For years, people in Ohio, Texas, Puerto Rico, and nine other states watched as several states legalized marriage for same-sex couples. As an Ohio resident, it was frustrating to see so many other states realize that marriage is a right that any person should have access to, yet the Ohio government was barely making progress. It was hard to know that strong, healthy couples in my state wouldn’t be considered married just because of their biological sex. It pained me to know that my best friend wouldn’t be allowed to marry the man he loved, just because he is also a man.
Finally, on June 26, the Supreme Court made a decision so the states wouldn’t have to. Now anywhere in the United States, couples can enjoy the benefits of legally recognized marriage no matter where they are in the country. People all over the United States celebrated this momentous step towards equality. Rainbow flags decorated cities and flew alongside the United States flag. Within hours, same-sex couples were getting married after years of being denied this human right.
For one Ohio couple, this day was the ultimate life-changer. Kate* had been planning to propose to Destiny* on the 26th for months; she had the perfect ring in her pocket, a video from their loved ones, and an incredibly beautiful proposal all planned out and set up. That morning they received the news that they would be allowed marry each other in their home state, which made the proposal even more special. Even if the Supreme Court ruling had not determined same-sex marriage as legal, Kate and Destiny still would have gotten engaged that day. They still would have celebrated their commitment to each other and would have made their own fairy-tale ending--and now their home state will recognize their commitment. Their marriage will finally be equal to marriages of heterosexual couples, and they will have all of the same benefits. Thanks to the Supreme Court, couples all over the country, like Kate and Destiny, will finally have their fairy-tale ending legally recognized.
Yes, marriage equality is a huge step in the right direction, but we still have a lot more to do. Same-sex marriage is equal, but that does not mean the LGBTQ community is always treated equally. Many people in the LGBTQ community are victims of discrimination and face prejudice on a daily basis. Society still holds a stigma against homosexuality. We cannot let the legalization of same-sex marriage stand as a finish line for equality; it’s only a mile marker on the way to equality.
One of the biggest things we need to change is the usage of the word “gay.” I don’t think there are many things worse than people saying, “That’s so gay,” when they mean “That’s so stupid/awful/wrong.” This phrase just reinforces the concept that homosexuality is not okay. Traditions are passed through language; if we eliminate the usage of ‘gay’ as an insult, we can phase out the negative meaning of ‘gay.’ We also need to eliminate the usage of homophobic slurs. Homophobic slurs are used too commonly in everyday talking and texting. Many people don't think about how hurtful and offensive their words can be.
We need to demote the idea that families must include one mother and one father. Every family is unique and functional in its own way, no matter the make up of the family. We need to understand that children do not miss out if they don’t have one father and one mother.
These are ideas that will take a long time to change, along with many other ideas. June 26, 2015 is a day that will be celebrated for years to come. This day brought about a momentous step towards equality. Marriage equality is a huge step in the right direction for the United States, and hopefully we can be models for countries that have yet to take this step. As my best friend Joe Frankhauser said “Ultimately, it’s nice to know we’re moving forward and that soon we won’t have to hide part of who we are as gay people from so many in fear of ridicule. I know that someday soon we’re going to be able to live peacefully, and it’s a great feeling.” This Supreme Court ruling has brought forth so much support for equality and makes me optimistic for the future.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
