Local gay rights supporters participate in downtown vigil tonight

YOUNGSTOWN

Amber Bell and Mara Brandenstein are a gay couple who enjoy activities such as going out to eat and to movies, riding bicycles and spending time outdoors.

They have a solid four-year relationship, take pleasure in everyday gatherings and are like most couples – which they say is precisely the point.

“We trust each other; we care about each other more than you can imagine,” said Brandenstein, a Youngstown State University political-science major with a minor in entrepreneurship.

Brandenstein and Bell, a YSU biology major from Sandy Lake, Pa., started dating in high school after having met as members of their school’s band.

They also were among an estimated 50 gay and straight people who attended a candlelight vigil Tuesday in front of the Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 125 Market St., downtown. The gathering was to show solidarity regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s hearing on same-sex marriages, which started today and is to continue Wednesday.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.