Why Marriage Matters: Pablo M.

This video is the third in a series highlighting Washington families and individuals from all walks of life sharing the importance of marriage equality to their lives.

Pablo Monroy of Tacoma, WA has had one wish ever since he was a young boy growing up in Pasco:

“…when I was growing up I wanted to get married, settle down, have a family…white picket fence”…“And even after I realized I was gay I still wanted that, with whoever I loved.”

The wish remained true when he joined the U.S. Navy fresh out of high school in 2006. He served a four–year tour in the Navy, where he advanced as an enlisted sailor to the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class.

Unable to serve openly gay, he joined the Service Members United Network upon his retirement from the Navy in 2010.

Today, Pablo is a student at the University of Washington – Tacoma. He was encouraged by the repeal of DADT to become an active member of the Washington State National Guard, and continues his commitment to serve the LGBT military community.

He also gave an elegant and passionate testimony before the Washington State Senate earlier this year in favor of Senate Bill 6239– the bill that legalized same-sex marriage in Washington State.

Pablo and his longtime partner Derrick are engaged to be married on August 11, 2012– a marriage ceremony that will now be categorized as a “commitment ceremony” due to Referendum 74 this November.

Pablo and Derrick will be in Seattle for this weekend’s festivities. Come meet them and show your support for marriage equality at the Seattle PRIDE parade and festival this Sunday.