From "Somebody To Love" To "We Are The Champions"

Australia has approved the legalization of same-sex marriage in what is, according to officials, an "overwhelming" victory.

Fred W. McDarrah / Getty Images / Via cnn.com

Since the 1970’s sexual revolution, the topic of same-sex marriage (or SSM, as it is often abbreviated by the media) has been in the spotlight for one reason or another, whether it be in support of or against the movement. Throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s especially, members of the LGBTQ community were largely marginalized, made to feel as lesser American citizens and even outcast because of their sexual orientation.

One of America's greatest achievements in 2015.

AP / Via abc13.com

In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same sex marriage was to be legalized in all 50 states, overruling 14 states’ laws that outlawed the practice. June 26, 2015 was a day that solidified the idea that “love is love” regardless of who that love is shared between. The passing of the law by no means took away the entirety of the hardships that comes with living an alternative lifestyle, though eliminating the illegal nature of two people’s relationship certainly was a step in the right direction towards universal acceptance and tolerance.

Paul J. Richards / AFP / Getty Images / Via america.aljazeera.com

Two years later, significant strides have been made towards a more embracing and accepting atmosphere for those in the LGBTQ community. Here in the states, there isn’t such a shocking or negative stigma surrounding the lifestyle but rather an acceptance and a supportive one from most people. Of course, there are those who still adhere to the comfortable molds of the past, but those molds are quickly crumbling to reveal a much freer, more open sense of normalcy in America.

One of Australia's greatest achievements in 2017.

Via news.sky.com

The step that America took in 2015 to legalize same-sex marriage was taken by Australia this week, bringing cheers from the Australian LGBTQ community and from those around the world thrilled at the news. Results of a two-month survey were revealed, showing that every territory and state voted yes, with a final ratio of 61 percent of the population voting yes and 38 percent voting no.

Via abc.net.au

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made a statement, saying that "[The people] voted 'yes' for fairness, they voted 'yes' for commitment, they voted 'yes' for love. And now it is up to us here in the Parliament of Australia to get on with it,”.

Via queenphotos.wordpress.com

Queen, one of the world’s most well-known rock bands, was hitting its stride by the middle of the 1970s. After rising to fame after four studio albums, A Day at the Races brought one of the most beloved rock ballads of all time: “Somebody to Love”. Through various instrumental and vocal methods, “Somebody to Love” bleeds the same kind of emotion that American LGBTQ community members faced in 2015 and that Australians of the same group faced just earlier this week. “Each morning I get up I die a little, can barely stand on my feet,” Mercury sings, beginning the story of someone who is alone without a partner in life. Throughout the rest of the song, the lyrics tell a story of a man longing intensely for someone to share his money, time and ultimately life with, continuously asking the question “Can anybody find me someone to love?”

Richard Coles via Twitter @RevRichardColes / Via Twitter: @RevRichardColes

For Australians living an alternative lifestyle, this sentiment of being lost and longing to find and express their true love was a reality. Now, thanks to an overwhelming approval throughout the population, maybe the LGBTQ community can change the track from “Somebody to Love” to “We Are the Champions”.