Very reminiscent of California 20 months ago, when we too had our freedom to marry, last week the first same-sex couples in Washington, D.C. were surrounded by friends and family as they received their marriage licenses. Washington D.C. now officially joins the five states and eight countries that have ended same-sex couples’ exclusion from marriage. This victory in our nation’s capital marks an enormous victory, not only for those who live in the district and who no longer have to go elsewhere to secure the protections of marriage, but it also marks a win for the national marriage-equality movement.

As we well know, in California winning the freedom to marry is no small feat. Having once tasted the sweet victory, it is still a fight we continue today. Education must be done by local advocates who spend countless hours doing the critical work of informing lawmakers and telling their personal stories to the public about not having the right to marry. This is how it was done in Washington, D.C. and is the same work that is being done on the frontlines here in California as we struggle to win back our right to marry.

Our victory in Washington, D.C. brings all same-sex couples who want to marry one step closer to walking down the aisle. It reminds us all that victories are within our reach, we simply must do the work of educating those who matter.

The key to winning the freedom to marry nationally is to grow the number of states where same-sex marriage is legal. The more we get citizens across the nation to realize that the sky did not fall last week as same-sex couple began exchanging vows in Washington, D.C , the more we allow people across the nation to see with their own eyes that families were not hurt, but helped by having the right to marry

And just as we have done with each victory, the more states we win, the closer the country truly becomes the United States of America, enabling a federal victory for marriage in Congress or the Supreme Court and bringing a national resolution wherever it may land.

We must build upon the momentum in Washington, D.C. and increase the freedom to marry movement here locally through voter education and legislative efforts. When you see those fighting for marriage equality outside Ralphs, Vons or Trader Joes, do not ignore them, but give them your time to listen to what they have to say. Give your time, donate your money and educate others because the fight is far from over.

In California closing arguments in the federal trial over the state’s same-sex marriage ban will resume any day now. In our own state and in Maine, legislatures have already voted for marriage equality, but it has proven the hurdle must be overcome at the ballot box. It is the work of such grassroots organizations as Equality California that state-based public education campaigns are implemented and where groundwork is laid for victories at the ballot.

It is up to us to have conversations with others we know about same-sex marriage to show them that we are just like everyone else and that our families are hurt by the denial of the right to be recognized. Each and every conversation that we have with friends, families and lawmakers maintains the momentum that has already begun and will ensure continuous victories adding to the list of states where same-sex couple can enjoy the freedom to marry.

As the administration and lawmakers have conversations with committed couples living more securely than before, it will become evident that there is no good reason for denying same-sex couples – who are their own constituents – the freedom to marry. It will also give every reason to end the federal discrimination against married couples inflicted by the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act.” It is time that Washington, D.C. lead the nation by example and that the freedom to marry be granted across the nation.