The opponents of marriage equality have claimed that the survey on marriage equality is about everything from education programs, to freedom of speech, to fighting political correctness.

We know that the call for equality is simply just recognising the love between two people, and their desire the formalise that commitment before their friends and families.

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As we fight for the right to be able to get married to our loved ones, we’re sharing stories of LGBTI couples, and we want you to send us your story, like many couples have already done.

Meet Claudia and Katie.

Who are you? 

I’m Claudia (right) and I’m Australian. My girlfriend is Katie (left) and she’s from the UK.

How did you meet?

In a bar (code for we met on a dating app). Katie lives in the UK but as a Seafarer travels around the world. She happened to be in Perth at the time and we began talking and met in person a couple of weeks later when she returned to Perth.

How long have you been a couple?

Seven months.

What’s your favourite thing about each other?

Katie is the kindest, most generous person I know. She makes me laugh everyday and manages to put a massive smile on my face even when she’s on the other side of the world. She makes me feel like I am the most special and loved person in the whole world. Being in a long distance relationship is never easy but we’ve made it work and I’m so proud of us for that.

What has been a big moment in your relationship?

Booking a European holiday together after having known each other less than a month! Also making the decision that Katie will move to Australia next year.

Why do you want to see marriage equality in Australia?

The reasons are endless. Because I don’t want to wait too long to be able to call her my wife. Because I want us to be legally recognised as a couple and to have the same rights as all of my friends and family. Because I don’t want LGBT kids to grow up in a society where they are automatically afforded less rights and are seen differently because of their sexuality… and because who are we harming by being able to get married?

It’s fundamentally about love and equality, and the fact that we are still having to fight so hard for it in a country like Australia in 2017 is very disappointing.

How do you foresee your wedding day?

Celebrating with a small group of friends and family near a beach in the south of WA. I’ve never been a fan of weddings, probably partly due to my inability to get married, but watching this whole fight for equality play out has definitely made me want to have a celebration with those close to us. Having to jump through so many hoops to get a right that is just a given for straight couples will just make it all the more sweeter for us when that day finally comes.

If you want to send us your Love Letter, click here and get writing, and read other stories in this series.