We at the Daily Nebraskan would like to recognize the New York State Legislature's passage of the Marriage Equality Act on Friday, allowing both same- and opposite-sex couples' marriage rights to be legally observed. The passing of the bill makes New York the largest of the six states so far to legalize the marriage of gay couples in the United States.
Just as New York's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer community was celebrating this victory on Friday evening at their own pride festivals, Heartland Pride in Omaha was having its own "United in Pride" festival.
The pride festivals occurring all over the country are a way for the community to come together and support the LGBTQ community with parades, informational booths and events. Allies and the LGBTQ community alike come together to raise awareness about legislation issues facing the states, which aren't fortunate enough to have the equal marriage rights yet.
It's important to observe how allies can help the LGBTQ community reach its goals socially and politically. The more allies speaking out with the LGBTQ communities, the more likely their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln last December, allies and the LGBTQ community came together to pass the Plus One proposal, giving NU employees domestic partner benefits.
At UNL, the LGBTQA resource center and the Queer Ally Coalition encourage students to become allies, as well as friends of the LGBTQ community on campus.
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