In the face of uncertainty and rising fears about the future of LGBTQ+ rights, the local community is coming together to celebrate love, resilience, and unity. through a Mass Queer Community Wedding on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 5:30 PM, at the Reading Public Museum, offering LGBTQ+ couples the chance to marry in a beautiful, inclusive ceremony surrounded by support and joy.
This event, organized by community advocate Enrique Castro jr, is a direct response to concerns about potential challenges to marriage equality. “In uncertain times, our community has always thrived when we come together,” said Castro. “This wedding is not just a celebration—it’s an act of love, and hope. It’s about ensuring every couple has the chance to say ‘I do’ without fear or hesitation. I understand the fears of the couples who were planning weddings and are now feeling they have to get married before January 20th, otherwise the weddings they are planning might just be a big party and not a wedding. I keep hearing of couples rushing to get married at the courthouse just to be sure, and while I don’t think there is anything wrong with a courthouse wedding, I myself was married in a courthouse almost 15 years ago, I don’t want anyone to miss out on the wedding they may have wanted because they feel they have to rush. I also don’t want anyone to feel they have to rush to get married if they aren’t at that point in their relationship.”
The evening will feature individual ceremonies officiated by Mayor Eddie Moran of Reading and Mayor Samantha Kaag of West Reading, followed by a community reception for couples and their loved ones. With the generous support of volunteers and local businesses, the event promises to be a magical celebration of love. Services, including a photographer, videographer, and DJ, have already been secured, and additional contributions are welcome.
“As a longtime ally and the first Mayor of Reading to raise the LGBTQ+ flag at City Hall, I am proud to stand with our queer community in celebrating love and equality.” said Mayor Eddie Moran. “In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to come together and celebrate what truly matters—the unbreakable bonds of love and the courage to stand for equality. Love and unity are the foundation of our community, and I am honored to officiate these ceremonies as we reaffirm our city’s commitment to diversity and acceptance.”
“As the Mayor of West Reading, I could not be prouder to stand alongside our incredible LGBTQ+ community and celebrate love in all its forms,” said Mayor Kaag. “I have witnessed firsthand the profound joy, resilience, and courage that love brings, especially in the face of adversity. In today’s political climate, where the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are increasingly under attack, events like ‘Pride in Winter Wonderland’ are not just celebrations—they are declarations. Declarations that love will not be silenced, that our community will not be erased, and that equality is not negotiable. West Reading is and will always be a place where diversity thrives, love wins, and every person is celebrated for who they are. Together, we will continue to fight for a future where every couple, every family, and every individual feels safe, valued, and supported.”
Couples interested in participating should complete the interest form at this link and begin the process of applying for their marriage license to ensure they are ready to wed. Community members and businesses interested in volunteering or providing in-kind support can contact the organizers at djqevents@gmail.com.
“Our community knows how to respond to challenges—with acts of defiance, resistance, kindness, and above all, love,” said Castro. “This wedding will be all of that and more. I can’t wait to see this magical day come to life.”
