Protests and Proposals

by Sean Kennedy

Paul and Leo are comfortable in their committed relationship, content to coast there for the rest of their lives. But everything can change in one moment, and in the unlikeliest of places.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Short Stories, Contemporary, Gay, Anthologies

26 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 2009

About the author

Sean Kennedy lives in the second-most isolated city in the world, thinks there are thylacines still out in the wild, and eagerly awaits the return of Twin Peaks in 2017.

Reviews

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that relates to Proposition 8 and fight for marriage equality; it's pretty short for me to make a full judgment. All in all, good enough, though.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul and Leo are quite happy together and in a committed relationship, but when Proposition 8 passes in California, Paul is driven to protest by being loud and proud while Leo wants to take a decidedly more quiet approach to protesting. When Paul gets a bit heated with a group of Jehovah's Witnesses, thinking they are Mormons who voted for the proposition, Leo has quite a few things to say about Paul's actions. But that won't stop Leo from being by Paul's side at the next protest, when he finally begins to understand why Paul feels so strongly about taking a stand. Paul and Leo may not always see eye to eye, but in the end they agree on the most important thing.

This is a witty story filled with humor and touching moments. Although it is twenty-two pages long, it went by so quickly I was surprised and saddened when I reached the end as I wasn't ready for it to be over in the slightest. The story is playful and light, especially when adding in the antics of the friends Mark, Rick and Miguel (shouldn't that be Steve?!? lol), but its core is a strong message that is both moving and poignant. I adore Paul and Leo and this brief glance at a "real" relationship where a couple doesn't always agree and can bicker and argue but still be totally and completely in love and end up kissing and laughing in the end. Both their hearts are in the right place, even if they go about it a bit differently, and they will always stand together no matter what. This is a look at two men in love who are committed to one another for life, surrounded by people fighting for, and against, legalizing gay marriage. Surrounded by such a political setting, these two men epitomize why everyone must fight actions like Proposition 8, to ensure that couples like Paul and Leo have the right to marry. This is a wonderful story that I highly recommend!

http://emily83176.livejournal.com/809...

[Kassa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the Dreamspinner Daily Dose of “To Have and To Hold,” this story epitomizes all the reasons why legalizing gay marriage is not only essential but speaks to the basic rights of every person. In this wonderfully funny and moving story, Paul and Leo are happily committed when Proposition 8 was passed in California. Now, Paul feels the need to protest ~ and loudly ~ about the injustice. His protesting is not always on target as he accidentally assaults a group of Jehovah’s Witness’ instead of the Mormons they were aiming for, but his passion for the cause is clear.

Paul and Leo are a lovely couple who bicker, laugh, and make up as they agree on some topics and disagree on others. Leo finally understands why Paul feels so passionately about the topic and with the help of their hilarious and interfering friends, Leo is able to express his own thoughts in a show stopping and unique way. They prove that with or without a legal blessing, nothing can stop these two and others from expressing their love and commitment to each other.

Sean Kennedy is a wonderful writer and this short story reads almost like a short novel even though it is only 22 pages. The writing is humorous and compelling, instantly highlighting important issues in a playful and intelligent manner. From Paul’s misguided assault to Leo’s shouted declaration, these two have a few missteps on the way to a happy ending but no doubt it will keep their relationship interesting for the lifetime ahead.

For any reader who is looking for a great short story with a mixture of romance, politics, and humor fully satisfying without any hint of explicit sex, be sure to start with Kennedy’s offerings. If all the subsequent stories from this Daily Dose are of the same quality, then you’ll likely want them all. I know I do.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short m/m romance about two guys protesting Proposition 8 being repealed.

[Rvn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweeeeettt :3
And the end.. I dunno why I'm shaking, possibly from crying happy tears and at the same time laughing so much.. XD ♥

[Cerulean · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Eduardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply loved it ❤️, it made me laugh, it was perfect! To you guys, have a notion, i don't like short books, but this one I did. Never say never. 5/5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.