Today's debate is to legalize gay marriage. However, changing the definition of marriage for one group, could redefine it for others -- at least that's the hope for one family.
It is the hope of many, many families.
Like most couples, for Mike and Claire, it started with "I do." In time their love grew for each other and for another couple.
This married "quad" is redefining commitment. Its called polyamory. Claire says, "Polyamory means many loves, the ability to love more than one person."
Claire and Mike met Emily and Victor by chance online -- both liked each other's blog responses on relationships and the four agreed to meet.
Victor says, "We were just like they're really great people, let's see more of them, we started to, and it just grew from there."
This happens more than most people think.
Mike says, "What happens as far as sleeping arrangements, is Claire and Emily switch beds every other night, but Claire and Emily also sleep together too one night, because they need that bond as well."
As for the men, they are emotional spouses, but don't share beds. Like any other relationship, sex is just one aspect of daily life. The quad pools everything-- finances, chores, and decision making.
Why shouldn't they be able to make it legal, if that is what they want?
There are two children being raise in this family.
Claire says, "It actually bothers me deeply when people say my children are going to be negatively affected by my relationship, I think they really don't have a clue what goes on here."
Claire and Mike had the kids before the quad met. Claire says raising them as group means more homework help, love, and attention. Plus a divorce-free home.
That's a good point. So many children these days are being shuttled between two homes of two "monogamous" couples. I would think this quad is a better situation for children.
A trio is also included in the story.
Michael and Katie live together--but both date Monica. They're coming forward in hopes of making a social change.
Katie says, "As long as you're not infringing on anyone else's rights you should be able to do whatever is right for you."
They're speaking for others who want the government out of people's personal lives.
Katie says, "I don't think the government has any part of a relationships, who you love, regardless of if you're gay or straight, love one person or 100, the government shouldn't be able to put a name on that."
The quad shares the same view--they want marriage redefined--
Emily says, "I'd like to say I'm legally married to all three of them."
They should not be denied that right. That's why this blog is here. An adult should be free to pursue love, sex, and marriage with any consenting adults.
It's good to see someone giving people a platform to share and celebrate their diversity in a positive way.
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