Marriage Equality Champion Jim Obergefell to Serve as a Grand Marshall

Sonoma County Pride is honored to name Jim Obergefell as a Grand Marshall for the 32nd annual Sonoma County Pride Parade on June 1, 2019, in downtown Santa Rosa on 4th Street. Sharing Grand Marshall duties is Pat Kerrigan, Sonoma County radio personality and community leader. The parade starts at 11am, followed by a Pride Festival from noon to 6pm. This year’s theme is Stonewall to Sonoma, a Heritage of Love.
A resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, realtor and IT consultant Jim Obergefell met and fell in love with John Arthur in 1992. The devoted couple were together for two decades and traveled to Maryland to officially marry in 2013, with Arthur having been diagnosed with ALS. After his husband’s death, Obergefell entered a legal battle with the state of Ohio to be recognized as the surviving spouse on Arthur’s death certificate. His case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, combined with other suits, to become known as Obergefell v. Hodges, which ultimately asked whether all states must issue marriage licenses to gay couples. On June 26, 2015, the court ruled that the Constitution supports same-sex marriage for the entirety of the United States.
After lending his name to one of the most significant Supreme Court civil rights opinions in American history, Jim didn’t stop there. He now describes himself as an “accidental activist” who wears many hats. He is the co-author of Love Wins, The Lovers and Lawyers Who Fought the Landmark Case for Marriage Equality, a marriage officiant, a keynote speaker, co-founder of Equality Vines, and tireless activist for equality.
GED Magazine caught up with Jim to talk about Sonoma Pride and some of his other activities.

GED: With so many Pride events across the country, why Sonoma?

Jim: I’m a lover of Sonoma County. The pace of life and the appreciation of life makes it a special place. There’s a strong sense of community. The way people have pulled together in the wake of recent fires and floods is amazing. I also enjoy the area’s beauty, its wines, and the quirkiness of Guerneville.

GED: Speaking of wines, tell us about Equality Vines.

Jim: About 4 years ago I was approached by Matt Grove who shares a similar vision for human equality as well as appreciation for excellent wines to create the world’s first cause-based wine portfolio dedicated to equality for all people. We work with several Sonoma wineries to offer a limited release collection of high-quality wines to benefit equality causes for the LGBTQ community, women, and immigrants.

Note: More info available at EqualityVines.com

GED: In addition to serving as a Grand Marshall, you’re also hosting a Fireside Chat on the evening of Friday, May 31 at The Astro.

Jim: Yes. It’s an unscripted conversation where we’ll cover a wide range of topics. These events have a life of their own. I let the conversation fly. People are usually interested in the Supreme Court case, but there are lots of current topics to cover too.

GED: What are some of the hot topics today when it comes to LGBTQ activism?

Jim: Discrimination doesn’t end with marriage equality, there are several other areas where discrimination is still legal. Not everyone understands that you can still be fired or lose your apartment based on LGBTQ discrimination in some states. Some other causes deserving of attention include the high murder rate of transgendered women of color and the practice of conversion therapy.

GED: Your name will go down in history tied to Marriage Equality. Anything else you want to accomplish or be known for?

Jim: That I loved my husband, I kept my promises, and I helped fight for equality. I’m not a person with a five-year plan, but I know I’ll always be fighting for human rights.

GED: Have you ever considered running for public office?

Jim: I’ve been asked that before. There are no immediate plans. But I don’t brush it off. It’s always in the back of my mind.

To book Jim Obergefell for a speaking engagement, you may visit KepplerSpeakers.com.
For more information on Jim’s activities at Sonoma County Pride visit SomomaCountyPride.org.