Today will live on as a true testament to the evolution our country is taking towards LGBT rights and marriage equality. As Coty and I sat waiting for the moment that they would announce the decisions of Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act, I was overwhelmed with such emotion that has been building over the past year. Could this be the moment when my marriage becomes legal in Ohio?
Sitting on pins and needles, I patiently waited as the message flashed across our television screen, "DOMA ruled unconstitutional". My heart sank and my eyes filled with tears. This was really happening. Our nation was finally giving us the respect we deserved. No longer will we have to be denied the right to file a joint federal tax return. No longer will we have to worry about losing our home if God forbid something happens to either of us. No longer will I be told that I cannot go back with my husband for a doctor's appointment because the VA does not consider me family. Even though we have been married for almost two years, it felt as though my marriage was just now truly going to begin. Then the decision came for Proposition 8.
My heart exploded with joy as they read the decision. Then I realized, this only applies to California. The bans on same-sex marriage were not struck down and in Ohio my marriage was still considered invalid. In the eyes of our great nation, I am considered married. Yet when it comes to the Buckeye State, our home, I am still considered a friend by law standards. The love we have for each other and the life we have built here together is still not good enough for Ohio. That's when it hit me that there is still work to be done. Today reaffirmed what many have felt for quite some time, love is love no matter what way you look at it. These decisions are paving the way to full marriage equality throughout our country.
There is an old saying that I believe most of us know that goes, "Rome was not built in a day". Well, marriage equality is not either. Today marks a major achievement for the LGBT community, but there is so much more work to do. The fire has been lit and it is time to burn these bans on same-sex marriage. We must come together as a community and ignite the flames of equality for if we are to achieve anything, we must be united. The moment is upon us, it's time to answer the call.