I’m writing to let the community know about a new group on the Island: Vashon Families United for Marriage (VFUM). Come November, Washington will vote on Referendum 74 to approve or reject the marriage equality law our Legislature passed and our governor signed earlier this year. We formed VFUM to raise awareness on the Island of what some have called the most important civil rights issue of our time.

A yes vote to approve Ref. 74 is a vote in favor of love, commitment, family and marriage equality. Approving Ref. 74 is about affirming basic fairness. Approving Ref. 74 won’t change the definition of marriage any more than allowing women the vote changed the definition of voting. Approving Ref. 74 is necessary to replace the registered domestic partner status, which does not afford all the protections granted through marriage and is really a two-tiered system. (Didn’t we already decide that separate is not equal?)

Check us out on Facebook. Join us for the Strawberry Festival Parade or visit us at the Farmers Market. Keep an eye on The Beachcomber calendar for other events throughout the summer and fall leading up to the election.

As a lesbian, it is disheartening that my fellow citizens will vote on whether the state will recognize my marriage. I remain optimistic that there are enough fair-minded folks who value basic fairness, follow the Golden Rule, and recognize that love is love. If you would like to get involved, I encourage you to join our group on Facebook or contact me. And I encourage everyone to have a conversation with someone about marriage equality today.

— Barb Rhoads-Weaver