Alexis Kirkland: A World In Pictures

"This place looks very colorful tonight [referring to rainbow flags], and for a lot of you, I know why. And it's great."

"I want you to jump around and wave any flags you might have in here... Do whatever makes you happiest in the world."

"Love is something that should be celebrated with open arms. Love is love."

-Harry Styles

Not a soul missed out on the Supreme Court ruling this summer that made history. On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled gay marriage legal across all 50 states. This photo was spread across the nation the instant the news became official. The rainbow flag is a symbol of the LGBT+ community, and behind it is the Supreme Court building. The sun shining through the flag as it flies over the building represents how on that day, love won, and millions of people were a voice in this country.

This photo gives me a little more pride and hope for the United States. Knowing that people close to me can feel more accepted and less alienated makes me happy. Knowing that this is a step closer to a more equal nation, a more perfect union, makes me proud. Knowing that this could signal more social rights, like trans protection rights and rights in the workforce for the gay community, makes me elated.

We keep moving forward, little by little. Every day we get further away from our personas rooted in hate, and closer to a more loving world for everyone. We still have a long way to go to ensure equality for everyone, but even as we speak, we are making progress. And it's great.