Nine years ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, ushering in marriage equality for same-sex couples nationwide. This historic ruling not only transformed the lives of countless LGBTQ+ Americans but also marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight for civil rights. Jim Obergefell, the named plaintiff in the case, reflects on this monumental anniversary with a mixture of pride and disbelief. In the exclusive interview with The Advocate, Obergefell shares, “Every year, this anniversary reminds us of our journey towards equality and the continuous fight to protect what we have earned.” Obergefell attended a Pride Month celebration at the White House Wednesday evening. John Arthur and Jim Obergefell married in Maryland in 2013, when Arthur was terminally ill. They couldn't register their marriage in their home state of Ohio due to non-LGBTQ+ friendly laws. When Arthur passed away, Ohio refused to list Obergefell as the surviving spouse on his death certificate. As a result, Obergefell sued. His case was consolidated with others from Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee for the Supreme Court hearing. The Obergefell ruling received praise and support from the LGBTQ+ community and trailblazers, including Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi also commemorated the anniversary through a social media post. #Queer Up Social Justice