Zip Code:
53186

Relationship Status:
Partnered, 4 children

Karen:

Our family and our kids felt it was the right thing to do. Our neighbors, our church and our schools have been so supportive of us and our blended family. We are just like any other family: we send our kids to public school, we try to have dinner together and are trying to raise our children to fulfill their dreams. We want others to know us as people. Having a face and name to go with "the lesbians", will allow the fear some people harbor to subside.

Kristie:

We want to be viewed as people. If that can happen, then perhaps our civil rights will follow.

Karen:

Stop by and borrow a ladder or cup of sugar. Treat us as you would anyone else—ask the regular questions... how did you two meet, etc?  Tell them you are supportive too. Don't know the right words? Just try... it opens up a great conversation.

Karen:

In Wisconsin, most children are vulnerable if one parent in a same sex couple dies. The child will not receive social security benefits for their support from the deceased parent. Also, the child may end up in a custody battle and could be sent to live with someone other than their other parent.

Kristie:

We want to be treated fairly. We want to have the same parental rights other parents have. We want to be able to visit our partner in the hospital. We want to leave our partner our pension and social security benefits.

Karen:

We are a committed family. Our children deserve the right to have their family unit recognized.

This article ran in our local newspaper:
Where's the Harm in Gay Marriage?

Our family wrote a letter of support. The paper published another letter from a man claiming gay people only have children in order to molest them. Oldest daughter Hanna wrote this letter to the paper.