“I think a lot of people don’t realize what marriage means because they take it for granted,” said 21-year-old Robert Fojtik, who became involved in his first Soulforce Q campaign last year, to challenge the military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

“It’s about equality and being given the same protections that everyone else is entitled to.”

Soulforce Q riders, or volunteers, say legalized gay marriage would also strengthen same-sex couples’ roles as parents by providing easier adoption and custody processes and by giving their children the stability and security of having their family socially and legally recognized.

LIMITS

In the United States, only Massachusetts has legalized gay marriage.

Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut and, recently, New Hampshire have legalized civil unions.

Some states, including Washington and Oregon, provide limited marriage rights to same-sex couples through legalized domestic-partner laws.

Higgins said marriage should be a privilege for everyone and that by not allowing gay marriage, lawmakers are not only devaluing gay New Yorkers’ civil rights, but their love and lives as well.

“We want people to open their minds and hearts,” she said.

Soulforce Q riders are also campaigning to have 1,000 pairs of shoes sent to Bruno’s office in support of current legislation.

“We need you (legislators and New Yorkers) to hear our story and learn about our lives,” she said.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com