Opinion | Gay Marriage Was a Big Missed Opportunity

In recent years, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights has made significant progress, with the legalization of gay marriage being a major milestone. However, looking back, it is clear that the battle for marriage equality was a missed opportunity to truly challenge the traditional institution of marriage.

When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of legalizing gay marriage in 2015, many celebrated it as a victory for equality and love. And while it was indeed a step in the right direction, it also served to reinforce the idea that marriage is the ultimate goal for all romantic relationships.

Marriage has long been held up as the gold standard for relationships, with societal norms dictating that a couple must be married in order to be seen as legitimate and committed. This mindset not only excludes those who choose not to marry, but also reinforces harmful stereotypes about what constitutes a “normal” or “valid” relationship.

By focusing so much energy and resources on the fight for marriage equality, the LGBTQ+ community missed an opportunity to challenge the very institution of marriage itself. Instead of fighting for the right to conform to a heteronormative standard, we could have been advocating for more inclusive and diverse ways of defining and celebrating relationships.

There are many ways in which the institution of marriage is inherently exclusive and restrictive. For example, marriage often comes with legal and financial benefits that are not available to unmarried couples, creating inequality and discrimination. Additionally, the idea that marriage is the ultimate expression of love and commitment can be alienating to those who do not wish to marry or who do not fit into the traditional mold of a married couple.

Rather than simply fighting for the right to participate in a flawed and exclusionary institution, we could have been advocating for alternative forms of partnership and commitment that are more inclusive and reflective of the diversity of human relationships. By pushing for marriage equality, we missed an opportunity to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

In conclusion, while the legalization of gay marriage was a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights, it was also a missed opportunity to question and challenge the traditional institution of marriage. Moving forward, we must continue to advocate for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of relationships, one that celebrates love and commitment in all its forms.