Just a few hours after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states on Friday (June 26), the celebrations got underway at New York City’s Stonewall Inn.

Cheerful, equality-loving crowds gathered at the iconic gay bar for an impromptu rally where the spirits were sky-high, the drinks were flowing, and the rainbow flags were waving more mightily than ever before.

To properly capture the ecstatic, love-positive atmosphere, we asked people at Stonewall to tell us why they came and why marriage equality is important to them. Here are their emotional responses:

"Gay life matters."

"I want to support my friends."

"Love is for everyone."

"Everyone deserves happiness."

"I'm proud of who I am!"

"Love is love."

"I love myself."

"My straight coworkers weren't excited enough!!"

"Now I can marry whomever I [love]. Man or woman!"

"Love wins."

"I am gay and from Texas, and my wife is from Michigan."

"I love my gay friends. I want them to be happy."

"I love my brother!!"

"We are making history."

"Love matters. We matter. I matter."

"Today, LOVE conquered hate!"

"We are celebrating 10 yrs of marriage equality in Canada and wanted to be here to share your victory with you."