Beyond Prop 8: Same-sex couples and their struggles to marry

By Rachel Rodriguez, CNN

This story started on

CNN iReport

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Plaintiffs hope to overturn California's Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage
Same-sex and transgender couples across the country describe struggles to marry
Some of these iReport couples have had multiple commitment ceremonies and weddings
One couple can't live in the U.S. because marriage isn't legally recognized

(CNN) -- Jeffrey Zarrillo and Paul Katami want to get married in their home state of California. That's why they've gone to court to overturn Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage. The case likely will reach the U.S. Supreme Court and may culminate in a landmark decision -- some have dubbed it this generation's Brown v. Board of Education or Roe v. Wade. Thousands of couples like Zarrillo and Katami say they have faced unique obstacles to celebrate their commitment. Some have traveled from their homes to the five states where gay marriage is legal. Others are still seeking legal recognition of their unions. Meet nine of these couples. Click through the gallery to read their stories.

To protect the privacy of their children and because of employment concerns, these iReporters requested that CNN not give their last names.