I feel very lucky that I was alive and aware during this time so that I could fully experience this win. Yesterday I woke up and hopped on the computer to do some job applications and was instantly bombarded by the good news on every form of social media. It was truly beautiful seeing all the support that the LGBTQ+ community was receiving and all the excitement of those who are directly affected by the ruling.
Something that I really enjoyed was seeing how many organizations and companies were changing profile pictures to rainbows or tweeting about the victory. While I am slightly skeptical that the strong presence of support was for their benefit, I am still happy all the same. In my opinion, support is support.
Naturally, I went out and celebrated with my girlfriend and friends. After posting my excitement all over the Internet, Mira and I went out for a nice lunch and a bit of window shopping. Later that night, we met up with a few of our friends and went out for celebratory drinks.
I'm so happy that I was alive to witness something this monumental. However, the fact that LGBTQ+ people receiving marriage equality is so monumental is also a sad thought. Basic equality should not be something that we have to strive for, in any sense. The amount of discrimination, prejudice, and hatred that is still present in this country is appalling. But yesterday was not the time to get wrapped up in those injustices, it was a day to celebrate.
Marriage equality is a beautiful thing and I am thrilled that happy, same-sex couples are now able to have the same right as straight American couples. I loved seeing pictures of the first couples getting married in each county, some who had been together for over 50 years! But unfortunately, this ruling doesn't magically change everything. There will still be discrimination. It is still possible for LGBTQ+ people to get fired from their workplace simply for being who they are. There is still a disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ youth who are rejected by their families and sent to live on the streets. There are still people who think it is okay to spread hate because someone has a different belief or lifestyle than they do. There is still a lot that needs to be done.
But the fact that there is still more work that needs to be done should not diminish yesterday's victory. It was a truly historic day and I will never forget the support and love that I got to witness. Love is love.
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