Something special happened in the Netherlands a quarter century ago. On April 1, 2001, the first same-sex couple married officially. Since then, gay and lesbian couples can marry like everyone else. This milestone still means a lot to many people.

Netherlands was then the first country worldwide with equal marriages. Many couples chose to marry here from abroad. Some came from countries where it is still impossible. This freedom we have was not given freely. It took decades of discussion, protest and perseverance.

Today, same-sex marriage is normal for many young people. They grow up with it. Yet those 25 years are not so long ago. In many countries, gay and lesbian couples still cannot marry. That is why we should reflect on our achievements. This moment shows that change is possible with persistence.

The Dutch model of graduality worked well. First civil partnerships, later marriage. It reduced pressure and made the topic less controversial. Many other countries have followed since. Today, gay and lesbian couples can marry in over thirty countries.