🏳️🌈 Chris & Geoff 🏳️🌈| A REAL WEDDING
🏳️🌈 PRIDE MONTH SPECIAL BLOG 🏳️🌈
After being together for 43 years and having their wedding in 2006, Chris and Geoff wanted to renew their vows. A couple who have been through it all; and as Pride month comes to an end… this is a story that I just HAVE to share!
Geoff (Right) and Chris (Left)
Geoff and Chris shared their story with such honesty; it was clear those 43 years together hadn’t been easy. Between them opening up and the lovely team at West Bridgford Registry Office, there weren’t many dry eyes in the room.
They’ve lived through times when being two men in love wasn’t just hard—it was dangerous. From the early days in 1982, through the AIDS crisis, to finally being able to legally marry, they’ve faced it all. More recently, Chris went through a triple heart bypass, and Geoff never left his side.
Their journey hasn’t been smooth, but it’s full of strength, resilience, and deep love. Through all the challenges—both personal and societal—they’ve shown what real commitment looks like. At the end of the day, they’re a reminder that love is love, and we’re all just hoping for a life filled with happiness.
Their Vow Renewal
On arrival, I saw them over on a bench outside putting together their final touches, they didn’t see me and I got a little glimpse into just how in love they still are. I went over as they sat, sorting out their button holes and laughing at the fact that Chris struggled a bit getting Geoff’s on him!
When we got chatting, they had so much to say and the connection between them was just incredible. They bounced off each other with that classic kind of banter, full of laughter and cheek. Chris definitely seems like the cheekier one, though I wouldn’t underestimate Geoff… he’s got that quiet, dark-horse energy!
At one point, they pulled out a photo of Chris’ mum from their bag. He said he wanted her with him the whole time, which honestly got me right in the heart.
Before heading in, we took a few photos outside. While setting up, they surprised us by pulling out a DVD and a little portable player (proper old-school!) On it was their original wedding video from 2006. They played it during the vow renewal for two big reasons: some guests couldn’t be there for personal reasons, and sadly, a few loved ones had passed. But this way, they were still part of the day.
They didn’t stick to tradition with the rings either. In their words, they just couldn’t bring themselves to take them off…cue full-on tears from me… so instead, they exchanged wedding bracelets. And I’ve got to give a big shout-out to the team at the registry office, who arranged for two readers to come in and share poems that meant a lot to Chris and Geoff.
Then came the vows. Honestly, they were some of the most heartfelt words I’ve ever heard. I had to take a photo of them to keep, and to share, because me trying to type them out wouldn’t do them justice.
They’ve had some health scares recently, and today really showed just how strong they are together. Their love hasn’t wavered. If anything, it’s only grown stronger. Truly, they’re the perfect example of sticking by each other… in sickness and in health.
Being a Gay Couple between 1982 to 2025
Some people question why we still need PRIDE and why the LGBTQ+ community is so vocal… well, for so long we weren’t and we were barely allowed to walk the streets with a little bit of gayness in our step.
Since meeting with Chris and Geoff I’ve done some research into what they’ve seen change, what they’ve fought for, what they’ve witnessed and I think it’s really important to look at this now because we’re not supposed to be going through this again and again… but with how the world is, I think a bit of reflection is needed.
1980s
1982: Homosexual acts decriminalised in Northern Ireland (following a European Court of Human Rights ruling).
1988: Section 28 introduced by the Thatcher government – banned local authorities from "promoting homosexuality" in schools or public services.
1990s
1994: Attempt to equalise the age of consent for gay men (vote failed, but reduced from 21 to 18).
1999: First formal UK Government recognition of LGBTQ+ rights under the newly formed Labour government.
2000s
2000:
UK armed forces lift ban on openly gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members.
Section 28 repealed in Scotland.
2001: Age of consent equalised to 16 for both heterosexual and homosexual acts in England, Wales, and Scotland.
2002: LGBTQ+ couples gain the right to adopt children jointly.
2003:
Section 28 repealed in England and Wales.
Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations introduced – made it illegal to discriminate in the workplace.
2004:
Civil Partnership Act passed – first legal recognition of same-sex couples in the UK.
Gender Recognition Act allows trans people to legally change their gender and obtain a new birth certificate.
2005: First civil partnerships performed in the UK.
2010s
2010: Equality Act 2010 passed – consolidated previous anti-discrimination laws, covering sexual orientation and gender identity.
2013: Same-Sex Marriage legalised in England and Wales.
2014:
Same-Sex Marriage legalised in Scotland.
Civil partners in England, Wales, and Scotland allowed to convert to marriage.
2019: Same-Sex Marriage legalised in Northern Ireland, taking effect in 2020.
2020s
2020: Marriage equality fully implemented across all parts of the UK. (look back, this took 7 years!!!!)
2021: Ban on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy announced, though implementation has been delayed and controversial.
2023: UK Government blocks Scotland’s Gender Recognition Reform Bill, sparking debate over devolved rights and trans recognition.
2024 (International influence): Growing recognition of non-binary identities in legal documentation (e.g., some UK organisations start offering non-binary markers like "X" on forms, though not legally recognised in passports).
2025
As of now, UK has not yet fully banned conversion therapy – political debates ongoing.
The Trans community is under attack by “feminists” and politics.
To Chris, Geoff and the LGBTQ+ Community
I’d always hoped not to endure what our elders did, because surely that’s the point of change… to create a better world for future generations. We’re in a difficult time and the best I can do is document the world as it is, I do stand in pride parades, I do go to protests to support trans rights, I will continue to be a safe space and to continue documenting the changes we endure… let’s hope soon, that we can just be ourselves.
But right now, this is for Chris and Geoff! To celebrate their love, to let them know that their endurance really has given me and the community a better life and we will not let that be forgotten!
GALLERY
