allies who care about the civil rights of all people need to be engaged in the democratic process. At first it may seem intimidating to contact legislators, work on their campaigns, get them to know who we are, and what we care about, but one can learn the process with allies and have fun doing it. Our involvement enlivens democracy.
Pat Gozemba
Courting Equality 
The Kalenakai Beauties are ecstatic in seeing this book and all it brings come to life before our eyes! Thank you Pat, Karen and Marilyn for putting your talents, dedication and commitment to work on this issue of social injustice.
Below is Courting Equality’s first mention in the blogosphere. It’s from my favorite lesbian blogger:
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/frontPage.do
* In May, Courting Equality: A Documentary History of America’s First Legal Same-Sex Marriages will be published.
On the eve of the third anniversary of marriage equality in Massachusetts, Beacon Press celebrates Courting Equality, the first book to tell the extraordinary story of the gay and lesbian community’s civil rights victory. With nearly 9000 married same-sex couples, Massachusetts has successfully broken through the boundaries of an age-old institution.