For decades, same sex couples have been fighting their way into the courtrooms for someone to hear their side of the story when it comes to marriage. On Friday, the Supreme Court finally listened. A 5-4 ruling placed heterosexual and homosexual marriage on the same playing field, and I for one could not be more excited about it.
I know there are differing opinions when it comes to this landmark decision and plenty of people are upset about it, but there are also as many or probably even more people that are out celebrating in the streets right now for either their loved ones, close friends or their own newfound right. The White House was lit up in pride, various companies changed their Twitter icons or logos in support, and many more voiced their support.
Here's why I think that this decision is one of the best things America has done in a long time:
Holding hands is awesome.
I look at it like this — when I'm in a relationship (which, admittedly, is not often) I want the freedom to be able to hold my boyfriend's hand in public and show my affection for him without having to worry about legalities. It's hard to disagree that holding hands is one of the easiest ways to be happy. Why should we deny any person that simple happiness?
Weddings.
What is more heartwarming than seeing a proposal or a wedding montage on Facebook? Nothing ... unless it's a bunch of super-cute puppies. With this newfound right, these videos and pictures and Pinterest boards are going to double or triple. All the lonely people like me live vicariously through these love stories, and I can't wait to see the increase that's about to happen.
We are a part of a pivotal moment in history.
Whether you are homosexual or heterosexual, you have became part of a lifetime that has made a landmark case. We have learned about Roe v. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education in almost every class ever. Those cases were HUGE and rocked the courts so hard that they needed to be woven into classes all these years later. Many of you may not realize this yet, but our children will be reading about this in their American history books. That is pretty legit if you ask me.
One step closer to equality.
The great thing about this is that we have physical proof that we are one step closer to achieving equality for everyone in America. Whether you are or aren't homosexual doesn't matter — equality is something we should all stand behind, and we should all be rejoicing that this happened. Same-sex marriage is now a RIGHT, people. What a major milestone!
Most importantly, however....
L O V E.
Some of us search our whole lives for that special someone and never find them. If a man finds that with another man, or a woman finds that with another woman, then who are we to stop them when we are on the search for the same exact thing? Love is the most beautiful thing in this world, and we shouldn't be shunning someone for wanting to share their life with someone else. Put aside all of your political leaning and other beliefs and think about love and love alone. We ALL want it, strive for it, live for it and need it. Why on earth would we ever tell anyone no to one of the most beautiful things in life?
Congratulations to all of the same-sex couples that can now plan the weddings of their dreams and hold hands freely and enjoy love properly. As one of my best friend's said on Instagram yesterday, "What a day to be gay." LOVE HAS WON.
