The gay dating service myPartner.com issued this press release today:

As the nation’s economic news worsens, and Valentine’s Day approaches, many gay men in America are re-assessing the value of true love in their lives.

‘œWe’ve been hearing from our clients across the country that the recession has helped them re-prioritize,’ said Patrick Perrine, a professional private matchmaker for gay men, and the founder and CEO of the gay dating service myPartner. ‘œSuddenly it’s clearer to everyone that material things can be temporary, but finding the love of your life is priceless.’

This will be the first Valentine’s Day since the passage of Proposition 8 in California last November.   Many expect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to be more attuned to the ideas of love and marriage for that reason, and more inclined to view Valentine’s Day as both a personal, as well as a political, milestone.

Of course, this “research” is followed up by an offer for new members to join between Feb 1st and Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2009) and receive a free three-month Premium Membership (regularly $89.95 ‘“ coupon code LW4NM ‘œLove Waits For No Man’) as a way to encourage gay men everywhere to find love.

Marketing ploy? Or do you really think the recession is helping gay men place a higher value on love? We know that booze sales are up because the economy is down. Are gays buying up love too?

Photo credit: myPartner.com.