As I happily look back on May 15, 2008, I think to myself: “this is a day that I never thought I would see happen in my lifetime.” That particular Thursday was a day that changed my life forever. That was the day the Supreme Court of California decided to grant myself and my partner of 12 years – as well as many other well-deserving same-sex couples – the right to equal marriage.
Flash forward to June 17, 2008. Robert and I woke up that morning and went about our busy day as usual, with only one exception.
At 1 p.m. that afternoon, we walked into the San Luis Obispo County Clerk’s office, filled out an official marriage license, and were legally married that afternoon.
As we left the county office building, we expected that there would be protesters with picket signs or people telling us that we simply don’t have the right to be happy – or equal, for that matter.
Instead, as we walked down the street, we were approached by many open-minded and accepting individuals who came forward with congratulations and other positive messages. We were among the first 50 couples to make history that day in the state of California; we were finally given the equality guaranteed to us under the U.S. Constitution. The equality that we never seemed to have before was now in our hands, instead of being just out of reach.
However, although the battle for equality has seen a victory here, the fight still wages on across the nation. There remain the naysayers who do not understand the effects and consequences of inequality upon an entire group of people.
This ignorance exists for the simple fact that they have never had their rights nor their privileges taken away from them. Nor would I ever wish that humiliation and degradation upon them, or anyone for that matter. I only ask for the understanding that comes hand-in-hand with basic compassion.
In retrospect, a person’s sexuality should not define whether or not they are entitled to basic human rights and decency. Basic human rights are a major part of our country’s foundation .
I am not a sub-species. I am not 3/5 of a person. I am not a second-class citizen. I am a human being. I am equal. And I have now found my way.
Daniel Seguin is a journalism senior.