Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd, Two Grandmothers, to be First Same-Sex Couple Legally Wed in New York State

When the New York State Senate was torturing gay rights activists last month by putting issues dealing with Niagara Falls on their agenda before marriage equality, it seemed pointless. But maybe the two were connected after all!

According to a press release from New Yorkers United for Marriage, the first same-sex couple to legally wed in New York State will be Buffalo residents Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd, who will tie the knot on Luna Island in front of Niagara Falls. Also, "For the first time, to commemorate the wedding, monumental Niagara Falls will be lit in hues of the rainbow equality flag."

The release notes that:

Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd have waited over a decade for New York to recognize their relationship; and after five children and twelve grandchildren, these Buffalo residents do not want to wait one second longer. So, at exactly 12:00:01, one second after marriage equality becomes the law of their home state, Kitty and Cheryle will finally say, "I do," in the presence of family, friends, local and statewide elected officials, national VIPs and thousands of well-wishers.

Among those in attendance, the release notes, will be Buffalo State Senator Mark Grisanti, who was one of four Republicans to vote for the Marriage Equality Act. (Update: Senator Grisanti's office says that he will be out of town at a relative's wedding that weekend and will not be attending.)

sthrasher@villagevoice.com | @steven_thrasher