“Go, get married! But before you do…”

Posted July 2, 2015

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court decreed that marriage equality for LGBTQ+ people was a constitutional right. That night, in front of the iconic Stonewall Inn and hundreds of revelers, Edie Windsor, marriage equality heroine, teamed up with SAGE to share a special message in light of the Court’s decision. As she says, “by all means—go, get married! But before you do, learn how a marriage will impact you, both financially and legally. Put simply, talk before you walk.” Watch the video and learn more about Talk Before You Walk in a letter Edie wrote below.

Letter from Edie Windsor

I am unequivocally proud to stand in celebration today with my friends and family at SAGE. Together, we salute our LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies whose leadership and tenacity have achieved this extraordinary moment. A new day has dawned – one in which I am humbled to have played a role through my own victory before the Supreme Court exactly two years ago. The pride and courage of the plaintiffs in Obergefell v. Hodges have brought the freedom to marry to all Americans.

By all means–go, get married! But before you do, learn how a marriage will impact you, both financially and legally. Put simply, talk before you walk. SAGE and I are partnering on a new campaign to make sure people, including LGBTQ+ older people, can find the information they need on marriage. Check outTalkBeforeYouWalk.org to find out what marriage may mean for you.

The momentum of this decision propels tomorrow’s work forward. SAGE returns to the task at hand: ensuring that LGBTQ+ people can age with the safety, dignity, and affirmation that every human being deserves. The Supreme Court’s decision amplifies my love and appreciation for SAGE’s vital work — because this work is the next step in our community’s onward march toward equality for ALL.

With utmost pride,

Edie Windsor