"My husband Francisco and I have been together five years and legally married (in parts of the United States) two years. He was raised in São Bartolomeu, Terceira and moved to the United States when he was ten.
We have been very fortunate that both of our families here are fully supportive of us in every way. One of the most important moments in my life was when my 77 year old Iowa Farmer Father met him for the first time. He got out of his chair, walked over and hugged him less than one minute after he walked in the door. He passed away a year later. That moment that my dad shared with him (which he had NEVER done with anyone I was with) told me that everything was as it was meant to be.
Two years ago we went to to visit Terceira. Francisco's first time in 16 years. I had never been before and fell in love with it (and Aguardente and Cracas)
His aunt and uncle, who we stayed with, came and visited us last fall. They speak no English and I just started learning Portuguese (European of course). They have all daughters, no sons. By the end of their visit, I was told (very firmly in only a way a Portuguese woman can tell you) that I was forbidden to call them aunt and uncle... that I was to call them mom and dad (mãe e pai). There was no argument from me.
We are going back this fall so I began looking online at what more I can enjoy this trip. To my surprise, I came across Pride Azores. When we were there last, we met one gay man. How things have changed the past two years. It only takes one person with the drive to make a difference. Congratulations to Pride Azores. May you grow stronger every day.
Though I am Irish, German and Dutch by blood, I am Azorean by heart. I know more about my chosen heritage than my blood. Being Proud is not about being gay or straight, black or white, male or female. It is about gathering strength from who you are, whether by birth or choice."
~Chase Lough, married to Francisco Furtado
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