Area LGBT Couples Celebrate DOMA Victory, Look to Future Challenges

10,557 couples. 

According to the 2010 census data, there 10,557 is the estimated number of gay and lesbian couples that could be impacted by changes to federal marriage laws.

Area gay and lesbian couples celebrated that fact Wednesday night at rally celebrating the Supreme Court's decision to overturn parts of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

As one person at the rally put it, "there was a time we hid in the shadows — we don't have to do that anymore."

PROMO, the statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality, hosted the event at the LGBT Center of St. Louis. 

Organizers praised the Court's 5-4 decision, but cautioned that there was still work to do in Missouri. 

See our previous coverage: 

• Missouri Legislators, Organizations Split Positions on Supreme Court Decision
• #DOMA is Dead. Love is Alive." and More Reaction Following Supreme Court's Ruling Wednesday
• DOMA Decision Heralded In St . Louis