I recently, along with several other students, changed my profile picture to the red equal sign. To many, it’s merely a fad sweeping across Facebook…but not to me. The red equal sign comes from the Human Rights Campaign, and can be seen on nearly all social media outlets in support of the legalization of same-sex marriages and civil unions. The red equal sign symbolizes the hope for love and equality for all.

As a heterosexual or “straight” female, I am given the right to get married to the man of my choosing. I can file my taxes with him, jointly purchase properties, and can visit him in the Intensive Care Unit should he become gravely ill or injure himself. I have friends who do not have these same freedoms. It’s because of this that I’ve changed my profile picture. I—and nearly every other single person—have friends that are part of the LGBTQ community; friends who deserve respect, equality and the right to choose if and to whom they want to get married.

Not all people want to get married, and I completely respect that. Marriage is a big decision, with religious, moral and political agendas all adding to the pressure of the decision. For me personally, I believe that every person has the right to get married. Whether or not these people choose to do so is none of my business.

Just the other day, my friends and I were talking about how much fun it will be to be bridesmaids at each other’s’ weddings. In that same conversation, my friend turned to me and said, “I would love to have you be a bridesmaid in my wedding…if I’m allowed to get married.” Nearly bursting into tears, I promised that I would do what I could to allow them the chance to marry the person of their choosing.

I am very accepting of people’s religious and political beliefs, but I believe this issue has long since crossed all of those boundaries. It’s no longer an issue of politics, religion or the sanctity of marriage—it’s about basic human and civil rights.

Thank you for allowing me to publicly express myself; I hope the same basic right will be bestowed unto all people soon.