LGBTQ+ advocate and lead plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges will join Family Equality’s team to garner support for LGBTQ+ family equality
NEW YORK, NY — This week, Family Equality is pleased to welcome Jim Obergefell, LGBTQ+ advocate and lead plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges—the case that made marriage equality the law of the land—to the team. Obergefell will be lending his time and talents to engaging donors and garnering support for Family Equality’s critical work on behalf of LGBTQ+ families in his role as Director of Individual Giving.
“I’m excited to join Family Equality to help advance their vital work to bring about legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families,” Obergefell said. “When my late husband, John, and I filed suit against the State of Ohio, we did so because we wanted our marriage—our family—to exist in the eyes of our government, and it’s fitting to continue my fight for love and family on behalf of Family Equality.”
Prior to his experience with the Supreme Court, Obergefell was a consultant and realtor in Ohio. After he won his case in 2016, Obergefell traveled around the country as a speaker and activist, co-authored the book Love Wins with Debbie Cenziper, and co-founded Equality Vines.
“Jim has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, and his work in this movement has ushered in immense progress for our community,” Chief Development Officer Matthew Ramsey said. “We are at a critical moment in the life of this organization and in the movement for LGBTQ+ family equality. Jim’s leadership and expertise are exactly what we need to garner necessary support to continue this work for years to come.”
“No matter how we build our families, LGBTQ+ Americans deserve to do that on equal footing under our laws and policies, free from discrimination or impediments,” said Obergefell. “Every child deserves a loving home, and it’s an honor to help Family Equality make that a reality.”
About Family Equality
Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
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Media Contact
Anna Libertin / Director of Communications
communications@familyequality.org