In keeping with CentreWorks’ mission to “build an intentionally inclusive, resilient community,” CentreWorks hosted PURSUIT: “A Forum on Marriage Equality: Obergefell v. Hodges – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” on Sept. 18. Over 80 community members gathered to gain insights on the challenges of marriage equality from a panel that featured four original Kentucky Obergefell v. Hodges plaintiffs.

As native Kentuckians or longtime residents, panelists shared their hope to experience marriage equality and family life in their home state. Randy Johnson, a father of four from Louisville, KY said, “We felt that we were living our family life very similar to everyone else. You know, our biggest concerns were getting to basketball practice or dance lessons on time just like our neighbors. But we had other worries…who has the ability to carry our kids on our health insurance? It was so disheartening when you saw people around you that knew us and weren’t outraged by the fact.”

It’s conversations like these that help our community build inclusion and resilience- thank you to the panelists who were willing to speak on their challenges and to the community members who listened.