On February 11, 2020, Robyn and Sharni Edwards-Peoples had no intention of getting married.
The pair, who had been in a relationship for six years, had applied for a civil partnership.
However, upon learning from a council employee that same-sex marriage would soon be legalized and that they could opt to marry instead, they pondered, ‘Why not?’
What began as a straightforward choice developed into a five-year journey, thrusting them into the public eye and earning them admiration from individuals worldwide after they became the first same-sex couple to marry in Northern Ireland.
On Tuesday, the couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary and shared with Metro their reflections on their special day.
‘Being the first was daunting as we felt a significant responsibility on our shoulders,’ Robyn, 31, expressed.
‘We aimed to demonstrate to younger generations that it is perfectly acceptable and entirely normal.
‘In the early stages of our marriage, we often joked that divorce was not an option for us now.
Join Metro’s LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp
With numerous members globally, our lively LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel serves as a center for the latest news and critical topics that affect the LGBTQ+ community.
Simply click this link, select ‘Join Chat,’ and you’re all set! Don’t forget to activate notifications!
‘At that time, I experienced considerable pressure. In retrospect, it was merely an opportunity for us to demonstrate that we are just like everyone else.’
The wedding brought them not only pressure but also notoriety and appreciation from near and far.
Robyn recounted: ‘We received fan art, and people created drawings of our wedding.
‘They expressed gratitude to us because, at that time, same-sex marriage wasn’t recognized here, as it remains unrecognized in many other nations.
‘We had messages from individuals via email and Instagram from various places around the globe.
‘We received correspondence from India where same-sex marriage isn’t recognized.
‘People do recognize us when we attend the gay scene in Belfast.
‘They congratulate us and express appreciation for our courage in being visible.’
Same-sex marriage became legal in Northern Ireland after the Stormont assembly was suspended.
Advocates redirected their efforts to Westminster, where MPs supported an amendment to expand same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland.
The legislation was subsequently enacted for England and Wales during a groundbreaking act of Parliament in July 2013.
It took effect in March 2014, six years prior to Northern Ireland’s legal changes.
A distinct legislative measure in the Scottish Parliament allowed for same-sex marriage to be legalized in that region in March 2014 as well.
Initially, the couple had planned a civil partnership on February 11, 2020, but the registrar offered them the unexpected chance to wed instead.
Robyn and Sharni attribute their landmark marriage to helping shift perceptions towards the LGBT community in Northern Ireland.
However, they acknowledged the backlash from Northern Ireland’s social and religious conservatives following their wedding.
Robyn recalled: ‘There was significant backlash when the bill was passed.
‘Many were displeased. Families would abandon their children who identified as gay due to their love interests.
‘It’s evident that Northern Ireland is quite a Christian country. I have friends who have been estranged by their families and have faced substantial challenges.
‘Changing someone’s perspective is difficult. I believe people fear what they do not understand.
‘Individuals are entitled to their own beliefs, which is completely acceptable.
‘All I seek is the same rights as every other individual in Northern Ireland and to refer to Sharni as my wife.’
Robyn commenced her relationship with Sharni, 32, originally from Brighton, eleven years ago.
The couple is now contemplating starting a family, a possibility that their same-sex marriage has made more attractive.
Robyn noted: ‘If we were to have a child now, both of us could be included on the birth certificate. There wouldn’t be a prolonged struggle to gain equal recognition as parents.
‘We can both legally be parents and enjoy the same rights as one another.’
This pathway towards building a family is just one among many advantages that the legalization of same-sex marriage has provided to the LGBT community, according to Robyn and Sharni.
Societal norms are beginning to evolve, shaping more favorable attitudes towards LGBT matters in Northern Ireland, and the married duo has witnessed a surge of enthusiasm for LGBT causes since their wedding.
‘Sentiments regarding same-sex marriage have transformed.
‘It is no longer a taboo subject. A considerable number of younger individuals feel empowered to embrace their LGBT identities.
‘While I won’t claim it has changed everyone’s views and that homophobia has vanished, each year Pride in Belfast grows larger.
‘A decade ago, participation was minimal, with few individuals showing support. Now, it’s astonishing to witness. Each year, the turnout increases and perceptions continue to shift.’
Contact our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For additional stories like this, visit our news page.
