One gay couple divorced when we won marriage equality. The reason keep you fighting.

Thursday’s Supreme Court decision allowed millions of US citizens to stay insured, strengthening the fight against the HIV epidemic. Friday’s Supreme Court decision for marriage equality gave many of us a jubilant reason to celebrate.

I woke up Saturday morning, still on a high from the gay marriage decision the day before, to images of Brittany “Bree” Newsome climbing the flagpole in Columbia, South Carolina that displayed the Confederate flag on the grounds of the state capitol. This act of civil disobedience was brave, and a stark image of the forces that continue to oppress black lives in our country.

Our movement still has a lot to do to create a world where all citizens, regardless of race, sexuality, or status, can live with equality and dignity.

On Sunday, I attended a social group for HIV+ men hosted by one of our nonprofit partners. Members of the group shared their reaction to the gay marriage court case. 

While the response was positive and spirited, one couple shared a more nuanced view of gay marriage legalization. Both men were HIV+, and were married out of state several years ago. When gay marriage was legalized in North Carolina in October last year, they at first celebrated, but quickly realized the decision had unintended consequences for them. Both men were enrolled in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and as a married couple, their combined income level would make them ineligible for ADAP coverage.

Shortly after marriage equality became legal in North Carolina, the couple legally divorced so they could maintain access to their HIV medication.

I’ve heard many personal stories about the challenges members of our community have faced since joining the team at the North Carolina AIDS Action Network. Theirs is one that will stay with me.

This couple’s story is a stark a reminder that marriage equality and the affirmation of the Affordable Care Act are not enough. We must continue to support our partners in the fight for social justice for all citizens. We must continue to work to make sure ALL citizens have access to comprehensive health insurance, regardless of status or income.

Let’s celebrate our victories from last week. Let’s let them serve as fuel for the fights ahead.

Lee Storrow is Executive Director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network.