Council?
I am the Family Outreach & Education Manager, which means I
have the privilege of supporting and working with and on behalf of
LGBTQ families. With the Rainbow Families/Family Equality Council
merger, I now have the opportunity to do this meaningful work both
in Minnesota and on a national level.
Why is family equality important to
you?
All families deserve access to the same legal protections and
rights, and to be valued, respected, affirmed, and appreciated. We
must redefine what it means to be a family in this country because
so many families have never and continue not to fit into this rigid
definition.
What is your favorite Rainbow Families
memory?
My favorite memory is definitely the first Annual Rainbow Families
Conference I attended in 2006. It was such a powerful experience to
be surrounded by over 1000 LGBTQ parents, their children,
prospective parents, and allies and to feel part of a
community.
Why is volunteering important to you?
In my 10+ years of working in the nonprofit sector, I have always
depended on volunteers in order to fulfill the mission of the
organization. Volunteering is a way for me to give back to
community organizations.
What motivates you to do this important
work?
I do this work because I believe that we can change the hearts and
minds of others, and live in communities where all families are
valued, respected, and legally protected.