Decision reaffirmed to validate marriage of firefighter's transgender widow

HOUSTON - A state appeals court has reaffirmed its earlier decision to validate the marriage of a firefighter's transgender widow.

On July 3, 2010, Wharton fire Capt. Thomas Araguz died in the line of duty, and Nikki Araguz Loyd has been fighting to claim his death benefits ever since.

"I, as a transgender woman, am still being denied marriage equality and my rights in Texas," she told Channel 2.

In, 2011, Judge Randy Clapp voided the couple's marriage, because at the time, Texas did not recognize same-sex marriage. That meant Araguz Loyd was not entitled to her husband's estate.

"It's just over $500,000, which I think I'm greatly due," she said.

Same-sex marriage is now the law of the land, and Friday, an appeals court ordered the judge to reverse his ruling.

"I screamed. I was so excited to finally have some vindication has been very relieving," she said.

But she said the nearly six-year battle may not be over yet.

"My biggest fear is he's going to position himself as an anti-marriage-equality judge and make another statement like the one Kim Davis just made. In the end, it isn't over until Judge Clapp signs that order, and we don't know if that's going to happen."

Araguz's ex-wife and children are also fighting for his estate.

?Araguz Loyd has since remarried, has a daughter and is founder of the Transgender National Alliance.

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