A year on: Gay marriage deemed a success in Guernsey

Friday 04 May 2018

The equality charity Liberate said it has heard of a number of happy unions in Guernsey since same sex marriage was legalised in the island a year ago.

Ellie Jones, speaking to Express on behalf of the charity, said she knows of some; "I know of at least six people and one of those couples had been together for 18 years and they were one of the first people to take advantage of the change in the law, so it is so good for people like that to finally be able to get married.

She said "if you go off figures and percentages, you'll probably be looking at 70 couples on average, but a lot do go off island to get married so it is hard to tell."

Ms Jones also said that all of the same sex marriages she has heard about have been very well received, which is very good news: "I've heard nothing of anyone being treated anything other than well and with respect."

Additionally, Ms Jones said what would benefit all couples, regardless of whether they are male/female or same sex unions, would be the ability to get married wherever they like including on beaches and in gardens. She said at the moment there continues to be too many constraints on wedding locations and she thinks many more couples would choose to "tie the knot" if they weren't restricted to Churches (which aren't available for same sex couples) or the Greffe's opening hours. 

Pictured l-r: Fiona and Chelsie Blondel Power and Joe and Filipe Cardoso-Smale 

More widely, Ms Jones said the legalisation of same sex marriage in Guernsey has made life easier for many LGBTQ residents. "You still get a bit of both, for most people it's just the odd moment, a stare, people looking if you're with your partner of if you're openly gay or cross dressing. But people are feeling a lot more comfortable to be out and be themselves and to be visible" she said, "but that means they're open to stigma, but more people are getting used to it. People can be themselves more now as the law backs them up."

Ms Jones said, "In general, Guernsey is pretty good. Guys tend to have more hassle than girls, perhaps because other guys are more macho and others don't know how to handle it. But people will pick up on whatever - if you're fat, or short, or gay, if they want to, people will use whatever they can to make you feel ashamed if they don't accept you."

Pictured: Paula Le Page and Kirsty Davison and family on their wedding day

Liberate is also busy preparing for the 2018 Pride which is being held in Guernsey in September. Ms Jones said plans are going "really, really well. We've got lots of exciting things to announcer closer to the time!"

She said, "we're really far along with the plans. It will be the same format as the 2016 event in Guernsey with a parade from Candie Gardens down through town to the Market Square." There may be a few changes to what was seen and enjoyed by thousands in 2016 but the theme of acceptance and equality will remain with a big emphasis on fun. "We hopefully will have an inflatable unicorn at the front of the parade - sponsors are needed for that, and other aspects of the event" she added.

Ms Jones said, "the theme for this year is 'Stronger Together' because as a whole, the community is stronger together ." There will be a family area at the main Pride celebrations emphasising that theme, with music and other entertainment and refreshments.

There is more information on Pride, Liberate's work, and the fundraising Pudding Party featuring Kalon Rae from The Voice at liberate.gg