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Bucuti & Tara has always believed in, supported, fought for and celebrated that Love is Love. And, now, Aruba has officially signed into law that same-sex marriages are finally legal, too.
“I Do” for all
July 12, 2024, marks a historic moment for Aruba and the LGBTQ+ community. The ruling by the Supreme Court of the Netherlands now recognizes same-sex marriages are legally recognized in the constituent country of Aruba.
This monumental decision is a testament to progress and equality. At Bucuti & Tara, we believe that to find love is recognized as one of the most sacred, human rights that every single person deserves without prejudice.
Bucuti & Tara has long been a visible, proud, active ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The resort has been a longstanding, dedicated member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) for decades, upholding TAG-approved standards that reflect our dedication to inclusive service and employment.
Achieving locally, supporting globally
This giant win for our small island includes our support of the same shared standards and respect we hope everyone can experience. As strong advocates for integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our work, we emphasize the importance of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
This goal urges everyone to take a stand for full equality. Specifically, SDG Target 10.2 focuses on preventing exclusion based on "other status," which includes a wide range of identities and statuses to include LGBTQ+ individuals. The aim of Target 10.2 is to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals by 2030, regardless of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status.
Aruba’s first same-sex marriage happened at Bucuti & Tara
We are proud signatories of the recent, successful petition that helped Aruba pass into law the equal recognition of same-sex marriage. We stood by our staff, our guests and community, we are more than an ally, members of our team are also a part of the LGBTQ+ community and it has been a long fight that is worth the win for everyone.
Did you know…Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort was honored to host Aruba’s first same-sex marriage ceremony back in 2008? Yes, while it has taken until 2024 for same-sex marriages to be recognized legally on the island, we have celebrated and proudly hosted same-sex vow exchange ceremonies for 16 years.
Our island’s first same-sex marriage ceremony in 2008 began with an engagement here at Bucuti & Tara the year prior. Aruba fans and wedding couple Jude Medeiros and Jean-Marie Navetta took the next step in their relationship here on their balcony at the resort when Jude got down on one knee, proclaimed her love for Jean-Marie and presented her with a Caribbean blue diamond, the color of the water in Aruba.
The next morning, after hearing the exciting news, Resort Manager Deborah Dentelman at the time congratulated the couple and said she genuinely hoped they’d consider having their wedding ceremony at Bucuti & Tara. Touched, the couple looked ahead at wedding planning, but also as they expressed, unlike heterosexual couples, they also looked at what their lives would look like in terms of becoming a married gay couple, what protections would be in place, and how they would feel affirmed. As the couple looked ahead to figure out the rights they even had in their home states in the U.S., Jean-Marie found herself asking, “Why shouldn't we have the same public declaration of love as everyone else?”
Jude and Jean-Marie’s family and friends enthusiastically joined in celebrating their love. Simultaneously, Jean-Marie’s parents also joined in reaching out to attorneys to codify the rights they would have, which at the time, would not be immediately gained by marriage whether after returning to the U.S. and one that was not recognized legally in Aruba.
The couple’s journey and celebration resonated so much that Jane and Jane magazine dedicated a four-page spread to them, “My Big Fat Gay Wedding.”
No. 1 for honeymoons
Over the years we’ve evolved to being the treasured spot for celebrating honeymoons. BRIDES, Tripadvisor, Caribbean Journal and more have repeatedly been named Bucuti & Tara No. 1 Hotel for Honeymoons. The resort’s tranquility, laidback luxury setting, spaciousness and highly personalized service let honeymooners focus on one another. With our popular “What We Are Not” list, newlyweds can quickly realize that we’re serious about romance.
Standing together for love
Back in 2008, Bucuti & Tara joined Jude and Jean-Marie in pursuing the right to be equally recognized and celebrated. Jude and Jean-Marie along with every member of the LGBTQ+ community that we have welcomed to both our resort as a guest or as a staff member continues to be a privilege.
Today, as every day, Bucuti & Tara stands as a beacon of support and love for the LGBTQ+ community. We will continue to champion the rights that allow everyone to love freely, openly, and equally whether here in Aruba or throughout the global community.
As always, wishing you Peace, Love & Happiness…Naturally.