Tokyo Ward Becomes First Place in Japan To Recognize Same-Sex Couples

imgresWhile it’s not full-on marriage equality, the Shibuya disctrict in Tokyo, Japan is taking significant steps to recognize the rights of same-sex couples. According to CNN:

The government of Shibuya ward, one of the capital’s most famous shopping and trendy entertainment districts, passed ordinance on Wednesday paving the way for “partnership certificates” for same-sex couples, allowing them some of the rights of married heterosexual couples.

Same-sex partners who are registered with the district’s ward office will be able to hold visitation rights in hospitals and co-sign tenancy agreements.

Other advantages that heterosexual married couples enjoy, such as joint filing of taxes, are controlled by the federal government and are outside the remit of individual municipalities.

The certificates, which are not legally binding, won’t be issued until later in the summer but proponents of marriage equality say Shibuya’s actions are a step in the right direction.”It is not a marriage license and advantages will be limited but still better than nothing,” Gon Matsunaka, a gay rights activist, told CNN. “What is important for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community in Shibuya is the ruling will make us visible in society. It could be a strong driver for Shibuya citizens to learn and know what kind of problems LGBT people are facing,” Matsunaka said. For an incredibly conservative country like Japan, Shibuya’s steps are considered to be progressive and a reason to celebrate for Tokyo’s LGBT community. Neighboring ward Setagaya has indicated it would look into following Shibuya’s lead, according to CNN. A recent poll found that as high as 70% of Japanese young adults in their 20’s and 30’s support marriage equality.

On such momentous progress we say, “Omedetōgozaimasu!” to our friends in Japan and you too can say “Congratulations!’ with  one of our terrific cards. 

Sooth Wedding Day Jitters With a Card

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One of the things Proudly Yours customers love the most about our cards is how perfect they are for a variety of situations. Since Proudly Yours cards feature a beautiful black and white image paired with a quote, the cards can be used for any occasion. This got us thinking about weddings. So often on the “big day” couples are running around frantically and unable to stop and appreciate the amazing and miraculous moment that’s about to happen. With the onslaught of gift registries, showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and the arrival of out-of-town guests, it’s easy to see why many marrying couples rarely get a moment to themselves until the honeymoon. Even a simple civil ceremony requires a lot of errands and sizeable “to do list.” Couple this with nerves and wedding day jitters and you’ve got a couple in desperate of a card.

That’s right, you heard us. A card. We are big believers that a little thoughtfulness goes a long way and this is true even on wedding days. Or maybe especially then. A card like A Long Conversation (pictured above), for example, captures what love and weddings are really about. The quote by French author André Maurois inside the card reads, “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.”What an incredible message to send to your fiancé before you tie the knot in front of your friends and family. Slip it in their suitcase or give to a sly groomsman to pass onto to your partner or have it waiting with some flowers back at the hotel. Letting the person you’re about to marry know how important they are to you is a beautiful thing. This card,and all Proudly Yours cards, celebrates the love between two people. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what weddings are really all about?

Order A Long Conversation and the entire line of Proudly Yours cards here. 

Monday Meme: Straight

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The great plays of Tennessee Williams are endlessly quotable, hugely influential and, as it turns out, fantastic for amazing memes! Who knew? Before you start Googling to find out what Williams’ plays are currently on stage in your town, peruse our card gallery to see a variety of cards made just for you and the person who touches your heart.

Presbyterian Church Officially Recognizes Gay Marriage

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Fantastic news came to Presbyterian gay and lesbian couples last Tuesday as members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to change the definition of marriage in the church’s constitution to include same-sex marriage. According to the New York Times, “The final approval by a majority of the church’s 171 regional bodies, known as presbyteries, enshrines a change recommended last year by the church’s General Assembly. The vote amends the church’s constitution to broaden marriage from being between ‘a man and a woman’ to ‘two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” After 30 years of debate on the church’s stance on homosexuality, leaders in the church like Rev. Brian D. Ellison are thrilled with the decision. “Finally, the church in its constitutional documents fully recognizes that the love of gays and lesbian couples is worth celebrating in the faith community,” Ellison said.

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While not all members of the church support the outcome of the vote, LGBT Presbyterians see it as a victory. “Some of us are calling it liberation day,” said the Rev. William Blake Spencer, pastor of Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., who is gay and voted with his presbytery on Tuesday. “It will be the last L.G.B.T.Q. issue that we debate and fight about, and finally our welcome comes without a ‘but’ or an ‘if.’”

Celebrate impending nuptials of all kinds with one of our beautiful cards! 

The Touch of Love

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There are no two ways about it– we human beings need to be touched. Being held by your significant other at the end of a long day can be exactly what the doctor ordered. Science suggests that a friendly handshake, a warm embrace or even a gentle pat on the back can express gratitude, reduce stress and increase positivity and self-esteem. Further studies tell us that children who are held and touched from an early age have improved cognitive skills while senior citizens who receive therapeutic touching are less likely to exhibit agitated behaviors. Pets, friends and couples can all reap the positive benefits of touching. But what can you do when you’re not around to touch the person you love the most? Send a card, of course!

0302-Front-2ucqo8p0wwxag861l7sqh6 Our card, The Touch of Love (pictured here) is the ideal card to send your guy or gal if you’re not in town, swamped at work or just planning a romantic rendezvous for later. Available with either a female or male couple, The Touch of Love features sensual and unforgettable black and white photographs of a couples embracing. Inside the card is a quote from the inimitable Greek philosopher Plato. “At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet,” Plato says. If you’re person of few words, Plato’s words should help seal the deal for touching in the near future. If, however, you would like to add some poetic thoughts of your own, there’s plenty of room on the inside of the card to do just that.

Buy the Touch of Love and all of our cards online!