Marriage is a good option for many gay people. It ought to be made available to anyone who chooses it.

However, I would stress that it is an option. We should be watchful that what becomes an option does not become obligatory. The expression of human sexuality can be fulfilled and healthy in ways outside of marriage. I am at my best as a single man. I cannot let social and legal proscriptions amputate my sexuality.

Queer theorists challenge the notion of 'human rights' which is then extended to 'marriage rights.' The notion of 'rights' can not exist without the notion of denied rights. The fact that individuals are 'granted' rights simply because they choose to enter into a union is not EQUALITY. In my opinion, the solution is in deconstructing the categories of gender and rights. If it were no longer necessary to assign gender at birth, we would all be first human, rather than first man or woman. Thus, PEOPLE would be 'free' to unite with any other PERSON. If we begin with equality at birth, we will be (legally at least) equal, and 'rights' will no longer be restricted. Hetero- marriage and gay- marriage would lose both their meaning and their merit.
DECONSTRUCT GENDER! :)

-Seven*

I don't give one shit about the "equality" or the "rights" issues that usually go along with this topic amongst gay men.
hell yeah I want to find the guy I could spend the rest of my life with, and yes, even do some form of "marriage" ceremony. One that is specific to us and what we decide we want it to be or stand for. Whether it is accepted by anyone else?? who gives a good god damn? I want it for me, and for the man who decides he loves me enough to want that too..... for us! for personal reasons and satisfaction... not as some statement for rights or equality..... though i do hope we as gay men, have that legal right or option to choose one day. just not gonna hinge what i want on the political issues around it.

"The personal is political"
Yes, marriage can be a ceremony, for those involved to feel validated and united, but it's also a political statement. And, considering the second class status of GLBT people, quite a political statement at that.
Perhaps we should define "alternative."
I apologize if anyone was able to misinterpret my reply as being against an individuals right to marry, or hold ceremony...

-Seven*