During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, various social and cultural movements emerged in the United States, reshaping public consciousness and policy. Among these, the LGBTQ+ rights movement gained significant traction, especially after key events such as the Stonewall Riots in 1969. An important aspect of this movement included the call for marriage equality, which intensified in the 2000s. As you analyze the progress of this movement, consider the factors that helped reshape public opinion and legal status regarding LGBTQ+ rights.
Which of the following events most directly contributed to the shift in public and legal support for same-sex marriage in the United States during the early 21st century?