Context:

Jim Obergefell, a key figure in the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, reflects on the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. The case, inspired by Obergefell's desire for his terminally ill husband John Arthur to die a married man, led to nationwide marriage equality. Despite the progress, Obergefell expresses concern over current threats to LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the rollback of protections and the targeting of marginalized communities, particularly the trans community. He acknowledges the progress made, noting that many young people have grown up in a world where they can envision marrying the person they love. Nonetheless, he emphasizes the ongoing fight not just to gain new rights but to preserve those already won against increasing legislative and societal pushbacks.

Dive Deeper:

• Jim Obergefell and his late husband John Arthur played a pivotal role in the Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage in the U.S., with Obergefell continuing to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights 10 years later.

• Obergefell and Arthur, who were together for over two decades, realized they could marry after the partial repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, leading to their marriage in Maryland despite Arthur's advanced ALS.

• The couple's legal battle began when a civil rights attorney highlighted that Ohio would not recognize their marriage, prompting Obergefell to sue for marriage equality and eventually win at the Supreme Court.

• While marriage equality is now widely accepted, Obergefell is alarmed by current political efforts to erode LGBTQ+ rights, including the cancellation of services and challenges to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals.

• Despite fears of losing hard-won rights, Obergefell remains hopeful, recalling how past generations fought for visibility and equality, and is determined to continue advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.

• He reflects on personal memories of his husband and shares stories of individuals whose lives were positively impacted by the legalization of same-sex marriage, underscoring the profound importance of the decision.

• Obergefell emphasizes the dual nature of the current struggle: not only to gain new rights but to maintain the liberties achieved, in the face of growing legislative challenges and societal opposition.