Vulnerable couples unite in collective marriage in Manaus: ‘We just want to be happy’

Isabella Rabelo – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – The Amazonas Court of Justice (TJAM) held the “Collective Marriage – Citizenship for All” on Friday, 19, at Largo São Sebastião, located in the Centro neighborhood, in the South Zone of Manaus.

Aimed at socially vulnerable groups and covering the LGBTQIAPN+ public (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transvestite, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual), People with Disabilities, indigenous people and the elderly, the initiative provided for the civil union of 164 couples, with the costs of the wedding processes entirely borne by the event’s organizing bodies.

For one of the couples taking part in the ceremony, Rhuan and Roberta, who have been together for seven years, the marriage, as well as guaranteeing rights for both of them, represented the realization of a dream.

“The organization is great! The decorations were beautiful too. We were very well looked after and were given priority because of my disability, so it’s been a really good experience”, said Rhuan, minutes before entering the ceremony.

Kitchener couple Eduardo and Mara Rúbia also reported a great experience during their participation in the event. “We are very grateful for the opportunity. Everything was wonderful, very well organized. We noticed the care, affection and politeness in the way we were welcomed”, said Mara.

Diversity

According to Talita and Caroline, the initiative meant more than the celebration of a union, but a symbol of the celebration of love in all its forms. “Gay couples face a lot of prejudice and for us this was a wonderful opportunity to show our love,” said Talita.

“It’s not that hard to accept, it’s not that hard to live with. We just want to live and be happy the way we want”, he concluded.

Institutionality

The event was promoted by the State Judiciary, through the Amazonas General Court of Justice (CGJ-AM), and had a partnership with other entities such as the state government, the Amazonas Brazilian Bar Association (OAB-AM), the State Department of Culture and Creative Economy and other associations.

For the judge of the Amazonas Court of Justice (TJAM) Jomar Fernandes, who was in charge of the event, the collective marriage is intended to demonstrate the action of public bodies for people who need more attention.

“We wanted to demonstrate the concern of the Amazonian institutions for this vulnerable population through this event, in which they had no cost. We can only congratulate them on this great event that celebrates love,” he said.

Read also: Bajubá Museum launches interactive map of LGBTQIAPN+ cultural heritage

Edited by Marcela Leiros
Translated by Bruno Sena
Reviewed by Gustavo Gilona