The Most Significant Queer Event of the 2010s

To me, the most significant queer event in my lifetime was gay marriage being legalized in the entire United States in 2015. This not only was a huge event for the American LGBTQ+ community but it also encapsulated the social and political climates of the time. According to the Wikipedia page for Obergefell v. Hodges, “The 5–4 ruling requires all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and the Insular Areas to perform and recognize the marriages of same-sex couples on the same terms and conditions as the marriages of opposite-sex couples, with all the accompanying rights and responsibilities.” While this decision clearly helped queer people in America feel more welcomed, it also displayed how traditional this country was, and to an extent, still is. This ruling occurred less than 10 years ago, but even then it barely passed with four judges against the decision. In the 2000s reading, it was demonstrated how the government failed to fully recognize and accept queer people in America. Based on the decision and with how close it was to failing, it appears that the government’s feelings have not changed that much over the years. While the general public became more sensitized to queer issues and people in general, the government has failed to do so. I just think it’s interesting how recently the government decided to
recognize same-sex marriages in the same way as opposite-sex marriages, as it’s not like queer people haven’t been together before 2015. With many states recognizing same-sex marriages, beginning in 2004 with Massachusetts, it’s clear that queer people have always been committed to each other. Therefore, the court ruling wasn’t necessary for them to get married (though they would not be legally recognized), rather it was to show America’s acknowledgement of queer people, and a commitment to improve conditions for them within the country (though this could be questioned based on recent transphobic and homophobic laws being passed in the government).