Two New York City men have spoken out about how wedding vendors can still cause difficulties for same-sex couples who want to get married.

Daniel Sheehan and Matt Price, both 31, are planning their wedding in western North Carolina. The region is in the mountains, and the men must plan to drive relatives around on the day, including older and less mobile people.

They want to rent a means of transportation to assist their guests.

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“We were just trying to get our grandparents and guests from point A to point B,” Sheehan told People. “This shouldn’t have been the most complicated part of our planning process.”

They emailed a trolley rental company to inquire about pricing and received an email response asking if it was a same-sex wedding.

When they confirmed this, they received a response from a staff member who said, “Matt, is there any way to put this in a friendly way? We are a Christian company and strive to follow the Scriptures as best we understand them.”

The letter continued: “Because marriage is sacred and ordained by God, we do not perform marriage ceremonies for persons who are not man and woman. All other services we offer are open to all. We wish you no harm, we simply want to remain faithful to what we believe the scriptures teach. How can God be God if we do not allow Him to be God?”

“The gay community doesn’t know when to stop the pressure”

Daniel and Matt chose not to respond, but felt it was right to leave a Google review to warn other LGBTQ+ people about the company’s stance.

This led to a second, angrier email from the woman at the company.

“Daniel, your answer is exactly what put the narcissistic liar Donald Trump in the White House. The gay community doesn’t know when to stop pressuring and ultimately pressured Christians to vote out of fear.”

It continues: “One thing I have learned in my years as a political activist is that you must never corner your opponents, because they will emerge stronger. If you try to sue, you will only create more martyrs for Trump’s cause, and democracy will continue to melt away under the Republican onslaught.”

Daniel and Matt say they were speechless by the email.

“When we got the answer, I was shocked,” said Matt People“This is coming from a person and a company that is located maybe 10 miles from where I live… and during the planning process, it never occurred to me that this experience we are having would even be possible today.”

Both men say that despite the Supreme Court’s decision in favor of marriage equality, there are still battles to be won.

Grandma Ginny finds out

The couple told some family members about the discrimination they were experiencing. Soon, the news spread over the family radio and reached Daniel’s grandmother, 90-year-old Ginny Parasiliti.

Daniel said he was worried about how she, a first-generation Italian Catholic, would react. Daniel is especially close to his grandmother, as she and her husband raised him when his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

“She was afraid of exactly what we would experience if I came out,” Daniel said. “I knew it would hurt her if she knew what happened.”

Grandma Ginny was upset… but also angry. She immediately sent Daniel a message.

“Hi guys, I’m just ANGRY!!!!! But I won’t let these fanatics ruin my excitement for your wedding,” her caption read. “Christianity is about loving each of us and the path we have chosen!!!! Love is who we choose as a partner and the one who completes our lives!!!! Hold your heads up high and be PROUD of who you are!!! Amazing people!!!!! I love you with all my heart. ♥️”

She then sent a very grandmotherly follow-up text message saying, “I have a new recipe for you. Tuscan chicken. I’m sending it to you. 👍💕💕💕”

Daniel said the reaction was typical of his grandmother, who always passionately defended her gay grandson.

“She is a bright spot in my life. She is so open in her support and has become another grandparent to my friends, including many who have had less pleasant coming out experiences.”

Daniel says he wanted to share his and Matt’s experiences to raise awareness of the challenges same-sex couples continue to face when getting married. He says LGBTQ+ rights are not just an issue for younger generations, but something everyone can get involved in defending, regardless of age.

“Inclusivity, acceptance and LGBTQ+ progress are not specific or unique to a younger generation. It is the responsibility of every generation to make a difference and be part of that progress.”

Queer asked Daniel for further comments.

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