( CNN ) -- Any way you slice it , thousands of same-sex couples across the United States were thrilled by Wednesday 's Supreme Court rulings . But in 37 states , some same-sex couples were n't as happy as they 'd hoped to be . They 're the 37 states that ban same-sex marriage , and the Supreme Court decisions on the Defense of Marriage Act and California 's Proposition 8 were n't broad enough to change that status . Do n't get them wrong , many couples in these states feel the ruling is an overall victory , especially for `` our folks in California [ who ] can be blissfully married again , '' as Maryland resident Nicolene du Toit , who anxiously awaited the ruling with her wife over the phone , put it . In addition to saying that same-sex marriages could resume in California , the court decided that same-sex spouses legally married in a state may receive federal benefits . But some couples could n't help but be disappointed that the rulings may not make a difference in their own states -- at least for now . What 's next for gay rights movement ? `` Immediately , it does n't mean anything , '' said Brandi Ansley of Atlanta . Georgia is one of the states that does not allow same-sex marriage . `` There 's no reason for us to run out and get married ( in a state that allows it ) , because she would n't be able to insure me and the children . '' South Carolina resident Jordan Sullivan agreed . `` It 's a wonderful step in the right direction , but I still ca n't help but feel sad and disappointed that the ruling does not extend to all states , including South Carolina , '' said Sullivan , who 's been with her partner nearly three years and would like to get married . `` I can only hope we wo n't be like the last kid picked in gym class . '' And for couples like Casey Miller and John Martin , the federal benefits ruling brings up a number of questions that even legal experts do n't agree on . Miller and Martin were legally married in California in 2008 . But they live in Texas , where same-sex marriage is n't recognized . So will they qualify for federal tax , health and pension benefits ? Erwin Chemerinsky , dean of law at the University of California-Irvine and a constitutional law expert , says yes . `` A couple that was lawfully married in a state , but moves to another state , still is married , '' he said . `` Their marriage has not been ended , even if not recognized in their new state . So they get all federal benefits accorded to married couples , though their marriage will not be recognized in their new state . '' But Neil Siegel , a law professor at Duke University and an expert on the Supreme Court , did n't think the issue was quite so black and white . Opinion : Fight for gay rights must continue . `` It 's not clear , '' he said . `` The federal agencies are going to have to decide , and different agencies may decide differently . Congress could always step in , and eventually you 're going to have federal courts ruling . There may be additional protection from certain federal agencies , but it 's not clear at this point which ones or when . '' `` It would n't be surprising to me to hear the president order the federal agencies to say that if [ a same-sex couple ] is lawfully married in one state , that they have to provide benefits wherever they 're living , '' he added . Same-sex couples : What the Supreme Court decision means for your finances . Miller finds all the uncertainty frustrating and described the rulings as `` an expensive baby step . '' `` Are we still second-class citizens ? '' he asked . Other same-sex couples in states that do not allow them to marry say they 're still worried about the same issues that plagued them before , like hospital visitation , adoption and end-of-life rights . And some say that , even if they could be afforded federal benefits by marrying in a state that allows same-sex marriage , they deserve the right to get married in the states where they 've made their home . `` I hope the Supreme Court takes the ruling a step further to make it a national law , so we can legally get married under big oak trees in Charleston , with our friends and family from all over the world sharing the joy and excitement on a day that once did n't seem possible , '' mused Sullivan . `` To my LGBT brethren in more accepting states , especially you who got a double in California ... rejoice and be happy , for this day is truly yours , '' wrote R.J. McKay , an Ohio resident who 's been with his partner for 15 years . `` For those of us stuck in less accepting states , this was a huge symbolic win ... keep ( your ) eye on the prize . '' CNN 's Christina Zdanowicz , Daphne Sashin , Nicole Saidi and Julia Carpenter contributed to this report .
Wednesday 's Supreme Court rulings left some same-sex couples with conflicting feelings . In 37 states , same-sex couples still are n't allowed to marry . Will benefits ruling apply to same-sex couples who marry outside their home state ? Are you part of a same-sex couple affected by the decisions ? Comment: