I remember standing in my living room with goosebumps all over my arm. I watched the interns run to the press while people cheered.

Then the news anchor announced that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.

I remember chills going down my spine when it was announced. I started to tear up.

I won’t forget June 26th, 2015.

Many others will not forget this significant day either. The day where many individuals had a weight lifted off their chest. People were finally able to marry their significant other. With this, people received benefits.

I remember reading stories about how same sex couples found themselves in crisis because they were not married.

One specific story I remember was about a couple, where one was in the hospital and her significant other couldn’t enter the hospital room because on paper, she wasn’t in the immediate family. June 26th, 2015 changed this.

But June 26th doesn’t represent all the people who made a difference for the LGBT+ community.

Marsha P. Johnson. Sylvia Riveria. Harvey Milk. Edith Windsor. Doug DiBianco. And many more. Because of them, the LGBT+ community has been able to fight for the rights they have today.

Still, during pride month, we have to remind ourselves that we still have long ways to go. There is still so much hate in this world where individuals cannot be themselves.

We won’t forget Matthew Shepard. We won’t forget Orlando. And we won’t forget many more who were victims of hate crimes or left us too early.

At the end of day, love wins. Love is beautiful, exciting, and powerful. People want to enjoy themselves and love who they want to love.

I am so happy to see the growth in our society for the LGBT+ community. My heart was full when I saw the “Blue Clues” special episode on Pride. I love how “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Queer Eye” are icons on tv.

When it comes to stores, the rainbows can be a bit excessive, but wow, good for them for supporting. Governor Pritzker approved LGBT+ inclusive curriculum. There is so much growth.

Have fun with the parades this summer. Donate to pride communities in need. Educate yourself on the history of pride. Be an ally. If you’re part of pride, embrace who you are.

This month is filled with the power to love.

Karina Delgado is a senior English major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or kmdelgado@eiu.edu.