Tom Bridegroom and Shane Bitney Coone star in the documentary “Bridegroom.” Photo courtesy of youtube.com

Every person regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity has inalienable rights and one of which is the freedom to marry. June 26, 2015 holds an important date for American history due to the passing of marriage equality. However, some people disagreed with the decision, like Kim Davis in Kentucky who wouldn’t issue marriage licenses to same sex couples.

Before the Supreme Court announced the ruling, couples had to patiently wait for their state grant them legality. But what if the person you loved for six years died and you couldn’t be recognized by the state as a married couple, be able to help with the funeral planning, or even go to the funeral?

Shane Bitney Crone experienced these traumatic events when his partner, Thomas Lee Bridegroom, died from falling off the top of a four story building in California on May 7, 2011. Crone wasn’t allowed to go to Bridegroom’s funeral and was even threatened by relatives of Bridegroom. Same sex marriage wouldn’t end up being legal in California until 2013. They both had a successful business together but this meant nothing to Bridegroom’s family.

Crone mourned the loss of his partner of 6 years by uploading a Youtube video named “It could happen to you” which is still on Youtube and is something I encourage everyone to watch. Prior to this, he made other videos talking about his experience with his partners’ passing. When Crone uploaded his video describing the whole situation, the support he received allowed him to create the documentary “Bridegroom” which talks about their story before and after his partner’s death.  

Crone continued to make video diaries on Youtube and began raising awareness for marriage equality by sharing his experience to the world. People from the LGBTQ community can now get married but Crone’s story is more than a movie about injustice. It’s not only about coming out and how challenging it can be for some but also how it can be the most amazing time to be alive. It is about coming to terms with who you are and being able to express yourself. The movie makes you want to surround yourself with people who love you unconditionally. I think the most important message of “Bridegroom” is perseverance because love always triumphs hate.

It has been four months since marriage equality has passed in the United States and this guarantees people the right to live their life with the person they love.  Crone quotes in the movie “all that really counts is just loving as much as we can and not being afraid to be loved.”  His story makes you realize that all people want the same things in life. We all want to call a place home with the one person who can continuously make us smile even when life makes it hard to do so. Crone’s documentary teaches people about acceptance. If people could learn how to live without hate maybe marriage equality could have been passed sooner and Crone would have been able to attend his partner’s funeral.

On Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:00 PM, the Ten Percent Society will be hosting an event which will include a screening of “Bridegroom” and an appearance by Shane Bitney Crone, who will be holding a question and answer session after the movie.

This event is more than just a documentary, Crone’s story makes you feel the pain of not being there for the love of your life in their last moments. It makes you realize how marriage is more than just an “I do.”

Becca Devine is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected]