There is one important reason I am so proud of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling in favor of marriage equality: It is that gay people have never relied upon figureheads to make equality rulings a reality.

They did not sheepishly wait for an elected official or a legislative body to make history for them. Instead, they relied on each other, blazing their own trail to justice.

They told their stories, exposing the persecution of their people. They held up photos of loved ones like Matthew Shepard, a beautiful young man killed because he happened to be gay.

They met allies and welcomed them into their homes. They accepted donations like mine, crumpled-up $5 bills. It didn’t matter that was all I could offer.

They invited me to freeze with them outside the State House, holding up signs showing the impact of economic and social discrimination. They formed a kind, caring, boisterous family who united in the name of justice and love.

That is how the Supreme Court ruling came to be. Not because of a president. Not because of a governor. Not even because of the Supreme Court. Gay people can now marry because of a beautiful family who fought for years to make it happen.

Let’s remember that oppression is struck down with unified love and advocacy. Let’s not forget how change truly happens in this world.

Marie Paschke

Rockland

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