Why gay couples need marriage

This story just sickens me... how can people be like this?! :( *feels numb more and more each day*

Heart wrenching. Do you know if Harborview means they’re in Seattle?

As my and Albert’s relationship continues to grow, I’ve decided we need to get the proper documents drawn up. Virginia’s recent anti-gay bill has only highlighted the need for that documentation, even if the Commonwealth may consider a simple POA unenforceable. Part of me also worries about what might happen if forbid, the worst were to happen to Al. Aside from the financial issues (he’s the primary breadwinner – and I know my folks will support me through the whole thing); Al is Cuban and comes from a very dysfunctional family. Though I’ve never met her; I know that his mother loves him and would likely, though possible hesitantly, acknowledge our relationship. I do worry about her anti-gay husband and others in the family who might share his point of view.

Wow. Your post kind of blew me away. You are still part of your partner's life. That is so very touching. Perhaps to your partner's neice he is still part of her life through you.

Isn't it strange? Such awful feelings from his parents have given birth to new hope and new possibilities. Life is an ever changing thing. I think that's why I don't give up on it. I have stayed around through some awful things in my past and if I'd given up on life, I would never have known the unbelievable life I have now.

Life can be so beautiful.

This happened in 1989. Both parents have since passed on. His father died of kidney disease and his mother is suspected of having committed suicide with booze and sleeping pills.

I've recently renewed a relationship with one of my partner's nieces who is now 28-years old. She and her children call me "uncle" (which is making my eyes tear up as I write this). I guess my being in the family again is an appropriate comeuppance.

It never ceases to amaze me just how cruel people can be. It honestly makes me wonder if the human race is worth saving. Pardon my language, but his family is seriously fucked up.

I believe that what goes around comes around. I know it's trite, but I've seen it happen so many times. People do get what's coming to them.

Please feel free to post anytime you like, either here or in the forums, with a name or ananymously. You are always welcome here.

Excuse me for posting this anonymously, but this isn't something I can handle getting crank e-mails about. I hope you understand.

When my partner was in a terrible car accident, his parents didn't even call me until after he died. He had gone out with a couple of girlfriends and I just assumed he'd spent the night at their place after a late evening. The police contacted his parents at 2:00 a.m. and he died at around 8:30 a.m. -- over six hours later.

I was excluded from the funeral plans. I was allowed to attend the service, but was told that the burial was for "family only."

A few days later, the family appeared at my home with the sheriff and a court order and began removing everything that they claimed belonged to their son. This was essentially everything we'd ever purchased together. The sheriff's deputy finally became disgusted and made them stop when they tried to take our photo albums.

Later, they had the car we purchased together stolen out of my driveway. They forged my name on the title and sold it. When I called the police, I was told it was a "civil matter" and to take it to court. The judge just scolded me for bringing a grieving mother to court and dismissed the case.

The family didn't want me "desecrating" their son's grave by placing flowers on it, so they had his body moved to a secret location.

At that point, I was seriously considering suicide. If it had not been for the love and support of my family, I wouldn't have made it through.

How are those for some good reasons?