Patrice's Story: Fighting for Marriage Equality for the Disabled
- The documentary features Patrice Jetter and Gary Wickham, a couple in their fifties living with disabilities.
- They face challenges due to restrictive asset limits for SSI benefits, which hinder their ability to marry.
- The film advocates for marriage equality and highlights the need for reform in disability rights.
In the United States, a documentary titled 'Patrice: The Movie' explores the challenges faced by disabled individuals seeking marriage equality. The film follows Patrice Jetter and Gary Wickham, a couple in their fifties, as they navigate the complexities of disability benefits that hinder their ability to marry due to strict asset limits. The couple's commitment ceremony highlights their love despite societal and bureaucratic obstacles. The film emphasizes the need for reform in disability rights, particularly regarding the SSI asset ceiling, which currently restricts married couples to a combined asset limit of $3,000. Advocacy groups, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, are pushing for legislative changes to support disabled individuals in their pursuit of love and stability. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a rallying cry for the disability community, advocating for recognition and respect in both personal and political spheres.