Zip Code:

32244

Status:

Married with 3 grown children

Why are your participating in this project? What impact would you like to have?
I am participating because I truly believe that all human beings should have equal rights. I would love to see equal rights for marriage in all states and all children to have the right to have two parents that love them.

Do your neighbors know you are gay or love someone gay or transgender?
Yes my close neighbors and relatives know that I love someone gay.

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?
My advice is to contact government officials and voice your concern that equal rights must be put into legislation for all God's children, including marriage, health care and legal rights. Other than that, treat your neighbors as you would like to be treated.

How could someone show that they are for the fair treatment of everyone?
What might they say to you to show their support? Is there any action they could do?
Someone could show me they believe in fair treatment by asking me to join their circle of friends. They could treat me like they do their friends and speak in a thoughtful manner.

Have you ever been discriminated against for being LGBT or loving someone gay?
No, but I have been discriminated for being female and married to a man of another race.

Do you think our community treats people in the LGBT community fairly? How so?
No, because we talk about children needing parents and yet society is more concerned about having a father and mother. What children need is a loving and stable environment.

Are you out to friends, family, co-workers – why or why not? This includes if you love someone gay or transgender ?
I am a straight woman who throughout my life has had gay and bi friends and have love them deeply.

Are there any laws that affect you, your relationships or your children as an ally or member of the LGBT community?
I have family members who deserve legal rights for marriage, health benefits and to raise their children in safe envirnments.

I would like to add something extra. In my 60 years I have seen many changes in our society. Most recently in the news I see women being killed for rights in Asia and the Middle East. It reminded me so much about the civil rights marches in the 60's and the bra burning in the 70's. We are progressing but it is not soon enough. No one will actually free untill everyone is respected and has equal rights.