Zip:
53207

Status:
Married, 20 years, 2 children, 2 grandchildren (pictured)

In 2002, the Women's Fund made its very first grant to a LGBT cause. We funded the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center to do a program to teach law enforcement and service providers how to handle domestic violence between same sex couples. I was really excited about this as the tragic murder of a lesbian by her partner's brother a few years before was something that just wouldn't stop knocking around in my head. (It's still there.) In case you don't know, the Women's Fund's granting decisions are made by a committee of diverse community representatives. It's interesting to note though that at the time, there were not to my knowledge any lesbians on the committee. (I know, I know, I really shouldn't have called it diverse then.)

But when it came time for our Annual Celebration, a time at which we bring our donors, grant partners, and volunteers together to talk about our grants, I became pretty nervous. Maybe a little more than nervous. It had never been done before. No one had every said the word "lesbian" out loud publicly at a Women's Fund event. I wondered if we'd lose donors. I wondered if board members would resign. I wondered if corporations would stop sponsoring our events. But I knew it had to be done. We could hardly say that we were about supporting all women and not include lesbians. And we could not do it quietly and hope that no one noticed.

The day arrived and I mustered up my courage. We had decided to not just mention the LGBT Community Center program but to highlight it and let Kathy Herbst (formerly of the LGBT Community Center) address our audience. I could feel my face getting really warm as I introduced her. She spoke eloquently about the problem and the work of the Community Center.

I didn't really expect anyone to say anything that night but the next day at the office, I was bracing for the calls. We got exactly one. It was from a board member who wasn't offended herself but was afraid of our donors' reaction. Nothing else.

Since we started the Lesbian Fund at the Women's Fund we've had a few knocks and I know we've lost a few donors. But we've gained so much more and nothing more valuable than our integrity.

Why are your participating in this project? What impact would you like to have?  

I want every human being to be and feel valued.

Do your neighbors know you are gay or love someone gay or transgender? Or do you friends know you are an ally to the gay and transgender community?

Yes, my friends, family, and neighbors know that my husband and I are allies.

What advice would have for your neighbors who wanted to show they were supportive to you or your loved one? Neighbors may be co-workers, friends, or family. What advice would you have for someone who wants to be supportive of their gay neighbors?  

 Talk to them and get to know them.

How could someone show that they are for the fair treatment of everyone?

Philanthropy is a powerful tool for change.

What might they say to you to show their support? Is there any action they could do? 

 Make a contribution to the Gay Neighbor Campaign or any other LGBT related charity.