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The Vatican's refusal to bless same-sex marriages has garnered worldwide backlash.
One half of one of the most high-profile gay couples in the United States participated in that backlash, too. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg's husband, Chasten Glezman Buttigieg.
Chasten is a "teacher, author, advocate and husband." His critically acclaimed book I Have Something To Tell You: A Memoir was released on September 1, 2020.
Chasten's reply to the disappointing statement by the Catholic Church showed a candid black-and-white photo of himself and Pete on their wedding day, with a powerful caption:
"🏳️🌈 Love is love. 💍 Gay marriage is legal. 👋 The Pope isn't your County Clerk. 🍷 Register for the fancy sheets and wine glasses. ❤️ Peace and blessings."
People thought it was a perfect response.
Chasten and Pete have been widely hailed as "saving lives," after Pete made history first on the presidential debate stage and then as the first openly LGBTQ+ Senate-confirmed cabinet secretary, heading up President Biden's Transportation Department.
His referencing of Chasten as his husband during his confirmation hearing was a historic moment in and of itself.
The Vatican's decision has been blasted worldwide by celebrities from Dan Levy to Elton John, Brandi Carlile and Mia Farrow.
Some of the church's own priests have vowed to defy the words of the Vatican.
"We members of the Parish Priests Initiative are deeply appalled by the new Roman decree that seeks to prohibit the blessing of same-sex loving couples. This is a relapse into times that we had hoped to have overcome with Pope Francis."
Pope Francis' former spoken stances on homosexuality aside, the Catholic Church has never been an ally for LGBTQ+ people.
People like Chasten Buttigieg and his husband Pete have shown the LGBTQ+ community don't need anybody on their side to confirm or legitimize their love.
In the words of Vida Boheme and Noxeema Jackson:
"Your approval is not needed."
"Approval neither desired nor required."