When equalpride CEO, Mark Berryhill, and I took our positions on the White House lawn (a first for us both) to watch the historic December 13, 2022 signing by President Joseph Biden of the Respect for Marriage Act we got the most unexpected and heartwarming surprise.
While our view of the President signing the bill — which codified same-sex and interracial marriage as equal and accessible to all —was somewhat obscured, we looked around and realized we were just an arm's length away from some of the most powerful people in our government.
Many were Democrats but there were also a handful of Republican Senators and representatives present, all of whom supported, voted, and fought for this bill. In doing so, they helped catapult the "lame duck" majority out of anything but "lame."
What came next is something I will forever call a "Congressional Christmas Gift" and that was watching many straight identifying — not just LGBTQ+ — politicians celebrating! To my delighted surprise, they were even more celebratory than our somewhat reserved crowd of roughly 5,000 primarily LGBTQ+ people witnessing the signing.
Senator Corey Booker (D-NJ) was particularly elated! He danced, sang, rejoiced, and took selfies with anyone who wanted it! Senators Markey (D-MA), Peters (D-MI), and Gillibrand (D-NY) sat side by side, grinning proudly, and joined in taking selfies and videos for all to see this historic day.
Here's a peek at some more of our favorite moments from this special, history-making day:
Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine
Michael Dru Kelley
Senator Susan Collins, Republican of Maine and an early supporter of the Respect for Marriage Act enters all smiles.
Congresswoman Barbara Leet (D-CA)
Michael Dru Kelley
Accessorized with rainbow items, Congresswoman Barbara Lee struck gleeful poses just before President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act.
Senator Ed Markey of MA waves to well wishers
Michael Dru Kelley
Outgoing Massachusetts Senator Markey (D-MA) never stopped grinning in his happiness and well wishes to supporters at the signing of Respect for Marriage Act.
Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Michael Dru Kelley
Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) has long supported equal marriage access for same sex and interracial couples. He brought a joy and warm spirit to the signing by President Biden of the Respect for Marriage Act (especially without a coat!)
Vice President Kamala Harris, with multiracial roots and an interracial marriage to Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, is all smiles during President Biden's signing of Respect for Marriage Act. She shook nearly every hand and hugged many that approached her.
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-FL) at the White House December 13, 2022
Michael Dru Kelley
One of the most vocal and popular supporters of equal marriage rights is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz. Overheard that she "wouldn't miss this historic moment" definitely showed her enthusiasm for the advancement of equality.
Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
Michael Dru Kelley
One of the most die hard supporters of marriage equality has been Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY). She was constantly taking videos of both the ceremony where President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act as well as crowd to no doubt share with her constituents back in her home state of New York. Senator Gillibrand actually mouthed "Thank you" to the many witnesses to this historic event. We should be THANKING you Senator!
Senator Gary Peters was among the first Senators to arrived for the Presidential signing of the Respect for Marriage Act for which he and so many other fellow Senators whole-heartedly supported. He also was caught taking a selfie or two to share with supporters back home.
equalpride.com CEO, Board Member and a Principle Shareholder, Mark Berryhill
Michael Dru Kelley
Gay identifying father and CEO of equalpride.com (owner of PRIDE.com), Mark Berryhill, basks in the rainbow glory of witnessing history as President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act at the White House on a glorious and historic day, December 13, 2022.
Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware)
Michael Dru Kelley
Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware) proudly greats everyone with a big smile and hearty congratulations for his and other supporters work towards the historic Respect for Marriage Act signed into law at the White House by fellow Delawarean, President Joseph Biden.
equalpride.com executives and principle owners, Mark Berryhill and Michael Kelley
Michael Dru Kelley
Proud gay identifying fathers, friends and longtime business partners in equalpride.com, Mark Berryhill (l) and Michael Kelley proudly witness the moment President Biden signs the Respect for Marriage Act, December 13, 2022.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) at the White House, December 13, 2022
Michael Dru Kelley
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) has always been a strong proponent of equal marriage rights. Few were more jubilant than his wonderful dancing, hand clapping to music and greeting many of the reported 5,000 witnesses to President Biden signing the Respect for Marriage Act, December 13, 2022
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) celebrates the Respect for Marriage Act with a young American who will never be present from loving who he loves.
Michael Dru Kelley
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) celebrates the Respect for Marriage Act with a young American who will never be present from loving who he loves. Booker was an ardent supporter turned celebrator among the throngs of witness to American history.
President Joseph Biden, David Mixner
Michael Dru Kelley
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and former White House advisor, David Mixner, rose from his chair to be greeted for a long few moments by President Biden who just signed the Respect for Marriage Act on the White House lawn in front of 5,000 witnesses and millions of Americans at home during a historic day, December 13, 2022.
President Biden has been unwavering in his vocal support of same sex and interracial marriage even when not all in his own party agreed. Who can forget when he charged ahead of then President Obama in support same sex marriage that no doubt got the then Vice President Biden into some trouble with his boss. But, soon, President Obama and many others joined Biden's chorus which became law by his hand on a historic, glorious day December 13, 2022. "Love is love" will someday be among the most famous, historic words attributed to President Biden.
