[6][7] Obergefell graduated from Sandusky High School in 1984[8] and went on to attend the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a degree in secondary education and German.

However, after meeting with Al Gerhardstein, a civil rights attorney, they were told that due to Ohio's same-sex marriage ban, Obergefell could not be listed as Arthur's surviving spouse on his death certificate.

[12] A federal judge agreed to hear the case the following court day due to Arthur's illness.

[14] Justice Anthony Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion for the case, stated in the court: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family.

In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than they once were.”[15] After winning the case, Obergefell stated, "It affirms what millions across the country already know to be true in their hearts: our love is equal.

"[14] President Barack Obama reached out to congratulate Obergefell and thanked him for "his leadership that has changed our country.

"[14] When Justice Kennedy retired in 2018, Obergefell was very vocal in the media on his opinions of the judge's decision to resign.

Obergefell admitted to feeling "despondent" because he believed the loss of Justice Kennedy could have repercussions, especially for the LGBTQ+ community.

Obergefell stated on the issue that "I wouldn't trust any Justice nominated by this president to respect and protect LGBTQ+ rights.

[17] In February 2016, soon after the court ruling, Obergefell moved to Washington, D.C., to continue pursuing his political endeavors.

[22] After three years of activism in Washington, Obergefell decided, in 2019, to move back to Ohio to reclaim his roots, return to his role as an uncle to 17, and announce a new act.

[25] In the early 1990s, at Uncle Woody's, a bar near the University of Cincinnati, Obergefell met John Arthur, the man he would eventually marry.

Obergefell was also appointed to be a member of the National Advisory Board for the GLBT Historical Society and the Board of Advisors for the Mattachine Society of Washington, D.C.[17] Obergefell has also been honored by the ACLU of Southern California, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and the Santa Clara University School of Law.