Brian Feldman Marries Anybody* February 8, 2010

As a pre-Valentine’s Day commentary, acclaimed performance artist Brian Feldman (and one of the 20 Coolest People in Orlando according to aXis Magazine) will marry any woman (must be a U.S. citizen with no legal liabilities) who shows up to the Orange County Courthouse Marriage License Office in Downtown Orlando on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 3pm. This may result in the marrying of a woman he doesn’t know, has never met and for all intents and purposes does not love.

YES - you read that correctly - Brian Feldman will join in matrimony with a total stranger, and that stranger could be YOU!

Is this entire project a mockery of marriage? Not at all! It’s completely within the legal rights of Brian and any other heterosexual couple with $123.50 (plus $6 for a standard marriage certificate). Sound absurd? Not nearly absurd as denying the equal right to marry for same-sex couples who truly care about each other; who’ve been in committed, productive and, most importantly, loving relationships for upwards of 20+ years. That, to Brian, and millions of Americans who believe in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, is truly absurd - to say nothing of a civil injustice.

In the event that more than one woman shows up at the Orange County Courthouse Marriage License Office seeking to marry Brian at exactly 3pm on Monday, February 8, 2010 (time based on the office’s wall clock), there will be a game to determine the final selection. Otherwise, without so much as an introduction, aside from a standard greeting (“Hello, are you here to marry me?”), Brian and his bride to be determined will quickly fill out the one page Marriage License application, stand in line, show their valid photo identification and hand over the required fee, prior to returning on Friday, February 12, 2010 at 3pm to be married by a Clerk of the Court.

Any interested parties are welcome to observe the proceedings on either or both days. In lieu of wedding gifts, Brian asks that you please make a donation to Equality Florida, a statewide education and advocacy organization dedicated to eliminating discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and class. https://secure.ga3.org/01/onlinedonation You may also make a donation to the Human Rights Campaign, America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. https://secure3.convio.net/hrc/site/SPageServer?pagename=main_donate_go

WHO: Brian Feldman Projects (The Feldman Dynamic | Leap Year Day | Why Would They Do That? | sleepwalk | Under the Covers)

WHAT: Brian Feldman Marries Anybody*

WHEN:
Part I: Marriage License: Monday, February 8, 2010 at 3pm
Part II: Wedding Ceremony: Friday, February 12, 2010 at 3pm

WHERE:
Orange County Courthouse
Marriage License Office (Suite 355)
425 N Orange Ave Orlando FL 32802
http://www.ninthcircuit.org/about/courthouses/orange

After walking through security, use the elevators behind the Information Desk and go to Level 3. Exit the elevators and walk to your left. Suite 355 (Marriage Licenses & Passports) is at the end of the first hallway (aka Tunnel of Love).

Please note, the following items will be prohibited from coming into the courthouse: Firearms, Knives of any type, Handcuffs/handcuff keys, Scissors, Razors, Box cutters, Pepper spray, Aerosol cans, Tools, Tape measures, Clay and/or putty material, Glass perfume bottles over 4 oz., Chains, Oversized belt buckles. Also: No unwrapped foods or drinks are allowed.

COST: Free

LINKS:
http://brianfeldman.com (Brian Feldman)
http://twitter.com/BrianFeldman (@BrianFeldman on Twitter)
http://bit.ly/bfmafb (Facebook Event)
http://bit.ly/bfmarls (Media Release | Google Docs)
When referencing on Twitter, please use hashtags #BFMA #marriage #equality

PUBLIC TRANSIT | PARKING | BIKING + WALKING:
LYNX (Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority): Central Station is located less than one block west of the Orange County Courthouse, and served by all but a handful of bus routes. It’s an easy commute, with advance planning. LYMMO (Free Downtown Orlando Circulator): Exit bus at Livingston Street & Magnolia Avenue (Courthouse Stop). | Limited metered street parking is available along the west side of N Orange Avenue directly in front of the Courthouse, as well as throughout downtown. The closest city parking garage is Courthouse Garage; see website for rates. | Biking and walking are both good for you and pleasant modes of transportation on weekday afternoons, and anytime! If riding, please wear a helmet and flashing light (and reflective strip if you have one)! And don’t forget your bike lock!

PHOTO: Tisse Mallon

BRIAN FELDMAN PROJECTS is Central Florida’s premiere presenter of experimental time-based art. Dinners on stage with real life families, leaping off ladders for 24 hours, group tours in Google translated Swedish through IKEA®, marriage as commentary - this is what we do.

Official Website: http://brianfeldman.com