In a time of uncertainty for LGBTQ+ rights across the nation, the community in Reading, Pennsylvania, is coming together to celebrate love and resilience in an extraordinary way. On Saturday, December 21, 2024, the Reading Public Museum will host a Mass Queer Community Wedding, a grand event aimed at providing LGBTQ+ couples the chance to marry in a beautiful, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Organized by community advocate Enrique Castro Jr., this wedding is not just about celebrating love; it’s a profound act of hope and defiance. Castro, a long-time advocate for equality, has seen the growing fears among LGBTQ+ couples regarding the future of 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.”

The event offers an alternative for couples who may feel pressured to rush their ceremonies due to political anxieties, ensuring they can still enjoy the wedding of their dreams. Castro emphasized that no couple should feel forced to make such a significant decision out of fear: “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 event will include individual ceremonies officiated by Mayor Eddie Moran of Reading and Mayor Samantha Kaag of West Reading, followed by a community reception filled with joy, music, and celebration. Services such as photography, videography, and a DJ have already been generously secured through the support of volunteers and local businesses.

Mayor Moran, a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ+ community, expressed his pride in officiating these ceremonies: “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. 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.”

Mayor Samantha Kaag, known for her passionate advocacy for diversity and inclusion, echoed this sentiment: “I have witnessed firsthand the profound joy, resilience, and courage that love brings, especially in the face of adversity. Events like this 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.”

The mass wedding is a response to growing fears about the future of LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality, especially as political debates intensify nationwide. Events like this showcase the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, affirming their determination to stand together and fight for equality. “Our community knows how to respond to challenges—with acts of defiance, resistance, kindness, and above all, love,” said Castro.

Couples interested in participating can complete the interest form linked by the organizers and begin applying for their marriage license to ensure all paperwork is finalized before the event. Additionally, community members and businesses are encouraged to contribute their time, resources, or in-kind support to make this celebration as magical as possible.

As we approach December 21, anticipation grows for what promises to be a historic and heartwarming evening. More than a wedding, this event is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of a community united by shared values of acceptance, equality, and hope.

For more details or to get involved, contact the organizers at djqevents@gmail.com.

Let this event remind us all: love will always win.