Midway through Friday night’s rally and celebration outside of the Center for Civil and Human Rights, a cold rain came down on the hot crowd.
Museum officials rushed everyone inside, where a room was already set up. The party kept going.
"Our work is not done," said Beth Littrell, an attorney for Lambda Legal. "But today we celebrate. We did not win same sex marriage. We won the right to marry."
More than 1,000 people showed up in the rain Friday night to celebrate a milestone they never thought they would see.
Gays and lesbians hugged and kissed in joy. They waved rainbow and American flags. Some were in drag, others in suits. Some brought their children.
"This was a victory for us all. A victory for civil and human rights," said Felicia English, trying to feed her 14-month old daughter Samantha, whose adoption was finalized on March 3. "Our daughter had two mothers and I am so happy for her. That she will not have to face adversity and discrimination."
Charles Ballance and John Carson have been together for four decades, but got married officially in Baltimore in 2013. Now they are recognized at home.
“This means so much to my husband and I of 40 years,” Ballance said. “Now we are legal in Georgia, and it is a relief. I am accepted now. We feel legit.”
English's best friend, Aldith Bell, who works on diversity issues at her company, said the court's decision was long overdue.
“We live in a society where if your work environment is not diverse and inclusive, you are not going to be successful,” Bell said. “This is just a start. But the opportunity to take care of your partner and all that comes with it is important. There are just certain rights that you should have if you have been with someone forever.”
Leann Jones said this may be a day of celebration today but agrees the fight for equality continues.
On her way to the event, she talked to her mother on the phone. Before Jones hung up, her mom told her to be safe.
“It reminded me that we celebrate today, we get married today, but people can still lose their jobs tomorrow,” Jones said. “We still have a lot of work to do.”
About the Author