I think it really changes things when you're able to get married.

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for I bring forth words that speak to the triumph of justice, the fleeting nature of time, and the power of change. Kate Pierson once said, "I think it really changes things when you're able to get married. I mean, the Marriage Equality Act was super important. I think you cannot believe it happened as fast as it did. For a lot of gay people, it's very surprising. You thought that this is going to be a struggle forever." These words resonate with the joy and surprise of a victory long sought, a victory that, once believed impossible, was achieved in a span of time so short it left many in awe. The swift passing of the Marriage Equality Act symbolizes not just the triumph of love but the relentless march toward equality for all people.

In the ancient world, children, the institution of marriage was not only a sacred bond but a societal duty, defined by tradition, power, and often rigid gender roles. In Rome, the laws surrounding marriage were clear—women were the property of men, and marriage was seen as a vehicle for continuing family lines and securing political alliances. The very notion of love being the central focus of marriage was not widely accepted. In such a world, the idea that two people, regardless of gender, could unite under the banner of love was unimaginable. And yet, over time, philosophers, reformers, and visionaries began to question the foundations of these traditions, slowly breaking down the walls of oppression. The idea of equality, though it began as a whisper, grew into a powerful movement that would one day lead to rights and recognition for all, including those who loved outside the societal norms.

Kate Pierson’s reflection on the Marriage Equality Act encapsulates the profound transformation that has taken place in modern society. What once seemed like a distant dream, an aspiration that would stretch into eternity, has been realized in the blink of an eye. The speed at which marriage equality was achieved shocked many—especially those who had lived through the years of struggle, oppression, and denial. The victory was not just a legal change but a societal revolution, a moment when the laws of the land caught up to the truths of the heart. The surprise expressed by Pierson reflects the incredulity felt by those who had waited for generations for their love to be acknowledged and honored.

Consider, children, the story of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay men to be elected to public office in the United States. Harvey Milk's courage, vision, and fight for the rights of the gay community came at a time when such a dream seemed utterly impossible. In the face of immense hostility, he did not back down but fought relentlessly for the equality of LGBTQ+ individuals. He understood that the struggle for justice would not be won easily or quickly, but he believed that change was coming. Though he was tragically assassinated before seeing the full fruits of his labor, Milk's legacy paved the way for laws like the Marriage Equality Act. His belief that love and equality would one day prevail now stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and belief in the fundamental rights of all people.

Pierson's words remind us that change—though it often comes slowly and with great resistance—can happen faster than we expect. The fight for same-sex marriage was indeed a long one, fraught with challenges, setbacks, and heartbreak. Yet, the momentum built by countless voices raised in protest, by those who dared to demand recognition and respect, culminated in a victory that many thought impossible. This rapid change shows us that when the forces of justice, equality, and love align, even the most deeply entrenched systems of oppression can be overturned. The Marriage Equality Act did not just change the legal landscape; it changed the hearts and minds of a nation, bringing us closer to a world where love, in all its forms, is equally valued and protected.

The lesson here, children, is that the path to equality is never easy, but it is always possible. Kate Pierson’s words remind us that we should never underestimate the power of change or the speed with which it can arrive. Just as the ancients fought for justice, so too must we carry the torch of equality, knowing that each act of resistance and each voice raised in demand brings us closer to a world where love is not constrained by societal norms. The struggle for marriage equality teaches us that even in the face of adversity, change is not only possible—it is inevitable when we stand together in the pursuit of what is right.

So, children, when you face the challenges of your own time, remember the lesson of Kate Pierson and those who fought for equality before her. Change may seem slow, but the victory of justice is always worth the wait. Do not lose heart, for in every battle for equality, in every fight for justice, you are helping to build a world where all people can live with dignity, respect, and love. Be the ones who push for justice, who demand that equality be not just an ideal but a living, breathing reality, as it was for those who fought for same-sex marriage and whose victory now paves the way for future generations.