Two young men
recently fooled the New York City clerk's office into
certifying what is believed to be the first same-sex marriage
in the state.
Two men fooled the New
York City Clerk's office into certifying what is believed to be
the first same-sex marriage performed in the state, reports the
New York Post,
which published the couple's photo on its front page on
Sunday.
Hakim Nelson and Jason
Stenson were married in a ceremony at the clerk's office on
Mary 26, 10 days after obtaining a marriage license at the
office. Same-sex marriage is illegal in New York, although the
state recognizes same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
Nelson, 18, and
Stenson, 21, said that when they applied in person for the
license, Nelson used a state benefit card that lists his sex as
female. The clerk did not ask him about the male-sounding first
name -- Hakim -- that appears on his identification.
He wore an orange dress and white leggings, with his hair
falling at his shoulders.
Nelson goes by the name
"Kimah" and hopes to have transition surgery one day.
Stenson views Nelson as a woman, and does not consider himself
gay.
Nelson and Stenson said
they told another male couple about their successful experience
at the clerk's office, prompting the other two men to wed. The
clerk's office said it stopped a third male couple's attempt to
marry on Friday by requesting birth certificates, and it
maintains that Nelson and Stenson's union is not valid.
Meanwhile, Nelson and
Stenson, who currently live as a married couple in a Brooklyn
shelter, have not achieved similar success in obtaining
couples' housing. A city intake officer demanded more
information about Nelson's sex when they applied.
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