Marriage equality is a hustler's feeding frenzy of gold-diggers. I campaigned for marriage equality in Maryland because I believe we should have the right to it, but I personally don't want to get married. I don't want to imitate the traditions of heterosexual people. I hate weddings: they make me uneasy.

John Waters’ quote, “Marriage equality is a hustler's feeding frenzy of gold-diggers. I campaigned for marriage equality in Maryland because I believe we should have the right to it, but I personally don't want to get married. I don't want to imitate the traditions of heterosexual people. I hate weddings: they make me uneasy,” captures Waters' complex, irreverent perspective on marriage and marriage equality. Known for his bold, boundary-pushing art and films, Waters uses his trademark humor and provocation to challenge conventional views on relationships and societal norms.

By calling marriage equality a "hustler's feeding frenzy of gold-diggers," Waters critiques the commercialization and materialistic aspects of marriage. He suggests that some people may approach marriage not out of love or commitment, but as an opportunity for personal gain, particularly financial gain. His comment sheds light on how marriage, once seen as a union of love, has become entangled with social expectations and material considerations, sometimes overshadowing its emotional significance.

Despite his critique, Waters expresses support for the principle of marriage equality by acknowledging that everyone should have the right to marry if they choose. His advocacy for the legalization of marriage equality in Maryland shows his commitment to equal rights, regardless of his personal disinterest in participating in traditional heterosexual marriage ceremonies. Waters is critical of the conventional wedding industry, describing it as a source of unease for him, reflecting his dislike of societal traditions that he sees as restrictive or shallow.

Ultimately, Waters’ quote reveals a nuanced view of marriage: while he supports the right to marriage equality, he personally rejects the institution’s traditional forms and the societal pressures that come with them. His words challenge the notion that marriage is inherently desirable or necessary for everyone, and encourage a broader conversation about marriage as a social construct that may not align with the values of all individuals.