Vahey Asks "$50 For Our 50th" To Oppose Wisconsin Ban
Milwaukee - The surviving half of a gay couple together for over 49 years has asked opponents of the proposed amendment to ban gay civil unions and marriage to donate $50 to honor what would have been their Golden Anniversary on September 16.
  In a email sent to thousands of Fair Wisconsin supporters September 5, Ray Vahey asked recipients to honor his relationship with the late Richard Taylor, who passed away in late July, just weeks shy of the couple's 50th anniversary.
  "This summer I lost the love of my life, Richard Taylor," Vahey began.
  "Richard and I planned a September 16 celebration to mark our 50th anniversary, but sadly he didn't live to see that day. After 49 years, the most important thing I can do is tell our story and help Fair Wisconsin tell the stories of others like us."
  Taylor then recounted how during World War II when Richard was 17, he convinced a reluctant father to allow him to join the Navy. "Richard voluntarily put himself into harms way to protect our freedom and the rights of Americans for generations to follow. Richard fought in every theater of the war, including in the Battle of the USS Wisconsin, which is depicted in a painting that hangs today in our state Capitol," Vahey wrote.
  Vahey then told of how the couple met and fell in love in 1956. "It was a very different time, a time when we were forced to stay silent about our love for one another," Vahey wrote. "We kept that silence for decades. In fact, we kept silent until just last year." 
  Vahey then explained why they broke their silence. "It was the civil unions and marriage ban that persuaded us to speak out," he wrote. "We often remarked that this last year of our lives was the best one we spent together. That's why we both became so involved in Fair Wisconsin."
  "In June 2005, we spoke publicly about our love in front of hundreds of people at PrideFest," Vahey continued. "It felt great to share our story with so many others, and we vowed to speak against injustice for as long as we drew breath."
  "From his hospital bed, Richard wrote this year's PrideFest speech with me,"Vahey continued.. "He could not attend, but said, 'Ray, remember I'm standing right beside you.'"
  Vahey then recounted the couple's final days. "This summer Richard grew ill and had to undergo chemotherapy," Vahey wrote. "We had a date to celebrate our 50th anniversary with a commitment ceremony, but suddenly, it seemed we could not wait. We did not want to lose our last opportunity to make our commitment public, something that friends and family could be there to share with us. Rev. Georgette Wonders performed the ceremony right there in the hospital, even though we still hoped to keep our September date."
  "For the first time, we were joined by relatives and friends we love, in person and in spirit from across the country," Vahey added. "Our first 48 years were wonderful, but our last year together was by far the most spectacular because of what it felt like to be more open about our lives and to join all of you in struggling against the ban."
  "After a valiant struggle, Richard died on July 28. As I continue to fight for a more Fair Wisconsin, I know he is standing by me even today," Vahey continued. "I know Richard wanted to join me in this struggle. I have kept our anniversary celebration date. On September 16, friends and family will instead celebrate Richard's memory."
  Vahey concluded by asking for recipients to consider making a contribution to Fair Wisconsin. "This contribution will help Fair Wisconsin continue to tell the stories of families like ours and so many others who will be deeply affected by the ban," Vahey concluded.
  Fair Wisconsin has set up a special, secure site to allow anyone to honor Vahey and Taylor by making a contribution, To access the donation site, click here.