"because my wife's business does cater to women, but from my observations, there seems to be more Lesbian/Bisexual women in the general population than there are Gay/Bisexual men.

Again, that is just a personal observation. Also, most of the gay and lesbian population that I come in contact with are coupled and consider themselves married. Most have had a Christian marriage ceremony and are only waiting for the rest of society to catch up with them.

Again, because of my particular social circumstances, I may have a somewhat distorted view."

Yep. Almost every couple I know is married by ceremony - and their families and friends all consider them married - it's just the federal (and usually state) government that doesn't get it.

I try to be careful to represent this in my language when I talk about it. I don't want the government to let me get married. I already DID get married. It was an awesome party, a great time, a lovely and meaningful ceremony, an excuse to wear a big sparkly dress. I don't need anyone's validation - but I do have everyone's validation that matters (that would be my family, friends, church, and pretty much everyone that I consider my "community". Even those who privately disagree with being gay and oppose same-sex marriage recognize our status as a married couple, though I'm not sure how they handle the cognitive dissonance.

All I want now is for the government to grant me the same courtesy that it extends to heterosexuals, and record and recognize our marriage for legal purposes.