10 years, John,

Today is the 10th anniversary of marriage equality, and for many couples across the South, it's been a decade since they were finally able to celebrate their love, get married, and gain life-changing protections from the government. For me and the CSE team, today feels like going back to where it all began – I founded this organization in 2011 to support the fight for marriage equality across the South. Then and now, we knew this was long haul work helping to build a South where LGBTQ+ people – and all of us – can thrive. 

We were on the frontlines of this fight with the WE DO Campaign, which involved LGBTQ+ couples requesting – and being denied – marriage licenses in their Southern hometowns. We were part of lawsuits that struck down marriage bans in NC and MS, and when the Supreme Court finally struck down the bans in the last 13 states without marriage equality in 2015, we were in the streets with our friends and neighbors across the South, joyfully celebrating the win and marveling at the more equal world we built, that generations of our ancestors fought for.

In the last 10 years, LGBTQ+ couples across the country have reshaped communities with their “I Do's”. Watching their love grow has helped communities grow, opened the hearts of those previously against equality, and built a more loving world for all of us – including a new generation of LGBTQ+ youth. To mark this historic occasion, we've been talking to couples across the South about their love stories and what this moment means to them.

We also gathered advocates and LGBTQ+ couples in Birmingham, Alabama last night for a reception to celebrate 10 years of marriage equality. Featuring advocates like Evan Wolfson, founder of Freedom to Marry, Doug Jones, former United States Senator from Alabama, and Rev. Carmarion Anderson-Harvey, a Faith & Community Leader, our event was a heart-warming celebration of our history, our fight, and love conquering all.

While this occasion is joyous for our whole organization, there is still a weight on our hearts after the Skrmetti ruling last week. The vibrant and growing visibility of queer community over the last decade has been met with cruel and targeted attacks from anti-LGBTQ+ extremists – attacks that target the lived and legal equality of transgender people by undermining their legal protections, healthcare access, and ability to participate in public life. As I look back on our fight ten years ago, I also think about the future we're trying to build – one where ALL of us are treated equally by the law, trans kids can get the care they deserve close to home, and all of us are safe to build the love, lives, and futures we deserve. 

Let the memory of this win 10 years ago help fuel your drive to fight for this better world – change is possible, and it comes from people like you and me getting fired up and taking strategic action together. 

Today, we celebrate. And we remain clear-eyed: No matter the attacks they throw at us, love will always win. 

From WE DO to now – thank you for being a part of our movement, every step of the way, 
Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
She/Her
Executive Director
Campaign for Southern Equality

P.S. We're hosting a Post-Skrmetti Town Hall for families of trans youth, trans adults, and allies to understand the implications of the decision for trans youth healthcare next Wednesday, July 2nd, at 6pm ET. Click here to RSVP – all RSVPs will be sent a readout of what was discussed after the event.