DAYTON-- A year of change and progress, that's what the LGBT community is hoping for, after Supreme Court Justices announce they will rule on gay marriage by summertime.
It was bittersweet though, as the local LGBT community came together to mourn a loss and celebrate the hope of tolerance.
Nearly 100 people gathered at a vigil for Leelah Alcorn Saturday night. They were celebrating the Cincinnati area teen's life and trying to shed light on the issue of suicide and acceptance.
"We want it to mean something for Leelah Alcorn. We want it to be a way for us to galvanize, to change our community and to make sure that people realize that every human has value," said Nan Whaley, Mayor of Dayton.
The LGBT community is hoping for a monumental step forward for civil rights this summer when the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on gay marriage.
"If you look back in history at things like interracial marriage and just other equality issues the courts generally favor equality over anything else," said RJ McKay,
Scotty and John Didier-Gantt will celebrate their third anniversary later this year. They are hoping Ohio will recognize their marriage before their anniversary.
"I thought it was about time. It's a thing we know is coming because it's the right thing to do and fair minded people are going to agree with it," said John Didier-Gantt.
The two believe gay marriage will open the door for other protections for the LGBT community.
"I hope they do the right thing and ensure that there is no second class citizen in the U.S. we should all have, to me it's a civil right," said Scotty Didier-Gantt.