Close your eyes and think about the images that come to mind when you hear the word marriage. Common images could be a wedding with heartfelt vows, the wedding cake, a reception with funny toasts or having a little too much champagne by the end of the night. Now imagine going through the whole marriage process, only to find out your marriage is not legally recognized because of your sexual orientation.

A suited 19-year-old man stands before the Iowa House in 2011 speaking eloquently on behalf of same-sex marriage. He spoke about being raised by two mothers, and how that has had zero impact on the content of his character. I first saw Zach Wahls’ impressive testimony multiple times on different social media websites. Wahls’ testimony is the most popular political video on YouTube, with 18 million views. Nearly two years later, I had the privilege to meet Wahls in person when he came to IU Southeast on Oct. 10. Wahls told us his story and how the 21-year-old Iowan ended up in the Hoosier state advocating equal rights.

America — the land of the free and home of the brave. I have no doubts this country is the home of the brave, however, I have skepticism about how free American citizens really are. When I think of freedom — a concept this country holds in high regard — I think of not only basic freedoms, like voting but also the softer, less political freedoms such as loving who I want to love and having the option to marry that person. I cannot imagine being unable to legally marry whomever I choose to spend my life with and, as a heterosexual, I don’t have to be in that position. Unfortunately, this unthinkable concept is a reality for same-sex romantic partners in America.

As part of LGBT Awareness Week, IU Southeast welcomed Charlene Strong, gay rights activist, to campus. When Strong arrived in Indiana she was not feeling well, however, she worked through her sickness to speak to the students about equal rights for gay and lesbian couples on Oct. 12 in the Hoosier Room. The Student Program Council brought Strong to campus as a gift for the Gay Straight Alliance.