Long-time activist Rodney Croome recalls a time in Tasmania when he felt he was just one of two gay men on the entire island.
In 1997, the Apple Isle became the final Australian state or territory to decriminalise homosexuality, 22 years after South Australia became the first.
On Wednesday, it emerged more than 63 per cent of postal survey voters in Tasmania voted in favour of same-sex marriage - above the national result of 61.6 per cent.
"When I was a teenager, the only gay person I was aware of was Bob Brown because he had publicly come out," Mr Croome, spokesperson for Tasmanians United for Marriage Equality, told AAP.
"I didn't know anyone else."
Croome, now aged 53, was one of hundreds at South Hobart's Cascade Hotel on Wednesday morning, silently standing shoulder-to-shoulder as the Australian Bureau of Statistics prepared to deliver the same-sex marriage survey result.
Tears, hugs, kisses and screams of elation followed as Australia's majority 'yes' vote was announced nationwide.
Mr Croome stood on a chair and tore to shreds a speech he'd prepared for a 'no' vote win, holding back tears and speaking about a day that will be "remembered for generations".
"Today is a vindication of the faith that I've always had in Tasmanians," Mr Croome, who has campaigned for gay rights for 29 years, said.
"It sends a message to the nation that Tasmania is a far more open place."
As a teenager, he said to be "openly gay" he felt he had to go to Sydney or Melbourne, referring to pre-1997 times as "the dark days".
"Today's result well and truly puts to bed the stereotype that Tasmania is backwards," he said.
A beaming Sam Watson, 17, was too young to vote, but said the 'yes' win will help him and other teenagers feel comfortable in their own country.
"This is the most momentous occasion for gay rights," he said amongst a jubilant crowd.
"I wasn't born then (when homosexuality was illegal pre-1997).
"But I do hear the stories and I know people like Rodney.
"I'm not going to get married right now, but knowing that the majority of Australians support this, support me and want to see this equality, is a great thing."
In a tweet, Premier Will Hodgman wrote he was "very happy Australia has said yes", while Labor Opposition Leader Rebecca White urged federal politicians to now deliver marriage equality law.
