Photos of Katie and Colette at Petersfield register office by Brett Lock

Perhaps on first meeting Colette French and Katie Green, your impression would be that these are two young women who are such polar opposites that forming a lasting relationship could never be a possibility. How wrong you would be! What is it they say about opposites and attraction? Well, this inspiring couple are living proof.

Both born in Portsmouth, England, Colette French, an administrator, and Katie Green, a recent graduate of International Relations and Politics from Portsmouth University, have been together for over three years.

Katie and Colette were the fifth of eight couples to challenge the current twin bans on same-sex Civil Marriage and opposite-sex Civil Partnerships in the United Kingdom as part of the current Equal Love Campaign (www.equallove.org.uk).

Here Colette and Katie explain how their differences are what make them a strong and united team in their daily lives and in their work towards social equality.

In outlining their relationship, sharing personal insights of how they met and the personal qualities which enrich their relationship, the couple demonstrate the commonality of human relationships and shine a light upon our similarities, helping, in part, to remove the “us and them” perspective currently so predominant in our society.

By David Equality Watters

David E. Watters, a graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, Trinity College of Music, London and the Institute of Education, University of London, has worked internationally within education and Educational Management for more than 20 years. He has taught drama and music within socially and culturally diverse settings; most recently as a Head of Performing Arts within Further Education.

He is a personal and professional development associate with The Pacific Institute (www.pacificinstitute.co.uk), personal coach, freelance writer, motivational speaker and founding member of NBI Associates (www.nbiassociates.co.uk).

David is currently working on the Give ‘em Hope Campaign, an online video initiative designed to inspire ALL who may doubt their validity since ALL people, regardless of cultural heritage, physical or psychological ability, age, economic status, sexuality or gender identity, may feel self-doubt at various stages in their lives.

His background in arts and education, combined with a solid understanding of Cognitive Behavioural Strategies, and his passion for Equality Advocacy drive every aspect of his work as an educator and a writer.

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk and Equality Advocate, has said: “I love your work, which is vital to show the richness of embracing and celebrating our wonderful diversity. As Harvey would say, you’re bringing medicine into the world that the world needs! Thank you!”