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Queer wedding readings
A wedding reading should sound like the couple getting married — not a rewritten version of them. These pieces come from queer poets and from writers whose language is generous enough to belong to any couple standing at the aisle.
Warm, sometimes political, always specific — chosen because they celebrate love as it actually shows up.
Queer readings we love
- 01
Book of Genesisby Kei Miller, b. 1978Until even silent dreams had been allowedRead the full poem - 02
How long we were fool'dby Walt Whitman, 1819 ~ 1892We have voided all but our own freedom, all but our own joyRead the full poem - 03
I know you knowby Michelangelo, 1475 ~ 1564Let the wall between our hopes and desires be battered down.Read the full poem - 04
Love from NGC7318by Tanerelle, contemporaryYou make me feel like each of the five galaxies swirling in Stephan's QuintetRead the full poem - 05
Mysteries, yesby Mary Oliver, 1935 ~ 2019Let me keep company, always, with those who say 'look' and laugh in astonishment and bow their heads.Read the full poem - 06
Obergefell v Hodgesby Anthony Kennedy, b. 1936Since the dawn of history marriage has transformed strangers into relatives, binding families and societies togetherRead the full poem - 07Song of the Open Roadby Walt Whitman, 1819 ~ 1892I give you myself before preaching or lawRead the full poem
- 08
White Writingby Carol Ann Duffy, b. 1955No poems written to praise you. I write them white.Read the full poem - 09Wild Geeseby Mary Oliver, 1935 ~ 2019You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.Read the full poem
Choosing your reading
What makes a wedding reading a Queer wedding reading?
Love is love, and any love poem can work beautifully at a Queer wedding. However, sometimes it's important to celebrate the unique experiences of the people getting married, and the poems presented here come from the lived experience of Queer people. For more help choosing your reading, check out the Free Resources we have for Resplendants (wedding readers), particularly the video 'Seven Tips to Find the Perfect Poem'.
What are the tips to delivering a "queer" wedding reading like a pro?
Own the poem completely. Don't read it as if it needs apologising for, or as if you're waiting for someone to object. Full commitment is the whole performance. Make sure you check out the performance tips we have for each poem, and visit the Performance Bootcamp for general tips every Resplendant (wedding reader) can follow.
Can any love poem work at a queer wedding?
Yes — love is love, and the great love poems are addressed to love itself, not to a particular kind of couple. The poems in this collection are here because they come from queer poets or because their language is generous enough to belong to any two people standing at the aisle. But there's no rule that says you're limited to this list. For more help choosing your reading, check out the Free Resources we have for Resplendants (wedding readers), particularly the video 'Seven Tips to Find the Perfect Poem'.