In 20 years, Sun Wenlin may be celebrated as a pioneer for gay rights in China.

On Tuesday, a court in Changsha accepted his legal challenge against the ban on same-sex marriage—he wants to marry his partner.

It was the first time a Chinese court has ever accepted a same-sex marriage case and this opening could lead to a spate of similar cases.

Sun’s optimistic that his effort will be successful, as Chinese law guarantees the freedom to marry and gender equality.

The country’s cities have thriving gay scenes and tolerance of same-sex couples has grown since 1997 when the government first legalized same-sex activity and after 2001 when homosexuality was no longer officially considered a mental disorder.

But there are still obstacles, both culturally and legally.

China denies gay people the right to adopt, the right to serve in the military and the right to be protected against discrimination.

Even still, civil rights activists view the case as a breakthrough because China’s courts often evade or obscure politically sensitive issues.

So the publicity of this case signals that maybe the country is ready to begin a new chapter and allow gay people equality under the law.

And a victory for gay rights in a country as influential as China could have huge impact on the world.

Currently, around 79 countries deem homosexuality illegal and punish offenders with prison sentences, lashings and even death.

Sometimes, communities take out their hatred out on the streets and murder gay people.

In nearly all countries, gay people face ridicule and harassment and unequal representation under the law.

When you consider this, it’s amazing that the gay community has persevered and achieved rights and acceptance in places.

Just this past year, the US finally legalized same-sex marriage for all states.

China could be the next country to join the list.

Sun sure hopes so. He wants to get started raising a family.