A quarter century ago, something remarkable happened in the Netherlands. On 1 April 2001, the first same-sex couple officially married. Since then, gay and lesbian couples can marry like everyone else. This milestone still means much to many people.

The Netherlands was then the world's first country with equal marriage rights. Many couples chose to marry here from abroad. Some came from countries where it remains illegal. That freedom we have wasn't simply given. It took decades of debate, protest and determination.

Today, same-sex marriage seems quite normal to many young people. They grow up with it. Yet 25 years ago wasn't so long. In many countries, gay and lesbian couples still cannot marry. That's why we should reflect on our achievements. This moment shows change is possible through persistence.

The Dutch model of gradualism worked well. First civil partnerships, then marriage rights. This reduced pressure and made the issue less controversial. Many other countries have since followed. Today, same-sex couples can marry in over thirty countries worldwide.