Bridget Harris, 30, of Dee Why, said she and her partner Jo, 40, had been in long-term heterosexual marriages and had never been in a gay relationship when they fell in love.

Between them they have three daughters, including a set of twins, all aged six.

Ms Harris said they had been together for a year and had only just come out to friends, family and other parents at the school because they were worried they would be judged, having been in heterosexual relationships previously.

She said the Yes result had boosted their confidence that the majority of people in the community were accepting of all types of love.

The Warringah electorate polled the fourth highest Yes vote in NSW, with 75 per cent voting for same-sex marriage, while 68 per cent voted Yes in Mackellar.

“It was hard keeping our relationship a secret — it felt like we were living a double life,” Ms Harris said.

“It’s been such a relief to tell everyone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of but there’s still a stigma.

“In all my other relationships I’ve been in I could be open about them but with this one it was really difficult.

“It felt like I wasn’t being true to myself. Now it’s out there it’s like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”

Ms Harris said their children were best friends, which was how they met at the school playground.

Following the breakdown of their marriages they realised they had much in common and feelings developed.

Ms Harris, a designer and freelance writer, said she dated men online before realising she was falling in love with a woman.

At first she doubted what was happening, thinking she was having a midlife crisis.

“I thought, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ But in the end I could not fight it,” Ms Harris said.

“I never thought I’d be a single mum, let alone in a female relationship.

“But you can’t help who you fall for.”

Ms Harris said her family and friends had accepted her partner, although they had not yet told the children, who thought they were just best friends.

Senate begins debate on same sex marriage

The women have moved out of their small apartments and into a house together, with a lawn for the children to be able to play.

“Friends and family have been so amazing,” she said.

“We’ve only had a small handful of people linked to our past marriages who have been snarky.”

Ms Harris said she was writing a book on her life, which she hoped to publish next year. Read her blog at bridgetonthebalcony.com.

Crowds cheer same sex marriage success