MassEquality released a new book of stories by gay and lesbian couples across Massachusetts, in which they share their personal experiences of being legally married, at a press conference yesterday.

Susan Haines of Townsend wrote that she and her lesbian partner had been together for 12 years when the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to ban same-sex marriage.

The couple got married on Dec. 26, 2004, Haines wrote, only after she came to terms with her Catholic faith, which prohibits gay and lesbian weddings.

“Her family is having a hard time with this. They love us both deeply but do not agree with our marriage,” Haines wrote. “It hurts, but we hold on to each other and stand to face life’s challenges together, as any other married couple would do.”

Haines added that she used to believe Vermont-style civil unions would provide sufficient rights, but since she was married, has “discovered that they are not and never will be.”

Lea Roy of Fitchburg, who plans to marry her partner, Lucy Proia, wrote that she has dreamed of being married since she was a young girl.

“Marriage to me is a special bonding of two people that are fully committed to loving each other, the unity of two people in sense of harmony,” Roy wrote. “Marriage shows the world that you are truly in love and committed to each other. Now I know that my dream of marriage can come true, not only for me, but for all the people like me.”