Archive Version of
Partners Task Force for Gay and Lesbian Couples
Online from 1995-2022

Demian and Steve Bryant originally founded Partners as a monthly newsletter in 1986. By late 1990 it was reformatted into a bi-monthly magazine. Print publication was halted by 1995 when Demian published Partners as a Web site, which greatly expanded readership.

In 1988, the Partners National Survey of Lesbian & Gay Couples report was published; the first major U.S. survey on same-sex couples in a decade.

In 1996, Demian produced The Right to Marry, a video documentary based on the dire need for equality that was made clear by the data from the survey mentioned above. The video featured interviews with Rev. Mel White, Evan Wolfson, Phyllis Burke, Richard Mohr, Kevin Cathcart, Faygele benMiriam, Benjamin Cable-McCarthy, Susan Reardon, Frances Fuchs, Tina Podlodowski, and Chelle Mileur.

Demian has been the sole operator during the last two decades of Partners.

Demian stopped work on Partners Task Force in order to realize his other time-consuming projects, which include publishing the book “Operating Manual for Same-Sex Couples: Navigating the rules, rites & rights” - which is now available on Amazon. The book is based on the Partners Survey mentioned above, his interviews of scores of couples, and 36 years of writing hundreds of articles about same-sex couples. It’s also been informed by his personal experience in a 20-year, same-sex relationship.

Demian’s other project is to publish his “Photo Stories by Demian” books based on his more than six decades as a photographer and writer.


Partners Task Force for Gay & Lesbian Couples
Demian, director    206-935-1206    demian@buddybuddy.com    Seattle, WA    Founded 1986

Menu
Notable Events Legal Marriage Essays Legal Marriage Data Ceremonial Marriage Domestic Partnership
Legal Necessities Relationship Tips Immigration Couples Chronicles Parenting
Inspiration Orientation Basics Surveys Resource Lists Citation Information
Welcome (About) Your Host Copyright Policy Link Policies Search Site

Statement Opposing DoMA
by Mike Lowry, Washington State Governor
addressed to a constituent

August 14, 1996


As governor, I have a solemn duty to represent all the citizens of the state of Washington. This includes gays and lesbians, who are taxpayers and voters. It would be a violation of my oath of office if I were to support blatant discrimination against any segment of the state’s population.

The so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” is discriminatory. There is no evidence to support the charge that same-sex marriage would weaken the institution of civil marriage in this country. In fact, supporters of marriage should be elated that such a large segment of the population of our nation is clamoring for the stability and commitment that marriage can bring.

In reality, however, the Defense of Marriage Act isn’t about protecting or strengthening the institution of marriage. The Defense of Marriage Act was put forward to divide people, not bring people together. And that’s just plain wrong.

That’s why I recently held a press conference to denounce this terrible legislation, as well as the misguided attempt on the federal level to punish children through so-called “welfare reform.” Whether it’s discrimination against gays and lesbians or discrimination against the poor, it’s still discrimination, and it’s wrong.

It is my hope that the federal government will give serious consideration to these issues, and decide that it is not in the best interest of our great nation to relegate entire classes of citizens to second-class status.


Return to: Partners: Table of Contents

© 2022, Demian
None of the pages on this Web site may be reproduced by any form of reproduction without
permission from Partners, with the exception of copies for personal, student, and
non-commercial use. Please do not copy this article to any Web site.
Links to this page are welcome.