Finally & Forever: Celebrating a Decade of Marriage Equality
Looking back at Between The Lines' historic coverage of the Obergefell v. Hodges victory
Ten years ago today, on June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark 5-4 decision that changed the course of LGBTQ+ history. In Obergefell v. Hodges, the Court ruled that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional, making marriage equality the law of the land across all 50 states.
Opening Between The Lines' coverage from that transformative moment is like discovering a time capsule of pure joy. The June 25-July 8, 2015 issue, with its triumphant cover declaring "FINALLY & FOREVER," captures the euphoria, relief, and celebration that swept through Michigan's LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Every photograph shows beaming faces, every quote radiates hope, every headline celebrates love winning over fear. Download the complete historic issue here to experience the magic of that moment firsthand.
The Historic Moment Unfolds
The magazine's comprehensive coverage included several key articles that tell the story of this pivotal day:
"June 26: Marriage Equality Now Law Of The Land" - BTL's minute-by-minute coverage of the Supreme Court decision, including reactions from President Obama, LGBT organizations, and the dissenting justices who tried to block progress.
"June 26: Affirmations Of Love And Family In Braun Court" - A beautiful account of the celebration in Ann Arbor's LGBTQ+ neighborhood, where April DeBoer and Jayne Rowse—the Michigan couple at the heart of the case—addressed hundreds of supporters with tears of joy.
"Michigan Politicians Quick To Respond To Supreme Court Marriage Ruling" - How the state's political leaders reacted, from Governor Rick Snyder's call for unity to openly gay legislators celebrating while acknowledging the work still ahead.
"'You Can't Win A Case That You Never File'" - The incredible journey of attorney Dana Nessel and the DeBoer-Rowse case, from a simple adoption request to a Supreme Court victory that changed America.
"DeBoer-Rowse: Journey To Equality Always About The Children" - The personal story of the Hazel Park couple whose fight to jointly adopt their children became the catalyst for nationwide marriage equality.
The Vibe: Pure Celebration
What strikes you immediately about this issue is the uncontainable joy radiating from every page. The cover photo shows clasped hands overlaid with images of celebrating couples and activists—a perfect visual metaphor for love triumphing over decades of legal discrimination.
The editorial by publishers Jan Stevenson and Susan Horowitz titled "BTL Op-Ed: A Huge Win Towards Full Equality" captures the euphoria while acknowledging the giants whose shoulders they stood on: "Forty-six years after the Stonewall Rebellion, almost to the day, marriage equality has finally become the law of the land."
Throughout the issue, you can feel the almost disbelieving excitement. Reporter AJ Trager described the scene in Ann Arbor: "For so many people within the LGBT community who have fought for LGBT representation... this marriage equality 'reality' has been a concept so far out of reach that the morning of June 26 felt more like a dream than reality."
Michigan's Central Role
What makes this coverage particularly special is how it centers Michigan's crucial role in achieving marriage equality. The DeBoer v. Snyder case, which began as April and Jayne's attempt to jointly adopt their children, ultimately became one of the four cases consolidated into Obergefell.
Dana Nessel's prophetic words echo through the pages: "You can't win a case that you never file." Her willingness to take on what seemed like an impossible challenge in conservative Michigan proved instrumental in achieving nationwide victory.
Looking Forward, Even in Victory
Even amid the celebration, BTL's coverage presciently acknowledged the work still ahead. The issue includes extensive coverage of anticipated pushback, religious liberty challenges, and the ongoing need for comprehensive non-discrimination protections—issues that remain relevant today.
Articles like "Legal Activists Poised To Fight Back As Some States, Including Mich., Face New Hurdles" and "Pushback: GOP Dominated Legislature, Marriage Equality And Mini-RFRAs" showed that victory came with vigilance.
A Living Legacy
As we mark this tenth anniversary, it's remarkable to see how many of the people featured in these pages have continued shaping LGBTQ+ progress. Dana Nessel went on to become Michigan's Attorney General, continuing her fight for equality from one of the state's highest offices. April and Jayne finally got their wedding—and the joint custody of their children they fought so hard to achieve.
This historic issue stands as both a celebration of how far we've come and a roadmap for the ongoing work of equality. It reminds us that transformative change is possible when ordinary people refuse to accept injustice and find the courage to fight for what's right.
What are your memories of marriage equality day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Since 1993, Pride Source Media has been independently owned, uplifting voices often overlooked by mainstream media. Help us keep independent journalism thriving with a Substack or print edition subscription today.