A new documentary, Patrice: The Movie, sheds light on the poignant and often overlooked struggles of disability marriage equality through the story of Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham, a couple from New Jersey. The film, directed by Ted Passon, who has known Patrice for over 20 years, delves into the complexities and hardships faced by this loving couple.
The Heart of the Issue
Patrice Jetter, a school crossing guard, and Garry Wickham, her partner, are both in their fifties and live with disabilities. Their desire to get married and live together is fraught with significant challenges. If they proceed with marriage or even cohabitation, they risk losing their vital welfare benefits, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. The current system imposes a combined asset limit of $3,000 for married couples receiving SSI, making it financially impossible for them to marry without sacrificing their benefits.
The couple's situation is a stark example of the broader issue affecting many disabled individuals. As Garry Wickham poignantly states, 'They can stop us from getting married. They can stop us from living together, but theyre never going to stop us from loving each other.' Despite these obstacles, Patrice and Garry opted for a commitment ceremony to publicly profess their love, symbolized by promise rings that they hope to one day exchange for wedding rings if the laws change.
The Films Impact and Message
Patrice: The Movie is more than just a personal story; it is a rallying cry for disability rights and marriage equality. The film highlights the socio-political barriers that disabled individuals face and the need for systemic change. Director Ted Passon emphasizes the importance of this narrative, noting that the systems treatment of disabled people is often dehumanizing and absurd. The film aims to raise awareness and push for legislative changes, such as the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act, which was introduced in 2022 but has yet to pass through Congress.
The documentary also explores Patrices early life through colorful theatrical sequences, detailing her experiences with special needs education and institutionalization. This personal history adds depth to the film, making Patrices current struggles even more relatable and compelling. Her story, though extraordinary, is unfortunately common among many disabled individuals facing similar challenges.
Community and Advocacy
The film culminates in a powerful march staged by disability rights activists and numerous disabled and interabled couples, underscoring the communitys solidarity and determination. Patrice Jetters declaration during the ceremony, where she pronounces the couples together, is a heartfelt moment that encapsulates the films message of love, commitment, and the fight for equality.
Patrice: The Movie premiered on Hulu on September 30 and has already garnered significant attention for its poignant portrayal of a critical social issue. The film serves as a call to action, urging viewers to recognize the injustices faced by disabled couples and to advocate for the necessary legislative changes to ensure their rights are protected.
