A powerful piece from MinnPost where Erin Keyes shares her personal story which includes a partner of eight years, the adoption of a child, buying a house and even raising a dog.

Recently, she was asked what it would feel like if the mean-spirited marriage amendment were to pass:

It seemed like a silly question at the time. But the truth is, I hadn’t really let myself think about it yet. In that moment, with the question hanging in the air, I felt it: an almost literal punch to the gut. Airless lungs, stinging eyes, a rock rising in my throat. For a moment.

If this amendment passes — after all the work, the money, the hard questions asked and answered, the risks taken, the eyes opened, the stories shared — it will be a moment of profound and visceral sadness for me, my partner, and for many in our state. It will mean that the essential commitments, needs, and realities of our family — the same as any two-parent family — are not recognized by over half of our fellow voting citizens.

Keyes continues with her story and reminds readers that no matter the outcome of this vote, she and her partner still won’t have any rights under the law. However, if this were to pass, voters would be letting Keyes – and all other committed same-sex couples in Minnesota – know that they are “less than” opposite sex couples and that rights wouldn’t be coming anytime soon.

Be sure to check out Keyes letter in its entirety. It’s well worth the read and is a tremendous reminder why we are fighting so hard in Minnesota.

Thank you, Erin, for sharing your personal story. Letters and stories like yours are changing history every single day.