A fresh perspective on same-sex marriage

By Angelica Mann
Journalism Intern

As the June 26 anniversary of marriage equality approaches, we asked the Gen Z generation what marriage equality means to them.

Same-sex marriage rights were granted across the nation in June 2015. For three years, at least in marriage rights, we have been accepted as equals to the rest of America.

For those old enough to vote at the time, this was a long time coming. Those who were still very young when marriage equality was upheld by the SCOTUS have grown up with a completely different reality of acceptance.

The youth in the LGBT+ community have quite a different perspective on their lives while being queer.

Six youths have chosen to share how marriage equality has impacted their lives.

Trinity, 13, bi-curious: “It hasn’t had a huge impact on my life yet, though it has helped me be more open about myself, and I feel like the awareness has helped me mature and be more understanding.”

Arolynn, 15, pansexual: “Three years ago I hadn’t realized I wasn’t straight, or even that there was another option because I had a religious upbringing. At the time it didn’t affect me per se, but the debate which fueled in my household introduced me to the idea of it for the first time, and it was the beginning of me discovering my sexuality.”

Sabastion, 16, gay: “It hasn’t had much of an impact yet, but it does make me feel more confident loving who I want, without feeling as though everyone is against it.”

Aemelia, 15, bisexual: “Since it has been legalized, it has meant more freedom for the LGBT+ community, and more possibilities for our futures.”

Ella, 17, panromantic asexual: “When the legalization of gay marriage happened, I got so excited. I realized it wasn’t all that wrong, and I started feeling better about who I was.”

Then we asked, do you have more hope that you will be able to marry whomever you wish when you are ready?

Jay, 18, gay: “For me when it was legalized, it showed recognition of the LGBT+ community, and now I can marry who I choose and live a happier life.”

Trinity: “Of course! I have a lot of confidence now, being able to marry who I want and knowing not everyone will judge me for it.”

Ella: “I hope I can marry who I love, whether they be a boy or a girl or anyone else, and have my family accept that.”

How do you feel about the activists who fought for this and the supreme court which made it law?

Trinity: “I’m glad it got voted in. In a way it changes the perspective on things. It gives people the freedom to be open about their relationships.”

Aemelia: “In a way, the people that fought for this are heroes, and I’m glad the supreme court made the change we needed in our world.”

 Ella: “Everyone who fought are heroes and deserve so much praise for the battle they fought and are even still fighting.”

These youth are the future of our community, and as they grow and learn to accept themselves, we can only hope that their growth and newfound self-love will impact the world around them.

Let’s all come together and prepare ourselves for a future filled with acceptance, love and pride!

Copyright The Gayly 6/25/2018 @ 11:49 a.m. CST.