For as long as we can remember, it has been a fight. They marched in hopes of moving forward. They rallied to be recognized. They demanded equality and battled for respect. On Friday, June 26, the LGBTQIA community was finally introduced to triumph.
The Supreme Court's ruling delivered a historic victory for gay rights, reinstalling hope in a nation accustomed to bad news. The news was so exciting, so filled with love, that we could not stop its spread. We united under the mantra: love wins.
It is evident that the fight for equality is unfinished. Ignorance and discrimination will not dissipate overnight. However, before we dwell on the ways we have to go, we must take a look at how far we have come.
This was not only a win for the LGBTQIA community, but for our nation as a whole. It is a sign of progress, a promise for future change. The marriage equality ruling comes with a message to all those fighting to make positive change on any level: don't give up. The LGBTQIA community refused to accept defeat. When they were overshadowed by shame, they flew rainbows.
Above all, this ruling gives me hope for future generations. I hope that our children are raised in a world where they are accepted exactly as they are. I hope that they feel free to love whoever they please, and have the pride to show it. I hope that they have the courage to stand up for what is right and just, and that they continue to fight in the face of adversity. As children, we were taught to clean up our messes, to make every place look better than when we came. I believe that marriage equality is one way in which we have bettered the world from how we discovered it.
The LGBTQIA community is an inspiration to us all, no matter what we support. They have taught us that, no matter the length of a battle, justice will overcome. Love will always win.
