Indio: 'It's America. And it's really happening'

In Indio, there was a party atmosphere as same-sex couples streamed into a Riverside County administrative building where they had reservations to obtain marriage licenses.

"It's America. And it's really happening," said Darlene Lindstrom, 52, of Landers, who was preparing to marry her partner of five years, Marilyn Lang, 58. "It's a marriage, and it's going to last forever. We are not at the back of the bus."

Lang, a retired Social Security Administration worker, and Lindstrom, a retired law enforcement officer, met at the Metropolitan Community Church of the Coachella Valley in Cathedral City. The couple made an appointment with the Riverside County clerk as quickly as possible after the court ruling in favor of same-sex marriages; they were thrilled to receive one of the first time slots.

After obtaining their license, they were scheduled to have a wedding ceremony at their church in front of family and friends. Lang said she would be taking Lindstrom's last name -- "and I don't give that out easily," Lindstrom said with a laugh. Lang and Lindstrom said they believed same-sex marriage would withstand a ballot initiative in November. "We ask people to think about how they would feel if they were in love and denied the right to marry," Lindstrom said.

Asked what she loved most about her soon-to-be spouse, Lindstrom said: "She's a Christian. Look at that face."

"She's a compassionate person," Lang replied with a laugh: "And I love her legs."

The first license of the day was issued by Assistant County Clerk Socorro Romero to 43-year-old Philip Colavito and 44-year-old Dean Seymour of Palm Springs. The couple went to Indio because it is one of only two places in the county where licenses were available.

With a bank of photographers kneeling before them, Colavito and Seymour filled out an "Application/Worksheet for Marriage License" first. The form had two columns -- "Applicant A's Personal Data" and "Applicant B's Personal Data." Just weeks ago, the column headings read "Bride" and "Groom."

"It's getting a little more legal every minute," Seymour said as he filled out the form. He acknowledged that he had butterflies, though he said: "We accepted the responsibility of marriage a long time ago."

The couple has been together eight years.

Seymour handed the clerk a check; Romero handed the couple a standard brochure called "Your Future Together." Then she administered an oath requiring them to attest that everything on the documents was accurate.

"We're official," Seymour whispered to Colavito.

And they were -- almost. The clerk summoned over the two women who would witness the marriage application. One was Millie Ambrosino, 89, Colavito's aunt. The other was Winona Guitreau, 69, Seymour's mother.

"Congratulations!" Romero told the couple, who then strolled across the street, where they would be joined in the first same-sex marriage ceremony in Riverside County.

-- Scott Gold

Photos by Irfan Khan /Los Angeles Times. Top: Marilyn Lang, left, and Darlene Lindstrom at the Indio clerk's office. Bottom: Dean Seymour, left, and Philip Colavito look over paperwork.

Comments

[Jenna]

I am so happy for these people. May their futures be filled with lots of love and happiness. What a great day!

[Adam]

I'm getting married today. My husband-to-be and I are thrilled to be part of this historic day - not to mention thrilled to be legally married! Congratulations to all our GLBT brothers and sisters who are also getting married today.

[Robin]

I am not a bit surprised that your wedding had so much flare and fan fare....it is so very you! I am so happy for you Dean, what a long way from hangigng out with me in your Trans am with my pom pom's in the back as we" thought" we were teenagers young and in love. So happy that you have finally found true love and have all that you deserve. You are a wonderful compassionate man that I feel priviledged to have been apart of your life all these years. Phil...you are a lucky man, take good care of him!

Lots of love to you both,

Robin