Amarilis Marte and Mariangy Delgado Gutiérrez signed their marriage certificate on June 9, 2024, at Sloan's Lake Park in Denver. They were married by Rev. Quirino Cornejo, with assistance from Susan Law of the nonprofit Dork Dancing. Law organized the wedding after meeting the couple through volunteer work with mutual aid and migrant communities.
Marte and Delgado Gutiérrez fled Venezuela due to threats and aggression related to their sexual orientation, seeking safety and stability in the United States. They traveled approximately 5,000 miles overland from Colombia to the U.S., facing numerous dangers and hardships along the way. They entered the U.S. legally as asylum-seekers on October 28, 2023.
The wedding was supported by Denver's LGBTQ community, featuring donations of photography, a wedding cake, cookies, and a wedding arch in honor of Pride Month. A crowd of 70 people attended the ceremony, which included LGBTQ individuals and allies.
Mariangy Delgado Gutiérrez expressed gratitude for the community support, emphasizing the couple's desire for a peaceful life in their new home. The couple hopes to find stable employment and housing to provide for their family.
The event highlighted both the challenges faced by LGBTQ asylum-seekers and the support that can be provided by engaged communities.