County issues first same-sex marriage license

CHILLICOTHE – After decades of waiting, Paul Wrightsel and Michael Alexander have their marriage license.

"I never thought this would happen in our lifetime," Wrightsel said.

The couple received their marriage license Tuesday morning from the Ross County Probate Court after being in a relationship for over 26 years. They are currently planning a formal ceremony to celebrate the official step in their relationship.

Wrightsel and Alexander met through their love of dolls. They met at a doll show in Detroit, where a mutual friend of the couple said they would be "perfect for each other." Since that show, Alexander sought career opportunities in other parts of the country, but when Wrightsel extended an opportunity to be a part of his doll business a few years later, Alexander made the move to Chillicothe. They have barely been apart in the 26 years since.

As other states began legalizing same-sex marriage over the years, Alexander says they thought about getting married in a different state, but Wrightsel wanted to get married in his hometown. Wrightsel said it was important to him to be legally married here, as he has lived in Chillicothe since he was about two years old.

When the Supreme Court decision on same-sex marriage was announced last week, Wrightsel was in a hospital waiting room while his grandson was at a surgery follow-up appointment. Alexander was at home. They said, in the rare event they were apart, they could not wait to the happiness of the moment with each other.

"It's equal. We've leveled the playing field," Alexander said. "We're legal."

Having been together for so many years already, the couple admits that their day-to-day lifestyle has not changed much since obtaining the marriage license. But what the piece of paper stands for changes so much.

"There's lots of reasons we wanted that piece of paper.... If he was in the hospital... legal custody of (his grandson), tax write-offs, health insurance." Alexander said.

The couple has shared the news of having their marriage license through numerous posts to Wrightsel's Facebook page, as well as other open community Facebook pages. They say they were surprised at the responses most of the community made.

"There has been just a deluge of positive comments on our posts," Wrightsel said.

Even with the majority of the posts being positive, and the fact that they say they have yet to receive any outward prejudice, the couple knows this is just the beginning.

"I don't expect change overnight, but I still hope for change," Alexander said.