Author: Jamila Tharp

Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) was the nation”s oldest organization and largest grassroots-driven movement dedicated to building equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community through civil marriage equality in every state and at the federal level.Founded in 1996, MEUSA had over 40, 0000 members as well as volunteer leaders and partner organizations in all 50 states, it is the largest volunteer-driven, grassroots organization of its kind engaged in education, training, organizing, action, and coalition building to win equal marriage rights and protections for LGBTQ couples and their families. They believe in a world that protects and celebrates families without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. Their mission was to secure legally recognized civil marriage equality for LGBTQ families at the state and federal level through grassroots organizing, education, action and partnerships, which they achieved when the Supreme Court ruled for marriage equality fundamental rights & equal protection in Obergefell v. Hodges.These are the stories of those driven to volunteer, which inspired and fortified the movement for equality.