To the man who congratulated us at Town Hall today (Tuesday): I wish I knew your name. I was in Town Hall this morning with my partner, where we had gone 1) to vote and 2) to get a marriage license. You came into the Town Clerk’s office as we were voting, and when we finished with our ballots, we got back in line behind you. The people who were first in line were picking up an absentee ballot. When they finished, there was a moment of confusion because a second clerk came in and didn’t know whose turn was next. The first clerk told her that my partner and I were there for a marriage license, and then she turned to you; before I switched my attention back to the second clerk, I heard you say you wanted to register to vote.

After decades of being out and of working for human rights in Maine, I was still not comfortable standing in a public office asking for a marriage license. I am not a big fan of marriage, and I probably wouldn’t have been comfortable standing there even if I were marrying a man. But I know I am lucky to have the legal right to marry, and as you continued to register to vote, my partner and I began filling out the paperwork for our license. Despite the friendliness of both clerks, I felt very public and very uneasy. As you finished and turned toward the door, you looked over and said, softly but firmly, “Congratulations.” It was something I never expected to hear. Your good wishes not only lightened the day, they made me comfortable being in that community office. Thank you for that gift.

Sara Dickey

Brunswick