Requests for the humanist affirmation ceremony arranged for lesbian and gay couples by the Pink Triangle Trust are on the increase. Helped no doubt by advertising in the gay press, including Gay Times, the northern publication Scene, and Scotsgay, enquiries are now coming in almost every day.
So far this year, the ceremony, which gives lesbian and gay couples the opportunity to declare their love and commitment in front of family and friends, has been held in towns in many parts of the country, including Alcester, Blackpool, Blackburn, Cardiff, Derby, Northampton, Redditch, York, and of course London.
At the time of going to press, the latest ceremony took place near Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where the PTT is based, and I was delighted to be invited to it.
28-year-old Actor Graeme Aiken and his partner John Etchells, who is the same age and a senior carer in a nursing home, booked a suite at a large country hotel for their ceremony which was conducted by Birmingham officiant Vic Jones.
Attired in colourful outfits made specially for the occasion, Graeme and John made their pledges of love and commitment and exchanged rings before about fifty guests. Afterwards, the guests all signed the Affirmation Certificate and tucked into a three-course meal washed down with large quantities of wine.