4 Years of Marriage Equality

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that marriage equality was the law of the land in all 50 states, almost 46 years to the day that the uprising of the Stonewall Inn occurred in New York. The United States was the 21st country to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. It was a victory for gay rights activists, same-sex couples, and the LGBT community. Two days ago, I wrote an article about why Pride Month matters and is important. In case you missed it, you can click the link below:

Since the article was posted and I shared it on social media, I received backlash from one person and he had an issue with me, an openly gay cosplayer, and LGBT rights in general. However, someone on my Facebook page came to my defense. Like I said on Facebook, I'm all about representation, diversity, and treating people equally. There's nothing wrong with companies supporting positive causes that champion equality of all people, including LGBT individuals. Treating everyone with dignity and fairly is good business. If you have an issue with that or me, then you shouldn't be following me on social media. Take your negativity somewhere else and keep it moving. You are obviously part of the problem and need to reassess your life.

Not only is it the fourth anniversary of marriage equality, a couple of groundbreaking moments happened on this day: Propositional 8 and the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Propositional 8, also known as Prop 8, was a California ballot proposition that passed in November 2008, which previously prohibited Californian same-sex couples from marrying. In 2010, it was ruled unconstitutional and didn't go into effect until 2013. The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, was a law that was passed and signed by then President Bill Clinton in 1996. It previously prevented the government from recognizing gay and lesbian couples. However, it was struck down on this day six years ago today, specifically Section 3 (1 U.S.C. § 7).

Marriage equality may be the law of the land, but there are conservatives and Republican politicians who are doing everything in their power to derail LGBT rights. What I find funny is that our nonchalant commander in chief claims he wants to "Make America Great Again," yet he's further dividing the American people and tearing families apart. LGBT people today are still be discriminated against and being denied services and accommodations, just simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Not only that, but many transgender people have been killed and queer people have taken their own lives because of the president and his administration's lack of empathy. We don't need any more lives taken away and families suffering. He and his administration are not for the LGBT community. We can show them that love speaks louder than hate.

My message to my LGBT brothers and sisters, and those who are struggling with their sexuality and still in the closet, as Pride Month is about to conclude: surround yourself with positive people who will support and love you unconditionally. Never let anyone change you and not care about what others think or say about you. Live your life to the fullest and never be afraid to show your true colors.

If you love this article or others that I've written so far, feel free to send me a a one-off tip. No tip is too big or small. It helps me and other Vocal content creators create better stories and you'll be supporting us in a positive way. Happy Pride to everyone, and be the beaming rainbow to someone.