My name is Tim Ky and I’m 45 years old. I’m Chinese-American but I was born in Vietnam. My husband’s name is Larry Riesenbach and he’s 48 years old. He was born in southern New Jersey but has lived in SoCal for more than 20 years. We’ve been together for more than 11 years and are currently raising our 6 year old son in South Pasadena, California.

Nine years ago, we started wearing matching commitment rings on our right hands. When we first got them, we pledged that we would move the rings to our left hands when we could legally marry. On June 17, 2008, we were excited to get married in the City of West Hollywood, where we took our vows and switched the rings to our left hands.

Like most married couples, it was important to us to get married in recognition of our love and commitment to each other. We wanted to ensure that our son has the legal protections offered him by having legally married parents, and the peace-of-mind that his parents are married just like his friends’ parents. Additionally, being legally married means that we no longer have to explain our relationship to others – introducing Larry as my husband is unambiguous and empowering.