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October 15, 2008
MICHAEL LUCAS AND RICHARD WINGER ANNOUNCE MARRIAGE CEREMONY IN CALIFORNIA
October 15, 2008 (New York, NY) -- Michael Lucas and Richard Winger are pleased to announce their upcoming marriage in Los Angeles, California. A private ceremony will be held in West Hollywood and performed by Councilmember John Duran. Michael Lucas is President and CEO of Lucas Entertainment, New York City’s largest gay adult production company. Richard Winger is an international businessman and President Emeritus of New York City’s LGBT Center. The occasion also celebrates the couple’s eight-year relationship together.
The couple will use the event to host a fundraiser for Equality California, a leading statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights and advocacy organization. Through their “No On Prop 8” campaign the group has been spearheading the fight against the homophobic Proposition 8 initiative, which calls for the elimination of the right for same-sex couples to marry.
While both individuals are prominent members of the gay and lesbian community in New York City, the couple must hold their ceremony in California at this time for two reasons. First, New York State does not acknowledge same-sex marriages performed within the state. Secondly, if Proposition 8 passes in November, California may not legally recognize their marriage.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming ceremony, and I’m proud to be having it in a state that accepts our relationship,” said Lucas. “This is not only a declaration of our love, but as a way to show that gay people can marry just like heterosexual couples. While it’s difficult to believe these rights may be swept away by such ignorance, it’s moments such as this when we need to come together and fight for a cause.”
“I have loved Michael for eight years, ever since we met at a Holiday Party, and I look forward to reaffirming our love and our relationship,” added Winger.
The event will be attended primarily by members of the adult entertainment industry. Following their nuptials in California, the couple plans to commemorate the ceremony with a gathering in New York City in November.
Posted by Michael at October 15, 2008 04:27 PM
Comments
Congratulations Michael & Richard, 8 years is a long time to wait for that special day. We're proud that you're taking a stand on section 8 similar to that of John Rutherford and his life partner Thom Settle.
As you know Brian and I have been together for 11 years now ourselves, so we share your desire to have the world recognize your union in all the fairness and equality the rest of the world takes for granted.
Thank You for posting this on your blog Michael, it's such a Great Thing for You and Richard! We Wish You Both All The Best!
Sincerely,
Scott (Muscle Lover) & Brian (Twink Fan)
Co-Founders of O.G. Product Review
www.onguys.com
Posted by: Scott&Brian at October 15, 2008 10:33 PM
I'm so happy for you both! You deserve it after 8 years together! I've already cast my vote for equality!
To all my fellow californians: Vote No on Prop 8!
Peace,
-
Justin
Posted by: justin at October 15, 2008 10:37 PM
where are you registered?
Posted by: Robert at October 16, 2008 04:39 PM
Congrats guys!!!
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.
Posted by: Hugh at October 16, 2008 05:01 PM
Congratulations! I'm in LA - when and where is the wedding/benefit? I'd love to support it!
Jim
Posted by: jim at October 16, 2008 07:33 PM
It's so wonderful that you both found each other and have found happiness. Like everything else Michael does, this marriage will be a huge success!
It's beautiful that you two are turning your special day into a fundraiser that will help other. You guys are real gay heroes and deserve all of the love and respect the world has to offer.
Congratulations and thank you for giving back to the community.
Posted by: Robert at October 17, 2008 03:52 AM
congratulation!
Posted by: sammyhot at October 17, 2008 11:00 PM
Congrats Michael and Richard,with so much against our people living in Amerikkka it is difficult enough to have a positive,responsible relationship.There is a chance that,unless prop8 passes,I will be tying the knot also.I am currently living in Arizona,where we also have an evil proposition 102.If Prop 102 passes I will move to either a free state,Mass.or Conn.or Cali.I am so sick and tired of the prevailing redneck agenda in my country of birth,Amerikkka,that I have set up the necessary connections to move also to either Canada or Great Britain.Hey,I will be 50 soon and I don't want to fight about it anymore.Ignorant people think us incapable of loving and they insist our lives are a choice,the ignorant also suggest a "queer agenda"where compassion for other ways of life are trampled underfoot.I suggest that if we are not a compassionate people,how else can the survival of someone like Rev.Phelps be a reality?
Posted by: Dodge at October 19, 2008 03:00 PM
Congratulations Michael and Richard!!!! May your joy be without bounds. And may Proposition 8 wind up where it belongs -- on the trash heap of bigotry.
Posted by: Marc J. Randazza at October 20, 2008 04:18 PM