When the Supreme Court decided Obergefell v. Hodges in 2015, many of us cried tears of joy.

It was not just about marriage licenses — it was about dignity, legal recognition, and being seen as equal. But now, a decade later, marriage equality could be back in jeopardy. This challenge comes from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She and her legal team have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell, arguing the ruling violated her religious freedoms. They are leaning on the Court’s recent willingness to revisit precedent, as seen in the Dobbs v. Jackson decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. If the Court agreed and struck down Obergefell, marriage equality would revert to a state-by-state issue. Some states would uphold it, others could reinstate bans, creating a patchwork of laws across the country.

The 2022 Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) offers some protection. It requires states to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and mandates federal recognition. But states could still refuse to issue new marriage licenses to same-sex couples. That is not equality — that is, however, survival. If Obergefell falls, other rights could be targeted: adoption, spousal benefits, hospital visitation, and more. In states where anti-LBGTQ sentiment is politically useful, these rollbacks could come quickly, often under the banner of “religious freedom.”

While Kentucky’s case grabs headlines, Texas is quietly reshaping its political map through mid-decade gerrymandering. This redrawing of districts — outside the normal post-census schedule — aims to lock in partisan power. Why does this matter for LGBTQ rights? Gerrymandering dilutes the voting power of communities that support equality, including queer voters and allies. It influences who holds political office, who makes laws, and ultimately, who protects or attacks our rights. Texas could be a testing ground. If these tactics succeed there, expect to see similar moves in other states, making it harder to elect equality-minded leaders and easier to pass anti-LBGTQ laws.

Marriage equality and fair political representation are inseparable. Without representation, we can’t protect our rights. Without federal safeguards, we are at the mercy of shifting state politics. The Kentucky case may never reach a full hearing, but it is part of a broader strategy — legal challenges in some places, political power grabs in others — aimed at reversing progress.

So what can we do? Stay informed through credible LGBTQ news outlets and advocacy groups like Lambda Legal, HRC, and GLAAD. Vote strategically by knowing your district’s boundaries and supporting equality-focused candidates. Defend federal protections like the RFMA and push for stronger, untouchable civil rights laws. Engage locally — attend community meetings, join campaigns, and hold officials accountable. And share your story to put a human face on the impact of these policies. South Florida is a vibrant, inclusive community, but national trends affect us. If Obergefell is

overturned, the legal recognition of families here could be complicated when traveling or moving. And while Texas feels far away, its political strategies could influence district maps — and representation — nationwide.

Pride is not just a parade — it is a daily commitment to living authentically and fighting for equality. The threats we face remind us that rights are not permanent; they are maintained only through vigilance and action. Whether in a Kentucky courtroom or a Texas redistricting office, the stakes are deeply personal. Our marriages, our voices, and our futures are worth defending. Let’s make sure we do just that.