I designed this magazine cover and layout while working as the Lead Designer of (614) Magazine in Columbus, Ohio. The man in the portrait is Jim Obergefell, who’s 2015 court case Obergefell vs. Hodges led to the legalization of gay marriage throughout the United States.

In 2011, Obergefell became legally married in Maryland to his partner John Arthur, who was gravely ill with ALS. Obergefell soon learned that he could not be listed as Arthur’s surviving spouse on his death certificate due to Ohio’s same-sex marriage ban. After filing the lawsuit Obergefell vs. Kasich, the judge ruled in his favor but the state of Ohio appealed to a higher court and won. Obergefell then appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Arthur passed away in 2013, and Obergefell became devoted to legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide with the Supreme Court case Obergefell vs. Hodges.

After winning the case, Obergefell stated, “It affirms what millions across the country already know to be true in their hearts: our love is equal. The four words etched onto the front of the Supreme Court ‘equal justice under law’ apply to us, too.”

Cover Story Layout

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