In New Jersey, when the name Steve Goldstein
comes up...immediately you think...gay rights...Garden
State Equality and the wonderful work they
do...yikes...foot on your neck!
Or you probably remember the historic event of Steve
Goldstein (pictured with brother, Richie) as he
and Daniel Gross became the first same-sex couple
to announce their wedding when Vermont passed
legislation recognizing same-sex unions. And...it's
probably good that he did since during one of their
work-related seperations, Goldstein had a $1,500
phone bill.
Or...if you want the cute stories on Steven, you've got to
view his slide show on the 10th Anniversary website
during the week of the ceremony. It's literally a class-
act piece on his and Dan's lives.
But...if you really know Steven, you will know that the
other love of his life is his 42-year old brother, Richie
whom Steven calls the "gift from God." Steven's
parents are among a handful of families who 25 years
ago founded a village in New England, Lukas
Community, for profoundly disabled people where
Steven and his partner, Daniel visit every month.
Richie spends time with both Daniel and Steven here
in New Jersey and Steven's parents in New Jersey on
a regular basis.
Just as everyone has dreams...so does Steven
Goldstein. "After we win marriage equality in New
Jersey," says Steven, "I will go back to rabbinical
school full-time. My dream is to be a clergy member
for those who are differently abled."
Steven strongly believes that the disabled have gifts
the rest of us don't have. "You know," he continues, I
keep hearing I have an impact...whatever, but it's
nothing compared to the impact Richies on people.
I'm nothing compared to him, really."
Mmmmm...that's another side...a great side...of
Steven Goldstein...we're glad to share it.
