Around the first of the year, I was doing research on the internet. I happened upon a website that offers training for wedding professionals on how to work with same-sex couples as they plan their weddings. I noticed that only two people from Texas are listed on their website as having taken the course so I e-mailed to ask if they've had a training in Texas. The answer was "no" so discussions began between us about scheduling one here. I called a colleague who works in the event planning/catering business and she agreed to collaborate. I found a venue as well so the training is scheduled to take place this summer at one of the most beautiful and popular venues in Houston.
This training comes at a pivotal time in Texas. The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on whether or not same-sex couples have a right to marry nationwide. During the recent Texas legislative session, HB 4105 was introduced that would have prohibited state or local funds from being used for an activity that includes the licensing or support of same-sex marriage. Also, a state or local government employee would not have been able to recognize, grant or enforce a same-sex marriage license. The bill did not come up for a vote before the deadline.
Business people who offer merchandise or a service to the public have at some point or another probably sold or provided their merchandise or service to the LGBT community. It make sense then, that if there is the chance same-sex marriage could soon be legal in Texas, wedding professionals would want to be trained by experts in the field on how to assist same-sex couples in planning their weddings so they could be prepared and "ahead of the game,"so to speak.
