WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the U.S. Supreme Court held its historic hearing on gay marriage, 63-year-old Charlie Divan and 60-year-old Lennie Carter celebrated 16 years of love and commitment.

Divan and Carter might be able to see in their lifetime the day marriage is legal for all regardless of gender orientation.

This love story began on March 27, 1997 when Divan and Carter decided to go on a first date after several conversations over the phone for two weeks.

Divan and Carter met for coffee and dessert at the iconic Trio Restaurant on 17th Street in Washington, D.C. It was love at first sight.

Immediately after their third date, Divan and Carter were officially in a relationship; in October 1997 Carter surprised Divan with a big proposal “moving in together.”

What had seemed like a normal proposal for Carter, who had been in a 20-year-relationship with another man, was quite an unexpected proposition for Divan.

Divan had never been in a formal relationship like the one he was experiencing with Carter.

“Charlie didn’t even acknowledge my question, he just started hyperventilating. For three months he didn’t say anything [about my proposal] until one day in January while making muffins, he said ‘I do want to live together,’” Carter said.

Six months later in June 1998 Divan and Carter bought their first home together, a 3-bedroom house in the Crestwood Area of Washington, D.C.

Since same-sex marriage was not recognized in Washington, D.C. at the time, and still is not recognized at the federal level in the United States, Divan and Carter have taken the necessary measures to ensure both are protected under the law in case of illness or death.

A Faith Shared Together

Divan was a regular at the Catholic Church, and Carter sought to integrate his faith into their new life together. They initially struggled with the church’s view on gay marriage, but ultimately they were able to separate the church’s position on gay marriage from a position derived from their own faith.

Even their priest is aware of their relationship and welcomed them with open arms. They are regular volunteers at the church, which needs extra man-hours during Holy Week. Incidentally, holy week typically coincides with their anniversary, and the couple sees this as an opportunity to celebrate both their faith and their relationship.

Thousands of Miles Together

Divan and Carter not only share love, a home, and commitment for each other, they also share a deep passion for long-distance running. Both have qualified several times for the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon, and have run the race together in 9 occasions.

However, Carter was not always a runner. In fact, he had never run a race before meeting Divan. It was Divan’s life passion.

“In one of our first dates I asked Lennie if he liked running. Training for a marathon requires a lot of discipline and I had to make sure he didn’t mind being with someone who loved long-distance running,” Divan said.

“I wanted to keep myself in shape. I started going to the gym in my mid-30’s because I didn’t want to look flabby, so I liked the idea of running,” Carter said.

In 1998 Carter joined Divan’s running group, the DC Front Runners, Washington DC’s LGBT running group. Divan and Carter are deeply admired by the group, said Jeffrey Gonzalez, a 32-year-old former running coordinator of the group.

“Lennie and Charlie not only inspire me as a runner, I look up to them as my role models. I want to grow old with the love of my life in a monogamous and committed relationship,” said Gonzalez.

Committed for the Long Run

Divan and Carter have witnessed the evolution of gay acceptance in America and strongly support same-sex marriage.

“Marriage should be a right for all. However it doesn’t guarantee happiness and adds unnecessary pressure to relationships,” Carter said.

Like the marathons they love to run, Divan and Carter have had several ups and downs. Constant communication has been the fuel to a successful 16 years of living together.

“We have talked several times about getting married, but we don’t see the need to validate our union through marriage. We are committed for the long run and that’s enough for us,” Carter said.