On this day in 2015 the Supreme Court struck down all remaining states bans on Same Sex Marriage, legalizing marriage equality across all 50 states. So Happy Anniversary to the many many people who got to FINALLY marry the love of their lives.
On this day in 2013 the Supreme Court struck down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage act, which prevented the Federal Government from recognizing Same Sex Marriage. Also in 2013, the Supreme Court came to a decision in the Case of U.S. vs Windsor. Edie Windsor Was charged an inheritance tax on the estate of her late wife, which would not have been the case if her spouse had been a Man. The court ruled in her favor. Another instance of marriage equality on this day. In 2013 the High Court declined to review a lower courts ruling that invalidated California’s Proposition 8.
So, Happy Pride month. These historic rulings are just one of the reasons why June 26th is one of my favorite days.
Let me take you back to my experience 5 years ago... Annie was at work, I was watching the news in our little apartment. When the decisions came I celebrated by myself and texted Annie, and celebrated the news on twitter, while I was busy being distracted, I received a text message from my Mom.
Let me give you a little back story here. Prior to this day, my Mom and I never really talked about Marriage equality, she knew I was a lesbian, but we never really spoke about it. She knew that Annie lived with my brother and I but other than that we really didn’t discuss it. There is just a long long story that goes here, but its one I like to keep to myself and my loved ones. Maybe someday dear readers. So back to the story.
I didn’t see my Mom’s text right away, so she called. She was in Philadelphia at the constitution center. She asked if I saw her message, she told me about her trip, and told me of all the rainbows and celebrations beginning to form. It was amazing, and arguably the best phone call I’ve ever taken.
This day is historic for many, but for me it is one of the most important days in my life. It opened up the discussion of wedding planning. It was one of the first days I truly felt loved and accepted by my family. I always knew their love was there, but it never felt like it was an open and honest love. I felt shame leading up to this day. Shame that was absolutely debilitating. I hold no grudges and place no blame on others, because that shame belonged to me alone. I am so grateful for my own personal growth and the growth of my loved ones that have helped me overcome this shame. I’m grateful to the woman from my parents church, who recognized me in Walmart with Annie, and saw me drop her hand. I’m grateful that she made a point then to come talk to me and ask me to introduce her. I’m grateful for the love others have provided me that has made my personal growth much easier. One day I will get the opportunity to thank that woman in person, but for now, I’ll settle with this. I’m grateful for the youth leaders during my formative years that took the time to get to know me and love me. I’m grateful to still get to experience their love today and every day.
While the day I married Annie reigns supreme as the best day of my life. June 26th 2015 runs a close second. Thank you all for being a part of my journey. Thank you for being the teachers, the listening ears, the readers I need. I am beyond grateful.
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