Meet the plaintiffs who are fighting for same-sex marriage

Jun. 19, 2014, 4:11 PM EDT

By Emma Margolin

When it comes to the national fight for marriage equality, the conversation can often revolve around numbers. There are 19 states where gay and lesbian couples can wed; 74 lawsuits in states where they can’t; 20 wins since last year’s DOMA ruling; 0 losses.

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It’s not hard to see why the numbers grab us — they are impressive. But as we’re keeping count, what can sometimes get lost are the stories of real people on the front lines of this remarkable movement. Take a look at some of the plaintiffs who are challenging the 31 remaining bans on same-sex marriage.

Photo credits, from left to right: Courtesy of Cari Searcy/AP; Chris Shelden/AP; courtesy of Mason Hite and Christopher Devine; Danny Johnston/AP; courtesy of Rebecca Brinkman and Margaret Burd; David Goldman/AP; Todd Dvorak/AP; Jeffrey D. Nicholls/Sun-Times Media/AP; courtesy of Roberta Woodrick and Julia Woodrick; Brett Barrouquere/AP; Janet McConnaughey/AP; Paul Sancya/AP; Orlin Wagner/AP; Nati Harnik/AP; Lambda Legal/File/AP; Russell Contreras/AP; courtesy of Ellen Gerber and Pearl Berlin; courtesy of Bernie Erickson and David Hamilton; Glenn Hartong/The Cincinnati Enquirer/AP; Brennan Linsley/AP; Matt Rourke/AP; courtesy of Nancy and Jennie Rosenbrahn; Eric Gay/AP; Rick Bowmer/AP; Steve Helber/AP; John Hart/Wisconsin State Journal/AP

Emma Margolin

Emma Margolin is a reporter at MSNBC.com.

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Meet the plaintiffs who are fighting for same-sex marriage

Meet the plaintiffs who are fighting for same-sex marriage

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