Our Values Are

Historical Context

The phrase "Love Is Love" emerged as a powerful affirmation of the validity of all loving relationships, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While this simple, three-word declaration has become ubiquitous in recent years, its underlying principle—that love between consenting adults deserves equal recognition and respect—represents the culmination of a long struggle for LGBTQ+ equality.

The modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States is often traced to the Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village, resisted a police raid. This watershed moment of resistance against systematic persecution catalyzed a more visible and assertive movement for gay and lesbian rights.1 However, LGBTQ+ people had been organizing for decades before Stonewall, with organizations like the Mattachine Society (founded 1950) and the Daughters of Bilitis (founded 1955) working for greater acceptance and legal protections.2

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, LGBTQ+ activists focused on combating discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation, as well as challenging the classification of homosexuality as a mental disorder (which the American Psychiatric Association removed from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1973).3 The AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s brought new urgency to LGBTQ+ organizing, as the community confronted both a devastating epidemic and widespread stigmatization. Organizations like ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) employed direct action tactics to demand greater government response to the crisis and to challenge pharmaceutical companies' pricing of life-saving medications.4

The legal and social movement for same-sex marriage equality gained momentum in the 1990s and 2000s. In 1993, Hawaii's Supreme Court ruled in Baehr v. Lewin that denying marriage licenses to same-sex couples might violate the state constitution's equal protection clause, marking the first significant legal victory for marriage equality in the United States.5 This decision prompted a backlash, including the passage of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996, which defined marriage as between one man and one woman for federal purposes and allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.6

Nevertheless, progress continued. In 2000, Vermont became the first state to establish civil unions for same-sex couples, and in 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage following the state Supreme Court's ruling in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health.7 Other states followed through both court decisions and legislative action.

In a pivotal act of civil disobedience that same year, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom directed the city clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in February 2004. This bold move directly challenged California state law and resulted in approximately 4,000 marriages over a one-month period before the California Supreme Court invalidated them. Although these marriages were ultimately nullified, Newsom's action dramatically increased visibility for the marriage equality movement, bringing national attention to the issue and inspiring similar actions in other cities. This moment of municipal defiance represented a crucial shift in strategy and public discourse that would help propel the movement forward in subsequent years.

Internationally, the Netherlands had already made history in 2001 as the first country to legalize same-sex marriage.8

The phrase "Love Is Love" itself gained prominence during the final push for nationwide marriage equality in the United States. While its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the phrase became a rallying cry on social media, protest signs, and in popular culture. Its simplicity and directness made it accessible and resonant across diverse audiences. The phrase encapsulates the fundamental argument for marriage equality: that loving relationships deserve recognition and respect regardless of the genders involved.

In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down Section 3 of DOMA in United States v. Windsor, requiring the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they were legal.9 Two years later, in the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), the Court ruled that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, effectively legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.10

Justice Anthony Kennedy's majority opinion in Obergefell eloquently expressed the sentiment behind "Love Is Love" without using the phrase itself: "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were."11

In the years since Obergefell, "Love Is Love" has transcended the specific context of marriage equality to become a broader affirmation of LGBTQ+ dignity and rights. The phrase continues to appear in Pride celebrations, on merchandise, in advertising, and in political discourse, serving as a succinct expression of the principle that all consensual loving relationships deserve respect and recognition.

Current Challenges

Despite significant progress in legal recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships, numerous challenges remain in fully realizing the principle that "Love Is Love" across society:

Legal Vulnerabilities and Backlash

The Obergefell decision established marriage equality as a constitutional right in the United States, but concerns about its long-term security have emerged. In his concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022), which overturned the constitutional right to abortion established in Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that the Court should reconsider other substantive due process precedents, including Obergefell.12 While no case directly challenging Obergefell is currently before the Court, this statement raised concerns about the decision's vulnerability.

Additionally, numerous states still have laws or constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage that would take effect if Obergefell were overturned.13 These "trigger laws" represent a potential threat to marriage equality should the legal landscape change.

Global Disparities in LGBTQ+ Recognition

While marriage equality has been achieved in 34 countries worldwide as of 2024, same-sex relationships remain criminalized in approximately 60 countries, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to death in the most severe cases.14 Even in countries without explicit criminalization, LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination, violence, and lack of legal recognition.

In some regions, there has been regression in LGBTQ+ rights. Russia, for example, expanded its "gay propaganda" law in 2022 to prohibit any public expression of LGBTQ+ identity or relationships.15 Uganda enacted one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in 2023, imposing severe penalties, including potentially the death penalty, for same-sex relations.16

Religious Exemptions and Service Refusals

Tensions between religious liberty claims and LGBTQ+ rights continue to generate legal and social conflicts. In the United States, the Supreme Court's decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis (2023) held that a web designer with religious objections to same-sex marriage could not be compelled to create websites for such ceremonies, citing First Amendment protections for creative expression.17 Similar cases involving bakers, photographers, florists, and other service providers have raised questions about the boundaries between religious freedom and non-discrimination principles.

These cases highlight ongoing debates about whether businesses open to the public can refuse service to same-sex couples for religious reasons, potentially limiting the practical implementation of the "Love Is Love" principle in commercial contexts.

Violence and Discrimination Against LGBTQ+ People

LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face elevated rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination worldwide. Transgender people in particular experience disproportionate levels of violence; at least 300 transgender people were murdered globally in 2023, with the actual number likely much higher due to underreporting and misgendering in death reports.18

Even in countries with legal protections, LGBTQ+ people face higher rates of homelessness, mental health challenges, and economic insecurity compared to the general population. For example, LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers, often due to family rejection.19

Intersectional Challenges

LGBTQ+ people with multiple marginalized identities—such as LGBTQ+ people of color, LGBTQ+ people with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ immigrants—often face compounded discrimination and barriers. These intersectional challenges can make accessing legal protections, healthcare, employment, and other resources particularly difficult.

For example, Black transgender women face especially high rates of violence, poverty, and discrimination due to the intersection of racism, transphobia, and sexism.20 Any approach to LGBTQ+ equality must address these intersectional realities to be truly effective.

Youth Rights and Education

Young LGBTQ+ people face particular challenges in having their identities and relationships respected. Recent years have seen increasing restrictions on LGBTQ+ content in schools in some jurisdictions, limitations on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, and bans on discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms—often framed as "parental rights" measures.21

These restrictions can prevent young people from accessing information, support, and representation that could help them understand their own identities and develop healthy relationships.

What We Can Do

Advancing the principle that "Love Is Love" requires action at multiple levels:

Individual Actions

• Practice inclusive language that avoids assumptions about others' gender identities or sexual orientations, such as using gender-neutral terms when referring to someone's partner until you know their preferred terms.

• Speak up against anti-LGBTQ+ comments or jokes in your social circles, workplace, or family gatherings. Simple statements like "That's not funny" or "I don't agree with that characterization" can help shift social norms.

• Visibly support LGBTQ+ equality through social media, conversations, and visual signals like rainbow flags, pronoun sharing, or displaying the Our Values Are image.

• Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history and issues through books, documentaries, podcasts, and other resources created by LGBTQ+ people.

• Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses and organizations through your purchasing decisions and charitable giving.

Family and Community Actions

• Create welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and community members by explicitly communicating acceptance and respect for diverse relationships and identities.

• Advocate for inclusive policies in your workplace, religious communities, schools, and other organizations you're part of.

• Support LGBTQ+ youth by ensuring they have access to resources, supportive adults, and environments where they can express themselves authentically.

• Attend and support Pride events and other LGBTQ+ community celebrations to show solidarity and learn more about the community.

• Establish LGBTQ+ inclusive community spaces such as support groups, book clubs, recreational activities, or online forums.

Political and Legal Actions

• Vote for candidates who support LGBTQ+ equality and hold elected officials accountable for their positions and actions.

• Advocate for comprehensive non-discrimination protections that include sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, healthcare, and education.

• Support the passage of the Equality Act or similar legislation that would provide consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people nationwide.

• Oppose so-called "religious freedom" laws that would allow discrimination against LGBTQ+ people based on religious beliefs.

• Push for LGBTQ+-inclusive foreign policy that prioritizes human rights in international relations and provides support for LGBTQ+ people facing persecution globally.

Educational Actions

• Advocate for LGBTQ+-inclusive curricula that include accurate information about LGBTQ+ history, diverse family structures, and sexual health relevant to all students.

• Support LGBTQ+ literature and media representation in school libraries and reading lists.

• Promote comprehensive anti-bullying policies that specifically address anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and create safer school environments.

• Provide resources for educators on creating inclusive classrooms and addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ students.

• Support gay-straight alliances (GSAs) or similar student organizations that provide support and community for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

Corporate and Institutional Actions

• Implement comprehensive non-discrimination policies that explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Provide LGBTQ+-inclusive benefits such as equal partner benefits, coverage for gender-affirming care, and family leave policies that recognize diverse family structures.

• Create inclusive marketing and communications that authentically represent LGBTQ+ people throughout the year, not just during Pride month.

• Support LGBTQ+ employee resource groups that can provide community and advocate for inclusive policies.

• Ensure religious institutions and organizations respect the dignity of LGBTQ+ people and relationships, even when theological differences exist.

Organizations Working for LGBTQ+ Equality

If you're looking to support or learn more about LGBTQ+ equality, these organizations are doing important work:

National LGBTQ+ Organizations

• Human Rights Campaign - The largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the United States, working for equality through lobbying, public education, and grassroots organizing

• GLAAD - Media advocacy organization working to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community

• National LGBTQ Task Force - Builds power, takes action, and creates positive change for LGBTQ+ people

• Lambda Legal - National legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of civil rights for LGBTQ+ people

• PFLAG - Organization for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and allies, providing support, education, and advocacy

International LGBTQ+ Organizations

• ILGA World - International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, a worldwide federation of organizations committed to equal rights

• OutRight Action International - Works to advance human rights for LGBTQ+ people around the world

• All Out - Global movement working to build a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family, freedom, safety, or dignity because of who they are or who they love

• Rainbow Railroad - Helps LGBTQ+ people facing persecution escape to safety

• Stonewall (UK) - Works for equality and acceptance for lesbian, gay, bi, and trans people in the UK and abroad

LGBTQ+ Youth Organizations

• The Trevor Project - Focuses on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ young people

• GLSEN - Works to ensure safe and affirming schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity

• It Gets Better Project - Communicates to LGBTQ+ youth that it gets better and connects them to community, support, and resources

• Point Foundation - Empowers LGBTQ+ students through scholarship funding and mentorship

• True Colors United - Works to prevent and end homelessness among LGBTQ+ young people

Conclusion

The declaration that "Love Is Love" represents both a simple truth and a profound statement about human dignity. It affirms that loving relationships between consenting adults deserve equal recognition and respect, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. While significant progress has been made toward legal equality for LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly in the form of marriage equality in many countries, full social acceptance and legal protection remain works in progress.

As we display the Our Values Are image with its affirmation that "LOVE IS LOVE," we join a long tradition of individuals and communities who have insisted on the dignity and worth of all loving relationships. We acknowledge that this principle faces ongoing challenges, from legal vulnerabilities to cultural resistance to physical violence against LGBTQ+ people. Yet we also recognize the tremendous progress that has been made through the dedicated efforts of activists, allies, and ordinary people committed to equality.

By understanding the historical context of the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality, recognizing current challenges, and taking concrete actions at multiple levels, each of us can contribute to building a world where love truly is recognized as love in all its diverse forms. This work is not just for the benefit of LGBTQ+ individuals and couples but serves to create a more compassionate and authentic society for everyone.

In a world often divided by ideological differences, "Love Is Love" reminds us of our common humanity and capacity for connection. It invites us to see beyond labels and categories to recognize the fundamental human need for love, respect, and belonging that unites us all. By affirming this principle in our personal lives, communities, and societies, we help create a world where everyone can live and love authentically.

References

1. Carter, D. (2004). Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution. St. Martin's Press.

2. D'Emilio, J. (1983). Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities: The Making of a Homosexual Minority in the United States, 1940-1970. University of Chicago Press.

3. Bayer, R. (1987). Homosexuality and American Psychiatry: The Politics of Diagnosis. Princeton University Press.

4. Gould, D. B. (2009). Moving Politics: Emotion and ACT UP's Fight against AIDS. University of Chicago Press.

5. Baehr v. Lewin, 74 Haw. 530, 852 P.2d 44 (1993).

6. Defense of Marriage Act, Pub. L. No. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419 (1996).

7. Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, 440 Mass. 309 (2003).

8. Kollman, K. (2017). Pioneering Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in the Netherlands. Journal of European Public Policy, 24(1), 100-118.

9. United States v. Windsor, 570 U.S. 744 (2013).

10. Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015).

11. Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644, 681 (2015).

12. Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 597 U.S. ___ (2022).

13. Movement Advancement Project. (2023). Equality Maps: Marriage & Relationship Recognition Laws. Retrieved from https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/marriage_relationship_laws

14. Human Dignity Trust. (2024). Map of Countries that Criminalise LGBT People. Retrieved from https://www.humandignitytrust.org/lgbt-the-law/map-of-criminalisation/

15. Human Rights Watch. (2022, December 5). Russia Expands Anti-LGBT Laws. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/12/05/russia-expands-anti-lgbt-laws

16. Human Rights Watch. (2023, May 29). Uganda: Anti-Homosexuality Law Will Cause Grave Harm. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/05/29/uganda-anti-homosexuality-law-will-cause-grave-harm

17. 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 600 U.S. ___ (2023).

18. Transgender Europe. (2023). Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM) Update: Trans Day of Remembrance 2023. Retrieved from https://transrespect.org/en/tmm-update-tdor-2023/

19. Morton, M. H., Dworsky, A., & Samuels, G. M. (2017). Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in America. Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.

20. James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. National Center for Transgender Equality.

21. GLSEN. (2023). 2023 LGBTQ+ Students' Rights Erosion Tracker. Retrieved from https://www.glsen.org/policy-maps