Bad News...
Well, I was given some pretty crappy news today...
Apparently in the conservative, small-minded, ridiculous, defunct state that I live in - good ol' Virginia - it is almost completely illegal for me to have my last name changed to match my partner's once we are married in October.
Here are the requirements to get your name legally changed in the state of Virginia:
- Marriage certificate (same-sex marriage or civil union documents are not accepted).
- Divorce decree if the decree states the change from married name to maiden name.
- Original or teste copy of the court order granting the name change.
Oh - would you look at that? Option 1 - I DON'T QUALIFY.
Oh wait? There's an option for me to have a court order granting the name change?! Well maybe there's still hope!!
"Same-sex marriage is not legal in Virginia. So, you will not be able to legally marry someone of the same sex there. Also, you will not be able to use an out-of-state marriage certificate as proof of legal name change if the marriage is to someone of the same sex. However, you are still able to obtain a court-ordered name change. You will need to file a petition with the court telling them why you want your name changed. If the reason you give is that you want to have the same last name as your out-of-state same-sex married partner, then the local judge is likely to deny your petition."
Well, hell...
Naturally, I'm pissed off. I can't tell you how much I was looking forward to that. Basically almost as much as actually getting married. It just felt so right. I feel as if I was just slapped in the face and told I was being ridiculous. It's making me super upset.
This is the bullshit we still have to deal with today, this is why I've become an activist for LGBT rights. Beforehand, I was always a supporter, but never really involved. I guess it makes sense that things like this become more important when it happens to *you*. It makes me much more receptive to helping others going through things that may not be directly affecting my life.
As my fiancee said, "I never thought I would be such a gay activist. But since falling in love with you, I changed my mind."
So have I.
And this is preposterous.
Until then, may Virginia live in the filth it's created as a anti-progressive state, and may the lives of all who seek equality in this commonwealth come to the decency and conclusion that it's all just best if we leave, and let Virginia fall to pieces from the exodus of the LGBT community.
Until this is fixed, my sentiments to you, Virginia, are as follows:
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