On this historic day in the struggle for LGBT rights, recall some of the important national figures in that battle who appeared at Kansas City Pride Celebrations.  They, and many others like them, paved the way for the marriage equality decision handed down today :

Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer, at Pride in 1997
(photo courtesy C-Span)

Colonel Cammermeyer was the highest ranking military officer to be discharged because of her sexual orientation.  Upon her discharge she sued, and won a victory in US District Court, enabling her to serve openly under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.

Technical Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, at Pride in 1978

Sergeant Matlovich received national attention as the first gay service member to purposely out himself to the military to fight its ban on gays.

Rev. Troy Perry, at Pride in 1979

Reverend Perry founded the Metropolitan Christian Church in 1968.  Kansas City’s chapter was formed five years later.