For some, the new Cook County same-sex domestic-partners registry, which goes into effect Oct. 1, is a largely symbolic effort. For others, it moves them one step closer to full legal recognition of their relationship. Some will use the certificate to help partners qualify for health coverage, others might be able to eventually use it in a custody battle or the contesting of an estate.
Prominent activists will be among those lined up starting early next Wed., Oct. 1 at the Cook County building downtown. But sprinkled among activists such as Mary Morten and Willa Taylor, Jackie Kaplan and Ann Perkins, Lora Branch and Debra Brown, Marty Grochala and Fred Reuland, Jamil Khoury and Malik Gillani will be many lesser-known individuals, some taking this first step into the political waters.
Julia Saliano and Miriam Turado are members of Amigas Latinas. They have been together for two years, and when Amigas made the call for women to take a stand Oct. 1, the couple decided they would sign up.
Saliano was emotional when recounting the inspiration she received from her brother Jose Vasquez, who died in 1995.
'I just feel that my brother was as honest and as open as he could be about being gay,' she said. 'He fought for this. When there were demonstrations to legalize marriage, he was there. And for police protection, to get civil rights, he was there. He fought the good fight. He really fought to be accepted, just as a human—that gay people are just people, and they want the same thing as the straight community, respect, opportunity, jobs, housing, and those that want to love and adopt and raise children, should have that opportunity. He said there are so many children who are looked at as disposable—society would rather dispose of them, rather than give them to a gay couple.
'I never came out to him, and when I was ready to, he was too ill,' Saliano said, holding back tears. 'So I want to do this in celebration of my life and partnership, and also to do it in honor of him.'
Longtime activist Marty Grochala and Fred Reuland have been together 12 years. 'We had a union ceremony this summer, it was really great,' Grochala said. 'While this is far from getting the full rights and responsibilities of marriage recognized by the county ... it is an incremental step forward, and I am very appreciative of those on [Cook County Commissioner] Mike Quigley's staff and at the Board of Commissioners who have done this as a way to honor and recognize committed relationships among gay men and lesbians.'
Same-sex couples living in Chicago and suburban Cook County can formally document their partnerships at Cook County Clerk David Orr's office. 'The registry officially recognizes same-sex couples who share a family life in a committed relationship,' Orr said.
Cook County's Domestic Partnership Registry will establish an official record of same-sex relationships and will provide each couple with a domestic-partnership certificate stating that they have registered with the county.
One or both partners must either reside in Cook County or be employed in the county. Both partners must also be at least 18 years old and share a common household.
Partners can register together at the Cook County Clerk's downtown office, 118 N. Clark St. Bring a valid photo identification and pay a $30 fee. They also will complete and sign a legal affidavit. Call (312) 603-5584.