Jim Obergefell: Sandusky's 'Pride' and joy

SANDUSKY — A sense of great pride swept over Jim Obergefell late Thursday afternoon.Driving into downtown, he saw a sight that would have been unimaginable — and, quite likely, if it did happen, reprehensible — 34 years ago, when he graduated from Sandusky High School in 1984."The moment I noticed the first pride flag in Sandusky, I perked up," Obergefell said. "Then I started to see pride flags everywhere. It was a joyous feeling to know our city is becoming a part of something truly special happening around the nation. To see it in my hometown is really gratifying."An equally satisfying sensation overcame Obergefell Thursday night, when locals threw him a homecoming celebration, taking place at the Sandusky State Theatre.He acted as a keynote speaker to kick off the first Sandusky Pride event, a four-day LGBTQ-themed festival offering all-inclusive events, which includes a drag queen kickball game.Obergefell gained national fame in 2015 when he led the movement to legalize same-sex marriages nationwide. He acted as the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case's chief plaintiff.In the three years since, the Washington, D.C., resident has continued his advocacy efforts, serving on various boards all fighting for equality. Obergefell even created a wine business, called Equality Vines, which donates a portion of all proceeds to organizations drawing parallels to his beliefs."The ultimate goal is the ability to live our lives in this country as full, equal Americans," Obergefell said. "What I do, it's not just for the LGBTQ community. I'm focused on civil rights and trying to help all minority groups. As a gay man, I know what it's like to feel excluded and to feel lesser than to others."So how far have Americans, as an overall nation, come since same-sex marriages became legal? According to Obergefell, it's a mixed bag."There have been great strides made toward acceptance," Obergefell said. "But, under our current administration, there is still so much violence on the streets, and hatred has been given the OK. I honestly worry if it's possible for any group in this nation to expect full equality. There will always be people who, for whatever reason, feel the need to poorly treat someone who is different than them."Obergefell offered up some advice on how people can handle and confront someone who disrespects others."I would really try to help them understand by talking with them," he said. "That one-on-one interaction can change hearts and minds. It's those personal stories and those conversations that help those people, who maybe aren't on our side fully, realize others who aren't like them aren't so scary and, really, aren't so different. We are much more alike than we are different."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Jim Obergefell, a 1984 Sandusky High School graduate, who acted as the lead plaintiff in a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriages nationwide, spoke Thursday night at the Sandusky State Theatre. Obergefell gave the keynote address during the first Sandusky Pride event.