CARROLL COUNTY, Arkansas — It's been 10 years since Arkansas's first same-sex marriage license was granted to two Fort Smith women who say they will never forget that day.
The Carroll County Clerk was the first in the state to grant the licenses after a Pulaski County judge lifted a ban a few days before.
Although they say getting there was difficult, Jennifer Rambo and Kristin Seaton were the first in line.
"A door got slammed in our face," Jennifer said. "And that's when law enforcement comes out [and] tells us to get out of the way for the normal people, and you can imagine the emotions."
All of their struggles they say made their wedding day a few months later in October 2014 even more special.
"It meant that there was the security of our marriage," Jennifer said. "It validated that we were recognized with the equal rights that everyone else was allowed to do as well.
They say while work still needs to be done, acceptance has improved since their wedding day.
"There are some things that Arkansas in particular absolutely I feel need to improve on for just the equal basic rights," Jennifer said. "So it's moving, but I think that it definitely has room for improvement on a lot of levels just to ensure equality for everyone."
Today, the couple says it's important for them to work with the younger generation.
"We work most with our LGBTQ+ youth," she said. "As they navigate through the endeavors of living here in the South or just trying to navigate through their family and friends, our advice is always to believe that you belong," Jennifer said.
In the meantime, the effort to gain more acceptance will continue.
"We understand that there is more work to be done," she said. "And there are many, many more people like us and beyond that the fight is still there, and we're hopeful that it's going to keep improving on the right side of history."
The couple says they celebrated their anniversary in Eureka Springs where it all started 10 years ago.
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