A gay couple together 10 years tied the
knot Sunday in conservative Myanmar.
Tin Ko Ko and Myo Min Htet exchanged
rings in a Yangon hotel in front of hundreds of friends and family.
While their ceremony is a sign of growing acceptance of gay rights in
the Southeast Asian nation, their wedding was merely symbolic as
Myanmar does not recognize such unions and outlaws gay sex, though
the law is not strictly enforced.
Tin Ko Ko, 38, told his guests during
an emotional speech that his partner had a difficult coming out.
“My family accepted me. I am so glad
that my parents were understanding … but he had to overcome many
difficulties from his family,” he said.
“We both tried hard to make this a
reality. I am almost speechless. I am so happy,” said Myo Min
Htet, 28.
The men, both of whom work for rights
organizations, held the event on their 10th anniversary.
According to the
AFP, Myanmar held its first Gay Pride in May 2012.