Jim Obergefell Honored (AUDIO)

LGBTQ activist Jim Obergefell was awarded the National Education Association’s Virginia Uribe Award for Creative Leadership in Human Rights for his marriage equality victory in the Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges. This was the 50th anniversary of the NEA annual dinner event entitled “Living the Legacy: After 50 Years, Still We Rise.” Lily Eskelsen García NEA President stated, “Jim Obergefell embodies the spirit of Dr. Maya Angelou’s beloved poem ‘Still I Rise’. Through his deeds & actions, this human & civil rights hero is still rising & carrying the torch forward. Tonight, we renew our commitment to stand for racial & social justice & pledge to continue to shed a light on his work as he guides & inspires us all.” After Obergefell’s partner of 20 years died Obergefell fought & won marriage equality nationwide on June 26th 2015 when the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in Obergefell v. Hodges the case that secured the rights of gay & lesbian couples to legally marry nationally with the same rights & protections as heterosexual couples. Since his landmark decision Obergefell has written the novel Love Wins with Pulitzer Prize-winner Debbie Cenziper. It tells the story of Obergefell as well as the lawyers, judges & activists behind Obergefell v. Hodges. Obergefell is continuing his advocacy for our LGBTQ community on a national & international level most recently focusing on our transgender community. Last year I talked to Obergefell in this exclusive audio podcast on the red carpet at the GLAAD Media Awards about LGBTQ equality & more. LISTEN:
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