As the dust settles from Election Day, some members of the LGBTQ+ community are grappling with anxiety over what the future holds, particularly regarding the fate of same-sex marriage. In Fort Wayne, local advocate Branden “Della Licious” Blaettner is offering a helping hand, offering to marry same-sex couples who fear their legal rights may be at risk.

Growing Concerns Over Same-Sex Marriage

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of recent elections has sparked worries about the potential for a rollback of rights, especially regarding same-sex marriage. These concerns come in the wake of heightened political tensions and rhetoric during the campaign season, leaving many wondering if their right to marry could be threatened.

Branden Blaettner, a Fort Wayne advocate known for his drag persona “Della Licious,” has seen an increase in requests for marriage ceremonies during times of political upheaval. As a longtime supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, Blaettner has officiated countless weddings over the years, offering his services as a celebrant for couples in love.

“Della Licious has always enjoyed celebrating people who want to be together,” Blaettner said with a smile. “I love love.”

But this time, Blaettner’s offer to marry couples is driven by the rising fears in the LGBTQ+ community that they may soon lose the ability to legally wed. With the political climate shifting, Blaettner has made it his mission to ensure that love is celebrated, even amid uncertainty.

A Call for Action in a Time of Fear

Blaettner is not alone in his concerns. Rev. Carrie Winebrenner, a local ally and pastor at the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, has noticed a marked increase in anxiety from community members in the wake of the election. Many have reached out seeking comfort and assurance, fearing that the rights they fought so hard for may soon be rescinded.

“I think there’s a lot of anxiety because we just don’t know,” Rev. Winebrenner explained. “If politicians threaten to reverse these laws and civil liberties, we need to take them at their face value.”

For some, the fear of an impending rollback of same-sex marriage rights is enough to take action. “I’d rather overreact than under-react,” Blaettner said, emphasizing that it’s better to be proactive in securing rights than wait until it’s too late.

An Uncertain Future, But Hope Remains

While some newly elected Republican officials in Indiana have distanced themselves from the topic of same-sex marriage, claiming it is not a priority for them right now, national voices in the LGBTQ+ advocacy community remain cautious. Naomi Goldberg, the executive director of the Movement Advancement Project, pointed to unsettling rhetoric on the campaign trail, noting that comments made by some politicians have raised concerns about the security of marriage equality.

“There’s reason for concern with things that were said on the campaign trail,” Goldberg stated. “In the 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, there were footnotes that mentioned the foundation of the right to marry. But right now, that right is still secure.”

Goldberg, however, remains hopeful that the future of marriage equality is not entirely bleak. “More people believe in us and believe that we should be treated fairly than don’t,” she said, stressing that progress is possible through continued activism and participation in the political process.

Celebrating Love in the Face of Uncertainty

In an effort to both show support for the LGBTQ+ community and offer a moment of joy amidst the anxiety, Branden Blaettner is offering a free marriage ceremony for same-sex couples this Saturday at Fort Wayne’s After Dark Nightclub. The event will take place from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Blaettner officiating weddings before, during, and after his performances.

“I just want to do my part,” Blaettner said. “Get married now and celebrate later. This is your time.”

Blaettner encourages couples to bring their marriage licenses and to reach out if they are unable to attend the event. “I’ll work with you and your future spouse to make sure you can still celebrate your love,” he said.

As the future of same-sex marriage remains uncertain, Blaettner and other advocates are taking action to protect the rights and celebrate the love of the LGBTQ+ community, one ceremony at a time.