Vance: Our daughters are fraternal twins and half-sisters,
biologically related to both of us. Adoption would have
been too difficult for us as gay men, so we decided on surrogacy.
They were born only two days after we finished our house!
Brendan: The girls call him Daddy, they call me Papa.
We have supportive friends and family and neighbors. While
we're at work, Bailie and Ashlyn are at home with
my mom. They call her Meema. Vance: We found a church
that is very good to our family. The Sunday after the amendment
vote, the sermon was about acceptance and tolerance. Brendan
and I felt as though we were meant to be there that morning.
We were both in tears. Brendan: When we go for walks
in our neighborhood, or go to the mall, people can see we're
a family. The more we're out there, the more people
get to know us, the more they'll see that we're
not a threat. We're everyday people who just want
to be treated equally. Vance: Our government should
strengthen families, not weaken them. Brendan and I are
married, we just don't have that contract. We continue
to lay the groundwork, educating people where we can. We
have faith that ultimately our civil union will be recognized
here. We are all entitled to the pursuit of happiness and
the American dream.
Together since April 12, 2000
Vermont civil union, April 12, 2002
