Book 25: Heathen Vol. 1 by Natasha Alterici

I have… mixed feelings about marriage.

On one hand, it’s an oppressive institution that creates two classes of citizens under tax and social codes and is part of a history of patriarchal control of women and their assets.

On the other hand, it’s a symbol of commitment for people who fall in love and want to spend their lives together, and that’s beautiful! It’s even more beautiful now that everyone can legally marry their partner regardless of their gender in many countries.

True marriage equality is a long way away, even in countries that have legalized same-sex marriage. Aside from bigots who want to repeal it or who refuse to issue marriage licenses, there are a lot of barriers to marriage for people with disabilities and for low income people, and even when marriage equality is a reality, the economic disparities between married people and unmarried people will need to be addressed.

Also, you know, ~the patriarchy~ and heteronormativity. That part might matter less now, but it’s still baked into how marriage works, both interpersonally and on a societal level, and just because marriage is more about a loving partnership these days doesn’t mean the patriarchy and heteronormativity don’t take their tolls.