On the surface, it’s tempting to see history as a sequence of events. While this certainly is not incorrect, it takes much more to shape our world than a few shining moments. In truth, people drive history. Ordinary folks navigating the times in which they inhabit often spark the moments that we remember. While his name will be enshrined in history books for years to come, Jim Obergefell is proof that change can come from anyone at any time. 

Ordinary People 

Jim Obergefell did not set out to make history. He and his partner John Arthur spent years together in a loving relationship. In their home state of Ohio, they worked hard to earn an honest living as consultants for client relations and IT departments. The life that they shared together was blissful, but few would call it extraordinary.

When one peers into the lives of their heroes, they often find that the most pivotal moments began with common life circumstances. For Jim Obergefell, that moment was illness. In 2011, he awoke one morning to learn that John had been diagnosed with ALS. While he did not know this at the time, this would begin a chain of events that would change the world. 

Obergefell v. Hodges

Jim spent the next two years caring for John as the illness worsened. By 2013, John was confined to his bed and the couple decided that they would wed. In 2013, marriage equality only existed in 12 states. Their native Ohio was not one of them. The couple traveled to nearby Maryland, which had legalized same-sex marriage by referendum the year before. In an intimate ceremony on the tarmac of Baltimore-Washington International, the couple was married on July 11, 2013.

John Arthur passed away on October 22, 2013. The passing of a partner is a devastating occurrence. Sadly for Jim, he would learn that the state of Ohio did not recognize his marriage to John. Thus, he was not permitted to be listed as John’s spouse on the death certificate, a denial of justice that had likely befallen many. Jim Obergefell filed a lawsuit on June 26, 2015, that would go on to make marriage equality the law of the land.

Congressman Jim Obergefell? 

In the years following the landmark decision, Obergefell has continued his work to fully realize the rights of LGBT and queer Americans. He spent a few years as a speaker in Washington, DC and even presided over a few weddings. Today, he has returned to his native Ohio and appears poised to make history once again. 

Obergefell recently announced that he will be campaigning to represent Ohio’s 89th District in the state’s House of Representatives. Obergefell has deep roots in the district and has stated that he intends to improve access to jobs that pay living wages in the area. 

If elected, Obergefell will become the second openly gay man, and the third LGBTQ person, to hold office in Ohio’s General Assembly following Congressman Tim Brown (R) and Senator Nickie Antonio (D) respectively. Openly LGBTQ representatives are a recent reality in Ohio. Antonio first took office in 2011 and Brown took office in 2016. 

It’s no exaggeration to call Jim Obergefell a hero. His lawsuit against the State of Ohio would go on to change the world. The poetic irony in his story is that changing the world was never his intention. He simply wanted to marry the love of his life. He is an inspiration to millions because he is proof that ordinary people can make a difference. Most importantly, though, he is a testament to the enduring power of love as a force for good in our lives.