On July 19, 2013, my late husband John and I first filed suit against the state of Ohio determined to have our marriage — our family — recognized in the eyes of the government. That case led all the way to the steps of the Supreme Court, and on June 25, 2015, marriage equality became the law of the land.
Next summer, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of that historic decision — and while so much progress has been made in the past decade, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, they signaled threats to additional freedoms, like marriage equality. Since then, we’ve witnessed attacks against the LGBTQ+ community in statehouses and school boards alike, and we’re all waiting anxiously to see what the next administration will bring.
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Despite it all, I have hope. As a board member at Family Equality, I see how this powerful organization’s advocacy, storytelling, and support create real, tangible progress for our families every day. This year, we pushed back against Florida’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay and Trans” law…and won. We helped pass critical pro-equality legislation like the Massachusetts Parentage Act and shared life-changing resources to help families navigate this complex legal landscape. I joined this Board of Directors for the same reason I took my case to the Supreme Court all those years ago: Because I am determined to ensure that LGBTQ+ families are celebrated and loved, and I believe in the power of family and Family Equality to make this dream a reality.
But we need your help. Now more than ever, there are powerful people trying to push us down. Together, we create a force bigger and more powerful than any opposition—we create family. As we approach a year unlike any other, I ask that you ring in the 10 year anniversary of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges with a gift to support what we fought so hard for a decade ago: Love, family, and freedom.
But we need your help. Now more than ever, there are powerful people trying to push us down. Together, we create a force bigger and more powerful than any opposition—we create family. As we approach a year unlike any other, I ask that you ring in the 10 year anniversary of the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges with a gift to support what we fought so hard for a decade ago: Love, family, and freedom.
We can’t do this work without you.
With pride and joy,
Jim Obergefell (he/him)
Family Equality Board Member and Lead Plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges
Now is the time to give
GivingTuesday, the global day of giving, is upon us! Now more than ever, Family Equality needs the support of people like you to continue our work to protect and support the rights of LGBTQ+ families. Learn how you can celebrate GivingTuesday with a gift of hope for LGBTQ+ families on December 3!
With the year coming to a close, and the holiday season beginning in earnest, we couldn’t imagine a better — or more important — time to give. GivingTuesday is more than just a global day of giving. It’s a reminder that everyone has a role to play in the movement for love, family, and freedom.
And, in case you needed even more of a reason to give: Thanks to the incredibly generous matching challenge issued by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, you can double your impact! Every dollar raised, up to $10,000, will be matched.
How to celebrate GivingTuesday with Family Equality
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate. Your gift allows us to continue our vital work for LGBTQ+ families. Even a small contribution can make a difference.
- Create a fundraiser. Make it a family affair! Empower your networks to get in on the GivingTuesday fun by creating a fundraiser in support of Family Equality.
- Spread the word. Tell the world why our work matters to you by posting on social media and sending emails to your network.
Remember, together, we can create a world where every family is celebrated, cherished, and protected.
Support Family Equality this GivingTuesday!
Mark your calendars for December 3 and join us to celebrate everyone’s favorite global day of giving!