Picture this: Today’s date is June 26th, 2025. You’re standing near the altar at your best friend’s wedding. The music begins, and you see her walking down the aisle. She’s glowing, and there’s a light in her eyes you’ve never seen before. The ceremony occurs, and the officiate announces, “I now pronounce you partners for life.” Your best friend leans in, and kisses her partner for life. Following, the guests erupt into applause. At that moment, your face breaks into a smile, because you know that love won, thanks to the legalization of gay marriage.

This past week the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that it is no longer legal for states to ban gay marriage. After a long fight for basic civil rights, members of the LGBTQ community now possess the same rights as opposite sex couples to marry whom they choose. Over the past 45 years, states have implemented and changed laws regarding same sex marriage. This Supreme Court ruling eliminated the anti-marriage equality laws remaining in 13 states. After a treacherous fight, #LoveWins #onelove is the #samelove, and freedom reigns in the United States.

So here’s to the individuals who have fought. Here’s to the 85 and 82 year old men who got married after being together for 54 years. Here’s to the high school girl that now has the courage to come out as bisexual and embrace who she truly is. Here’s to the wedding in five years where your fraternity brother will marry the man of his dreams. Here’s to your sorority sister who will have a candle passing after her girlfriend proposed to her. And here’s to a new era, where #LoveWins.