Honestly, it was just easier to not change my name at all. I wouldn't have to stand in waiting lines at Social Security or DMV. Nor would I have to pay for a new driver's license nor a new passport. Not to mention all the other documents I will need to update.
Aside from the time consuming and economic issues, there is also the unpracticality of having a REALLY long name. Alicia usually has to mispronounce her name as well as spell it several times.
So why would I want to add her last name to mine? Well, sometimes I am realistic and practical. I know that I live in a homophobic world. This is a fact made evident by such things as Proposition 8. The only purpose of this proposition is to restrict rights. I am hopeful that Californians will vote NO on Proposition 8 in November, and that all the same gender couples who married these last few months will be able to remain legally married.
When I was considering my decision whether to change my name or not, my good friend Lindsey told me that the countless hospital trips as well as the funeral arrangements for her late husband were made a little less difficult by not being constantly questioned, "and who are you?"
This story convinced me the most. I know that unfortunately health issues and accidents happen. And since, we travel frequently due to our work, something may happen when we aren't in a state which recognizes our marriage. That is highly likely, since there are many more places which don't recognize same gender marriage. I'm hoping that being able to easily prove that we are family who share a last name may make a hard situation just a little less difficult.
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