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modern love
A decade after the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, we asked people from across the country to share stories of what the ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges has meant to them.
By Miya Lee and Daniel Jones
Illustrations by Derek Abella
June 26, 2025Updated 12:18 p.m. ET
Clarksville, Tenn.
Travis VanZant
Hours after the Obergefell decision, Michael and I married in our home state of Tennessee, becoming the first same-sex couple to wed in Montgomery County. The next day, our story and pictures were prominently featured in a local newspaper. Michael and I were out to some close friends and family, but not to the wider world. I was ex-military; Michael worked construction in a rural area.
While there was backlash to the article on social media, what surprised us was the in-person acceptance we received. Co-workers supported Michael. Strangers congratulated me. We felt free.
Today, we live openly and are growing a family. Since 2020, we’ve fostered over 20 children, adopted four and are adopting our fifth. Obergefell empowered us to come out and build a full life.
Denver
Christina Baker
Credit...
On the day that the Obergefell decision was announced, my twin sons were home from college and getting ready for work. We cried, embraced and smiled. One son could marry a woman someday; one son could marry a man someday. I’m crying 10 years later as I write this.
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