On June 26, after a long battle with the government system, in a 5-to-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage.
“If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. “Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.”
The LGBTQ community celebrated a victory long awaited for, while others across the country frowned upon the ruling. Meet two members of the LGBTQ community, Kara Mitchell, Miss Heart of Ohio USA 2015 and Miss Cuyahoga County; and Reginald Steele, female impersonator, “Silky N. Ganache.”
Following, the two share their thoughts on the Supreme Court ruling and experiences as being a member of the African-American LGBTQ community.
Indianapolis Recorder: As a part of the LGBTQ community, how has the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage impacted you?
Mitchell: I grew up in a traditional family where marriage was the pinnacle of adulthood. When I came out at age 14, the dream of getting married, although distant, was never extinguished. Instead of becoming angry or discouraged, I became a part of the movement, advocating and sharing my story in hopes that one day, that dream would become a reality; and it has. It was such a rush of emotion, but to sum it up in one word – freedom. I now have the same possibilities as any other person in the United States, same rights, and eventually I’m sure, same aggravations. I feel like I am finally recognized by law and I’m no longer in the category of “other.” I feel like I’m no longer different from the rest of society. It’s almost indescribable.
Steele: I was born and raised in Mississippi, a state that still frowns upon interracial marriage. I never imagined I could have the right to get married in my parents’ backyard. That dream is a semi-reality. This law has impacted me for the better; however, I am not celebrating this or considering it a victory. The LGBTQ community has a lot of work to do to accept ourselves first. And, the outside world has a lot more to understand and accept.
How do you think this Supreme Court ruling will pave the way for other major issues pertaining to civil rights?
Mitchell: I think this is already being evidenced by the issues of the confederate flag that was being flown in South Carolina. We are living in a more progressive and compassionate society. We as people recognize what is just and are more apt to stand firm in it. Having leaders with similar mindsets makes this process of progress a smoother one. I think naysayers are afraid of what may come next and this opens to door for other legal action they may not agree with.
Steele: I believe this has opened the door for more opportunities; equal protection will be the next and greatest battle for the U.S. I am personally tired of seeing #BlackLivesMatters, #TransLivesMatters, #GayLivesMatters, #MilitaryLivesMatter. When will our country, ‘The land of the free and the home of the brave’ make it a priority for all lives to matter and to live healthy?
Do you, in the future, plan on marrying?
Mitchell: I do! I actually sent my mother a letter on June 26, 2015 saying that although my dream of getting married is now a possibility, I will never give up on my dream of her walking me down the aisle – no matter who stands at the end.
Steele: It has been my dream to marry and have a ton of children one day. I hope I stumble across more marriage-material bachelors ready and willing to build an empire together. When this happens, I will happily jump the broom.
How has the Black community responded to your choice to represent the LGBTQ community?
Mitchell: Overall, I’d say the response has been positive. Being gay in the Black and Latino community is more taboo than in the white community. We as a people have deeply rooted ties to faith. This makes it difficult and at times, nearly impossible to feel fully supported as a Black member of the LGBTQ community. I find it imperative to reach out to Black LGBTQ youth because of this specifically. It’s been amazing to see the shift in perception in those people whom I have been able to touch directly through my advocacy. Many people I have encountered started out angry with me, judging and condemning me. In the end, they come full circle and have a better understanding of what it really means to be gay.
Steele: Overall, I have been perceived well because I still hold the morals and values that my family has taught me, and it shows through my lifestyle. The backlash has been mainly on deciding on a ‘choice.’ Many believe I chose to be gay. My response is always, “I didn’t choose to be gay, I chose to live my life with truth. If it was my choice, I would be heterosexual because it would have made my life that much easier; who in the hell wants to walk around with a target on their back?
How does being a part of the LGBTQ community and being a Black woman impact your lifestyle?
Mitchell: I’m not sure I would know. I live my life like any regular adult: I go to work, I go to the gym, I hang with friends. My life is normal to me.
How does being a part of the LGBTQ community and being a Black male impact your lifestyle?
Steele: This combination has truly impacted my life. Personally – I face the struggle of dating within the LGBTQA community. I’ve lived in Indianapolis for three years and have been on a date once. I suffer tremendously and I’ve planned to move to more socially acceptable living.
Professionally – Being Black, I have had to work twice as hard as the next person, and being gay has made it ridiculously difficult. I do feel as a young, educated, Black, Gay man that I have not been given many opportunity or chances. But at the end of the day, I am a man of faith. So, I will continue to push and build connections, so one day, I will to live the American Dream.
Mentally – I constantly doubt myself and my true fate in this world. It’s hard being a leader in two minority groups that don’t often support one another. I have to watch what I post on social media to ensure I don’t offend or praise one minority group. It’s exhausting bridging the gap between two groups.
What advice do you give to those who are having a difficult time understanding the ruling?
Mitchell: I think the most important part to remember is that this is/ was a human rights issue. In general, the opposition to LGBTQ rights have stemmed from a religious position. Regardless of what certain faiths believe about the LGBTQ community that should not dictate or hinder the rights of other people.
Steele: I encourage you to open your heart and not your mind. Get to know the LGBTQA Community and experience some culture. My mother had the hardest time accepting. It took her years, but I had to show her that my heart was her heart. She is now understanding and supporting.
