Elderly gay couple marry in China – with ‘bride’ in a big white dress
White wedding ... gay Chinese couple on their big day
AN elderly gay couple yesterday broke taboos in China by getting “married” in a live webcast — with the “bride” in a white dress and veil.
One of the men wore a traditional bridal gown and headdress when he exchanged vows with his partner in a ceremony broadcast on China’s equivalent of Twitter.
The happy couple — a teacher and a bottled water delivery man, from Pinggu district — smiled for photos, with the groom looking dapper in a dinner suit while the bride proudly held up her bouquet of red roses.
The ceremony was attended by friends and family who watched as the pair — dubbed Big Treasure and Little Treasure — downed a celebratory spirit.
But reports said the festivities became too much for one of the men’s sons who eventually threw all the guests out.
Celebration ... they are cheered by their guests
Homosexuality is a taboo topic in the country although some estimates say there are some 30million gay people in China.
And the couple’s wedding was purely a private pledge to each other as China’s marriage laws do not allow same sex marriages.
The couple’s big day came after they began talking about their relationship on a social network.
After sparking a backlash against their love, the pair — thought to be in their 60s — also announced their plans to get wed online, and kissed for the camera a few times.
Reception drinks ... groom and bride down spirit
China Foto Press / Barcroft Media
The teacher, who met his partner when he delivered water to him, said: “What’s wrong with falling in love with each other?
“Why do you attack us with such abusive language? Gays in America are allowed to get married now. We are not there yet. What is it exactly that you are against? We just kissed – so what? It’s none of your business.”
They later added in a blog: “We are determined not to leave each other unless we die. We will fight for ourselves no matter how hard or painful it is.”
Symbolic ... gay marriage is not legal in China
China Foto Press / Barcroft Media
Stephen J Leonelli, from the Beijing LGBT Centre, said of the couple: “They have extraordinary courage, especially in the context of Chinese culture.
“It is even hard for young gay people to openly express their sexual orientation.”
Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/4774375/Elderly-gay-couple-marry-in-China.html#ixzz2Jjjbh6KX
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